WaterfallNear Me

High Falls

Transylvania County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Transylvania County, North Carolina
Access status
Partial guide: unofficial path and river wade; trail beyond Billy Branch not checked since Helene
The walk
About 5.4 miles return from the FR 476 gate
Ground & access
Easy road and trail at first, then a narrow, rocky, unofficial path with muddy and overgrown spots. The river wade is slippery and should not be tried in high water. Steep scramble to the base.
Legacy NCWaterfalls: High Falls and Billy Branch, Pisgah National Forest (updated October 2025)

From the gate, walk the last 0.7 mile of FR 476 to the old parking area and continue on the South Mills River Trail. Just before the trail crosses the concrete bridge, take the unmarked path on the left that follows the river downstream; do not cross the bridge. Cross Billy Branch and continue to the river crossing at about 2.4 miles, where you must wade. About a quarter mile past the crossing, a scramble path leads to the base of the 15-foot falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

FR 476 gate to High Falls on the South Fork Mills River

The October 2025 legacy NCWaterfalls account gives a 5.4-mile round trip measured from the current parking at the FR 476 gate; it says to subtract 0.7 mile from its distances if the road reopens to the old parking area.

Easy road and trail at first, then a narrow, rocky, unofficial path with muddy and overgrown spots. The river wade is slippery and should not be tried in high water. Steep scramble to the base.

Where to start

From US 276, take Yellow Gap Road (FS 1206) 3.3 miles and turn right at the Wolf Ford horse camp onto FR 476. Drive 0.6 mile to the gate and park on the right without blocking the gate or FR 5018. The Forest Service lists Yellow Gap Road open from US 276 to Wolf Ford Horse Camp.

Timing & water

The route description dates from October 2025; the trail beyond Billy Branch was not checked after Hurricane Helene. The river crossing is unsafe in high water.

Before you go

Current fees and reservation requirements unknown.

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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