Tom’s Creek Falls

Tom’s Creek Falls is a family friendly 60 foot waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest, with several smaller cascades running in front of it. It is an easy trail that leads to an observation deck with a great view.

At the entrance to the trail there is a sign for the waterfall. The trail runs alongside the creek and is very scenic. The gravel trail follows an old road bed most of the way. All creek crossings are crossed by bridges/steps. With the exception of a short hill at the very end, it is almost completely level.

You can take a trail to the base of the waterfall if you take the wooden steps to your right just before you get to the observation deck. This is also an easy hike. Many people like to play in the water at the base of the waterfall on hot days so it is a little crowded during the summer.

This is an out and back trail, so once you visit the waterfall simply return the way you came back to your car.

The sparkling rocks you see along the trail are mica. There is an old mica mine that you can also access from this trail. To see the mine, cross the creek below the falls. A trail leads downstream on the other side of the creek for a few feet, then turns into a large gully. Follow the gully uphill for a few more feet and this will lead you to the entrance of an old mine tunnel leading downhill and into the mountainside. If you enter the tunnel, do not enter the water, as it is very deep.

Leashed dogs are permitted on the trail.

An entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is not far from Tom’s Creek Falls and Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls are not far from here and are definitely worth a visit.