High Falls

Transylvania County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 49 ft (15 m)
Location: Transylvania County, North Carolina
Access status: Gated old road and unofficial side trail; river wade for the best view
The walk: About 2.6 to 3 miles return
Ground & access: Rocky old road that can be muddy, then a steep final drop to the river. The river crossing for the frontal view means wet feet and is unsafe in high, swift water.

Rich Stevenson, NCWaterfalls.com (legacy): High Falls on the Thompson River

At the Brewer Road turn, walk up the gated old logging road that leaves NC 281. After a short climb it descends gradually. At about 0.9 miles, take the side trail on the right; if you reach the river ford, you have gone too far. The side trail follows the Thompson River upstream for about 0.4 to 0.5 miles to a steep side path on the left that drops about 0.1 miles to the river near the base. There is little view from the bank; the frontal view needs a wade across the river. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Brewer Road pull-off on NC 281, gated old logging road and Thompson River side trail to the base of High Falls

Waterfall Hero lists the hike as 2.6 miles. Rich Stevenson gives about 1.5 miles one way, or about 3 miles return.

Rocky old road that can be muddy, then a steep final drop to the river. The river crossing for the frontal view means wet feet and is unsafe in high, swift water.

Where to start

Wide paved area beside the bank at the top of Brewer Road (SR 1189), on the left 3.6 to 3.7 miles south of US 64 on NC 281, past the Gorges State Park entrance. Do not drive down Brewer Road. Published trailhead coordinates: 35.07795, -82.99367.

Timing & water

No closure is stated by the sources. Rich Stevenson’s account is from August 2020. In high water the river crossing is not safe and there is no real view without it.

Before you go

Waterfall Hero places the falls in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. No fee is stated by the sources.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Transylvania County, North Carolina.

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