Little Fall Branch Falls Highly recommended waterfall for everyone!

Little Fall Branch Falls

Nikon D800, Nikon 17-35 lens at 17mm, f/16, 1/2 second, ISO 200, polarizing filter.

Beauty Rating:
6
Accessibility:
Trail
River:
Little Fall Branch
River Basin:
French Broad
Watershed:
Very small
Elevation:
3,080 feet
Type and Height:
Part free fall and part near-vertical cascade with a total drop of about 40 feet
Landowner:
Pisgah National Forest, Appalachian Ranger District
County:
Haywood
USGS Map:
Lemon Gap NC/TN
Hike Distance:
About 0.25 mile
Hike Difficulty:
3
Photo Rating:
6
Compass:
210°
Canopy:
Closed
Waterfall GPS:
Trailhead GPS:
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Driving Directions

Take the Harmon Den exit (Exit 7) off I-40 and head north on the gravel Cold Springs Creek Road (FR 148). At 3.7 miles is a sign for Cold Springs Picnic Area and Harmon Den Horse Camp. Turn right here onto FR 3526 and follow it to the gate at 0.35 mile. Park on the side of the road without blocking the gate.

Hike Description

Two streams that are close together cross FR 3526 between the entrance to the horse camp and the gate where you parked. The first one is Fall Branch. The second, which crosses right at the gate, is Little Fall Branch. That’s the one you want to follow upstream. Walk about 20 feet beyond the gate and take the obvious path on the left.

Overview

You wouldn’t expect a waterfall like this to be here. You’ll stroll through a gently ascending wood beside a little, placid branch and then, wham, there it is. It’s beautiful in all seasons, but it’s at its best in April and early May. Wildflowers carpet the forest and the slopes beside the falls.