Wolf Creek Falls (Paradise Falls)

One of WNC's best "standalone" rappels, Paradise Falls is quite the drop - featuring amazing pothole geology, a big rappel, deep swimming holes, and ample cliff jumping opportunities from 12ft up to 60ft. Although extremely popular with locals, college students, and everyone in between, this is still a worthy excursion and a great first low commitment (but still big) waterfall rap for friends/family. If you're looking to get on ropes for funsies and have a chill half day, this is your ticket. The standard, local approach with this drop is to come in from above, setup, then break it all down on your way out. Leave nothing behind; it's already kind of a junk show rope course around the trails there.

Near Wolf Creek Lake, park at the large, gravel pull out located here: 35.22555, -83.00355 If you're looking at the parking lot from the road, take the trail that begins at the far right end. It's likely not the trail that you'll see most folks take, but this one contours better and takes you to the top of the falls, instead of the bottom like the more obvious trail that begins near the center/left side. After dropping in from the parking, you'll immediately gain an old logging road that contours the mountain. In 0.25mi, take the obvious spur to the left and down towards the creek. Cross Wolf Creek and pick up the trail on the other side. In a couple minutes, you'll be at the top of the waterfall. Alternatively, you can still in the creek and follow the watercourse to the top of the falls once you hit the creek.

There are many options to rappel off trees either DCL or DCR. Make sure they aren't dead, though. Most folks typically rap DCR to "stay out of the way", and it offers dry lines in case water levels are high. Swim across the huge swimming area and wade your way past the college students/tourists to gain the shore. This area has a plethora of cliff jumps, spanning all sorts of heights - if that's your thing. When you're finished at the main swimming area, take the heavily eroded trail system up and eventually left back to the top of the waterfall. Run more laps or clean it up and pack it out.