Upper Bubbling Spring Branch Falls
Haywood County, North Carolina
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Haywood County, North Carolina
- Access status
- National forest; short creekside path with several crossings
- The walk
- About 0.8 miles return
- Ground & access
- Moderate. Several creek crossings, a steep path beside the lower falls and very slippery rock. Feet may get wet, and in high water the crossings are harder.
Upper Bubbling Spring Branch Falls is a 30-foot waterfall a short distance above the lower falls on the same creek, at the edge of Middle Prong Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest. From the pull-off, walk north along NC 215 about 100 feet and turn left onto the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Cross a small stream and rock-hop Bubbling Spring Branch. Where the Mountains-to-Sea Trail turns right, go left through a primitive campsite and cross the creek again. Follow the obvious path up the creek, crossing it several more times, to the base of the lower falls. Cross once more and climb the steep path to the left of the lower falls. Do not go to the top of the lower falls. Above it, follow the creek a short way upstream and cross one last time to the base of the upper falls. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
NC 215 pull-off north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mountains-to-Sea Trail a short way, then the creekside path up Bubbling Spring Branch past the lower falls to Upper Bubbling Spring Branch Falls
Waterfall Hero gives a hike length of 0.8 miles for this out-and-back route, which passes the lower falls on the way.
Moderate. Several creek crossings, a steep path beside the lower falls and very slippery rock. Feet may get wet, and in high water the crossings are harder.
Where to start
Large pull-off on the left (west) side of NC 215, 0.4 miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hikers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail use the same pull-off. The edge of the pavement is rutted, so pull off slowly. Published trailhead coordinates: 35.30342, -82.90864.
Timing & water
Bubbling Spring Branch is a small creek. The falls look best after good rain.
Before you go
No fee is mentioned in the sources read. Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Lower Bubbling Spring Branch FallsShort unofficial creekside path with crossingsHaywood County, NC0.0 miN
- Mount Hardy FallsUnblazed wilderness trail and short bushwhack; needs high water98 ft (30 m) · Haywood County, NC0.5 miNW
- Split FallsHaywood County, NC0.6 miNE
- Red Rock FallsPartial: FS 140 closed for storm damage; old unmaintained creekside pathTransylvania County, NC0.8 miSE
- Little Wildcat FallsRoadside view; needs high waterHaywood County, NC0.8 miN
- Bubbling Spring Branch CascadesShort roadside scramble documented by two firsthand sourcesHaywood County, NC0.9 miN
- Wildcat FallsForest trail to a bridge at the falls197 ft (60 m) · Haywood County, NC1.0 miNE
- Middle Wildcat FallsHaywood County, NC1.0 miN
- Lower Wildcat FallsNational forest; steep off-trail descent and river crossing39 ft (12 m) · Haywood County, NC1.0 miN