WaterfallNear Me

Bald Springs Falls

Clay County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Clay County, North Carolina
Access status
Off-trail bushwhack and creekwalk; access road gated after Helene
The walk
About a quarter mile one way off-trail from the road curve; more if FS 340 is gated
Ground & access
Difficult. Off-trail bushwhack, wading Fires Creek and creekwalking, with steep climbs around falls.
NC Waterfalls: Bald Springs Falls

Bald Springs Falls is a multi-ledge falls nearly 100 feet high on Bald Springs Branch, a tributary of Fires Creek in the Nantahala National Forest. There is no trail. From the curve on FS 340, bushwhack straight down the broad ridge to the confluence with Fires Creek, wade across, and creekwalk up Bald Springs Branch. Climb around Lower Bald Springs Falls and continue upstream to Bald Springs Falls. In June 2025 FS 340 was gated because of Helene damage with no reopening date, so you may have to walk the road or use Bald Springs Trail #78 as described by the source.

Plan your visit

Fires Creek Wildlife Road (FS 340) to a sharp left curve, then a bushwhack down the ridge to Fires Creek and a creekwalk up Bald Springs Branch past Lower Bald Springs Falls

NC Waterfalls gives a hike distance of about a quarter mile from the trailhead point. In June 2025 FS 340 was gated 0.9 mile before that point, which adds road walking.

Difficult. Off-trail bushwhack, wading Fires Creek and creekwalking, with steep climbs around falls.

Where to start

Park on the outside of the sharp left curve on FS 340 (GPS 35.127903, -83.783382), about 7.2 miles past Fires Creek Picnic Area. The road may be gated before this point.

Timing & water

In June 2025 FS 340 was gated 0.9 mile before the parking point after Tropical Depression Helene damage, with no estimate for reopening.

Before you go

No fee mentioned.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Clay County, North Carolina.

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