Tom’s Creek Falls is a beautiful, 60-foot waterfall off U.S. 221 in the Pisgah National Forest. The creek flows over several small ledges before its large vertical drop on the lower cascade.
This is one of several waterfalls located near Mount Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out some other Mount Mitchell area waterfalls.
From U.S. 221, turn on Huskins Branch Road. It is just over a mile to the trailhead on your right. Huskins Branch Road is paved except for a small section in the middle. The trailhead has a small parking area (can fit up to 6 cars) and an information board.
The sand-and-gravel trail is a 1-mile roundtrip hike. It follows an old road bed to start, with the creek to your left. The path is slightly uphill on the way to the falls and is a relatively easy walk.
You’ll cross a wooden bridge. There are benches along the route to rest or enjoy the landscape. Near the waterfall is a section of switchbacks and fencing.
Tom’s Creek Falls
There are two easy viewing options: a metal observation deck or a short spur trail to the base of the waterfall.
The main trail ends at a square observation deck. This is a perfect spot for families or those who don’t want to scramble over rocks. You can see the entire waterfall from here.
For a closer view of the falls, take the spur trail up the stairs just before the observation deck. It is a short path and requires little effort.
When the water is low, you can walk around and sit on the rocks.
You might see flakes of mica embedded in rocks or on the trail. Mica is used as an electrical insulator.
Steph, you are so lucky to live a short drive from all these beautiful falls!!! Thanks for sharing their beauty with us!!!
Thanks Diane! I am incredibly lucky that there are so many waterfalls within a 4-hour drive from my home. I like to find several close together to make it worth the drive. Happy you’re enjoying these waterfall blogs 🙂
It is exciting to see mica in water and the glistening it creates. The waterfalls are beautiful!
Hey Joni! The mica does really shine! I think it would be a good way to keep kids occupied on a hike – who can spot the most mica 🙂