Last Updated on July 7, 2025 10:26 am
When the summer heat hangs heavy over the mountains, you might start looking for a cold creek to dip your feet. Waterfalls and scenic streams draw people to the outdoors, creating some of the most picturesque and memorable places in our beloved Blue Ridge mountains.
Now, another one of these very special locations has been permanently protected by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. SAHC recently purchased the 92-acre tract known as Waterfalls Park in Newland, NC.
“This unique tract, located very close to downtown Newland, NC, features a beautiful, cascading waterfall,” says Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese. “For decades, local residents and visitors have stopped here to enjoy the view, snap family photos, or take a quiet walk in nature. The stunning waterfall is visible from the road, and trails alongside it lead to a small hiking area. The former owner, Thelma McLean, shared the tract with the public for hiking and enjoyment. When the time came to sell the property, we were thrilled that SAHC was able to purchase it. We intend to carry on that tradition of public access.”
SAHC’s purchase of the land was made possible by generous contributions and a bridge loan. In the future, the land may potentially be transferred to Avery County to serve as a community park.
“It’s so exciting to ensure permanent protection for a place loved by so many for so long,” says Jay Leutze, Avery County resident and SAHC’s Senior Advisor to the Board. “Unlike some of the places we protect that are remote and preserved mainly for habitat or rare species, this property can be seen and enjoyed from the windshield of a car while leaving the local grocery store. Avery County leaders have long hoped that the temporary park could someday become a permanent park. They reached out to SAHC six years ago to explore this possibility, and now the immediate threat of losing it has passed.”
Elk Park Highway runs along one side of the property. Blood Camp Branch flows through the property and empties into Whiteoak Creek, which eventually flows into the North Toe River. The land features wooded trails and mountain views – along with the creek and waterfall
“As an Avery County resident, I have been the beneficiary of the McLean family’s generosity for years,” continues Jay. “This privately-owned land has always felt like a public park because of their willingness to share this special place and to honor the late Mr. Bobby McLean. Now, with the passage of time, we have this exciting opportunity to ensure that future generations can make the sacred connection to nature right here in town. Many hands have made a difference here. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Junior Sluder and to the firefighter and Boy Scout volunteers who have long helped to maintain this place. Their work is visible in every trail and every bench and in the general care for the land.”
SAHC is currently applying for grant funding to replace the picnic tables washed away by Hurricane Helene, among other restoration projects and improvements to make the site safer and more welcoming.
“Hurricane Helene may have washed away the picnic tables and pulled down massive trees around the cascades, but she couldn’t wash away the community spirit that makes this a favorite site for wedding and graduation pictures,” adds Jay. ”When the raging water receded, the waterfall magic quickly returned.”
