McGalliard Falls Park

Located just off Church Street, the park is a popular gathering spot for families and friends looking for a place to have a picnic and enjoy some recreational activities. It is located at 1400 Falls Road, NW. The park has a volleyball court, a nature trail, picnic facilities and restrooms in addition to the natural attraction of the falls. The picnic shelter may be rented by contacting the Valdese Recreation Department at 828-879-2132. Each June, in the creek above the falls, the Town of Valdese holds a fishing tournament for area youth and seniors.

Park Amenities:

Volleyball Court
Picnic Shelter
Overlooks
Fishing
Meytre Grist Mill
Restrooms

Park History:

Nestled just off Falls Road, McGalliard Falls Park has been a cherished gathering place for residents and visitors for more than a century. Known as one of Valdese’s hidden gems, the park combines natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and rich Waldensian heritage in one scenic destination. At the heart of the park is the stunning McGalliard Falls, a 40-to-45-foot waterfall that has long drawn visitors to the area with its peaceful beauty and picturesque setting.

The history of the park is closely tied to the historic Meytre Grist Mill, originally constructed in 1906 by Fred Meytre to serve the growing Waldensian community. The mill played an important role in daily life for early settlers, grinding corn and wheat for local families. In 1916, a devastating flood destroyed the mill’s original waterwheel, leading to the conversion of the mill to turbine power. The mill continued operating until the early 1940s, when aging ownership and the departure of many young men to serve during World War II brought operations to a close.

When McGalliard Falls Park was established in 1982, the Meytre Grist Mill was carefully rebuilt as a tribute to Valdese’s heritage and the hardworking Waldensian settlers who helped shape the community. Today, the restored grist mill and waterwheel overlook the waterfall below and serve as one of the most photographed landmarks in Valdese. In 2016, after a fallen tree severely damaged the previous wheel, the waterwheel was once again restored through the combined efforts of the Historic Valdese Foundation, Rostan Family Foundation, generous citizen donations, the Valdese Public Works Department, and the Young Offenders Forest Conservation Program (BRIDGE).

In recent years, the park has continued to grow as a destination for outdoor recreation and family activities. In the summer of 2022, a 160-foot catenary suspension bridge was installed, connecting the park’s 26 acres to the 330-acre Valdese Lakeside Park. The bridge, known for its slight “bounce,” links visitors to a scenic two-mile greenway trail that winds along McGalliard Creek and Lake Rhodhiss, offering a unique way to experience the area’s natural beauty.

Today, McGalliard Falls Park remains a favorite place to relax, explore, and connect with nature. Visitors can enjoy picnic shelters, nature trails, a volleyball court, restrooms, and scenic overlooks, all while experiencing an important piece of Valdese history. Whether visiting for a family outing, a quiet hike, or a glimpse into the town’s Waldensian roots, McGalliard Falls Park continues to be one of Valdese’s most treasured landmarks.