Poundingmill Branch Falls

FS 475B (Headwaters Road) parking off US 276 via FS 5032 and a short path to Poundingmill Branch Falls

NCWaterfalls gives a hike distance of 0.9 miles for the short route; its segments (80 yards, a little over 0.25 miles, about 0.4 miles, about 0.2 miles) add to that one way. Same route both ways.

Grassy forest road, then an unofficial path. NCWaterfalls calls it a moderate Class I bushwhack; the legacy account describes the last quarter mile as off trail with fallen trees to climb over.

Where to start

From the US 64/US 276/NC 280 junction in Brevard, drive north on US 276 about 10.1 to 10.3 miles (4.7 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway) and turn left on unpaved FS 475B. Park on the left about 0.1 to 0.15 miles in, just before the bridge.

Timing & water

Low flow in dry periods. Pisgah National Forest had widespread Hurricane Helene damage; FS 475B and FS 5032 are not on the Forest Service closure list, but current conditions were not confirmed.

Before you go

Current fees and reservation requirements unknown.