Hickey Fork Falls
Madison County, North Carolina
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Madison County, North Carolina
- Access status
- National forest trail; steep path at the end
- The walk
- About 2.4 miles return
- Ground & access
- Moderate trail with a creek crossing. The final path to the base is steep, and the rocks around the falls are slippery.
Walk up the forest road past the gate and turn left onto Hickey Fork Trail #292, which immediately crosses East Prong Hickey Fork on a footbridge. The trail swings into the West Prong Hickey Fork drainage, crosses the creek and follows it upstream. At about 1.2 miles it passes a long slide; the 25-foot waterfall is a short way beyond, where a steep path leads down to the creek at its base. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Hickey Fork trailhead on Forest Road 465, Hickey Fork Trail #292 up the West Prong to the falls
Waterfall Hero lists the hike as 2.4 miles and places the falls just past a long slide reached at about 1.2 miles, so 2.4 miles is the out-and-back figure.
Moderate trail with a creek crossing. The final path to the base is steep, and the rocks around the falls are slippery.
Where to start
Trailhead on the right side of Hickey Fork Road (Forest Road 465), 1.2 miles from the turn, just before the gate. Published trailhead coordinates: 35.99447, -82.70454.
Timing & water
No seasonal closure is stated by the sources. The Forest Service storm-damage page does not name Hickey Fork Trail or Forest Road 465 among closed Appalachian Ranger District sites. Call the district for current conditions.
Before you go
National forest trail in the Shelton Laurel Backcountry Area; no fee is stated by the sources. Dogs are allowed, according to Waterfall Hero.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
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- Squibb Creek FallsResearched route and starting areaGreene County, TN7.8 miNE
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- Ricker Branch FallsRoadside view across Forest Road 41 from a parking area15 ft (4.5 m) · Greene County, TN8.7 miW
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