Visit Wells Hill Park

Just south of Fayetteville sits the 114-acre Joy Gleghorn Nature Preserve at Wells Hill Park, home to a 3.2-mile out-and-back hiking trail leading to a waterfall.

From the parking area, the hike begins near a pavilion with picnic tables. The trail itself is not clearly marked, but the route becomes easier to understand once you get started. Head toward the dried up creek and the worn path near the woods, then follow the creek upstream. In dry weather, this section is simple enough to cross. The dry streambed can come back to life after rain, meaning more mud and more creek crossings. These are the best conditions for optimal waterfall flow, but sturdy shoes would be a good idea.

One of the most memorable landmarks you’ll pass by early in the hike is an old concrete structure, believed to be connected to Fayetteville’s historic water system. The area around Stream Mill Hollow was once home to the Fayetteville Gravity Flow Water System, completed in 1899. That system helped move water to a reservoir above town and was considered an impressive engineering accomplishment for its time.

As the trail continues, the hike begins to take shape. Think of the route like a cross, with a main north-south corridor through Steam Mill Hollow and shorter side trails branching east and west. A key intersection appears roughly two-thirds of a mile from the parking area. From there, hikers can explore the side arms of the trail, where the waterfalls are the main reward.

The east side includes a small scenic cascade and, with careful footing, a view of a waterfall estimated at around 20 feet. The west side leads to Rainy Falls, a two-drop waterfall that is often described as one of the highlights of the hike. Visitors can access the bottom of both drops, though reaching the lower one may mean walking up the creekbed.

It's not a manicured trail, and that is important to know before you go. The route is manageable if you stay oriented along Wells Creek and use the main intersections as guideposts. If you’re spending a day in Fayetteville, Wells Hill Park makes a great add-on after lunch or between antique shops.