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Toms Creek Falls Hike

Toms Creek Falls is an outstanding waterfall hidden away north of Marion on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest. The handicap-accessible Falls Branch Trail (regular wheelchairs may not be suitable) follows Toms Creek for less than a half-mile to the base of the waterfall. You’ll be greeted by Toms Creek Falls, a multilevel cascade over sheer rock walls of a narrow box canyon. It is one of the most scenic and accessible waterfalls in the region.

If you’re looking for a full day hike in the vicinity, we suggest the Bald Knob and Dobson Knob hike only a few miles to the east.

  • Mile 0.0 – Parking is available at the trailhead on Huskins Branch Road. Follow the Falls Branch Trail beside Toms Creek.

  • Mile 0.2 – Cross a wooden bridge over a tributary.

  • Mile 0.4 – The trail splits with a handicap-accessible observation deck on the left and stairs on the right leading closer to the base of the falls. Take the stairs, the observation deck does not provide the best view.

    The height and box canyon walls of Toms Creek Falls will likely surprise you considering the flat creek and trail that originates at the parking area. Toms Creek Falls is a multilevel waterfall between 60-70 feet in height surrounded by sheer cliffs. Even with low water this is an impressive sight. You can safely move around the base of the falls, but attempting to climb it or get a vantage point from the top could result in serious injury, so don’t bother.

  • Mile 0.8 – Hike ends at the parking area
By HikingUpward Contributor: Zach Robbins
Explore 41 trails near Marion, NC

Know Before You Go

  • Toms Creek Falls is a scenic and easily accessible waterfall near Marion, NC, featuring a multilevel cascade within a narrow box canyon.
  • The 0.8-mile Falls Branch Trail is mostly flat and includes handicap-accessible options, though the observation deck doesn't offer the best view compared to the stairs leading to the base of the falls.
  • Climbing the waterfall or attempting to view it from the top is dangerous and not recommended.
Interactive topographic map for Toms Creek Falls Hike located in Marion, NC. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
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Distance
0.8 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
24 min
Elev. Gain
253'
Rating
0.0
Added
March 13, 2025
Updated
April 05, 2025

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
185'
Ascent
253'
Descent
253'
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Features

Dogs
Waterfalls
Water Source

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    35.774347, -82.056852
  2. Main Trailhead

    35.774347, -82.056852

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Snakes (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, others)
Poison Ivy or Poison Oak

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

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