Neo-tropical migratory songbirds are the featured species in this area. These are birds that spend winters in Central and South America and spend the warmer months here on the Forest. Bird watchers shoud look for the Scarlet Tanger, Red-eyed Vireo and Ovenbird among other old growth forest dwellers. This area also provides a protected habitat for the rare Peaks of Otter Salamander. Deer, Bear, Turkey and other game thrive here, as do the native trout that live in North Creek and its tributaries. Hunters and fishers may enjoy this area as well as hikers but need to be familiar with seasons and regulations.

This tract was originally owned and logged by the Virginia Lumber and Extract Company. The lower part of the Trail follows old logging roads, which were used until the Forest Service acquired the property in 1917. The Trail was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and later reconstructed by the Young Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1982. Some relocation of the lower end of the trail and basic maintenance was done in 1994 by the YCC and the students of the Natural Bridge Learning Center under the supervision of the Forest Service.

This tract was originally owned and logged by the Virginia Lumber and Extract Company. The lower part of the Trail follows old logging roads, which were used until the Forest Service acquired the property in 1917. The Trail was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and later reconstructed by the Young Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1982. Some relocation of the lower end of the trail and basic maintenance was done in 1994 by the YCC and the students of the Natural Bridge Learning Center under the supervision of the Forest Service.

The trail begins at an elevation of 3500 feet at the sunset Field Overlook near milepost 78. It leads northwest, crossing into the Jefferson National Forest at 0.1 mile, crossing the Appalachian Trail at 0.2 mile and a seeded logging road at 0.8 mile. At 1.1 miles the trail passes a huge overhanging rock on the right what would give shelter from the rain. It begins a steep descent around the falls at 1.2 miles. At 1.4 miles look back for a beautiful view of the 200 ft high falls. The trail leads into the headwaters of North Creek. At 3.4 miles, the Northwest end of the trail joins FS Road 59 at the head of Cornelius Creek Trail.

The trail begins at an elevation of 3500 feet at the sunset Field Overlook near milepost 78. It leads northwest, crossing into the Jefferson National Forest at 0.1 mile, crossing the Appalachian Trail at 0.2 mile and a seeded logging road at 0.8 mile. At 1.1 miles the trail passes a huge overhanging rock on the right what would give shelter from the rain. It begins a steep descent around the falls at 1.2 miles. At 1.4 miles look back for a beautiful view of the 200 ft high falls. The trail leads into the headwaters of North Creek. At 3.4 miles, the Northwest end of the trail joins FS Road 59 at the head of Cornelius Creek Trail.

Apple Tree Road (FS 3034) ends about 100 feet from the trail and provides a point of access about .75 mile below the Falls. To reach FS 3034, take Va. 130 at Natural Bridge to Va. 759. Turn right on Va. 759, follow for 3.1 miles to Va. 781 (Cave Mountain Lake Road). Turn right on Va. 781; follow for 2.8 miles to Va. 812. Turn left on Va. 812, follow for 7.3 miles. Turn right on FS 3034 and park at the end of the road (2.1 miles).

Apple Orchard Falls Trail and Cornelius Creek Trail offer several different options for use as a loop trail. The hiker may begin either at Sunset Field Overlook on the Parkway or at the end of FS 59, but the recommended hike begins at the end of FS 59 on Cornelius Creek Trail. This trail offers a gentler ascent than the Apple Orchard Falls Trail. The loop may be joined either by the Appalachian Trail (about 6 to 7 hrs) or by the seeded logging road (about 5 hrs.).