Accessibility – Easy

Height: Approx 80-100′

Distance – 2.0 miles (out and back) 2.4 if doing a combined hike

Beauty – 5

Photo rating – 6

Solitude – 7

GPS Info: LAT 35.3214 LONG -82.8117

Last updated – 03-19-2017

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If you began your hike at the Waterfall on Log Hollow Branch, you can skip down to the third paragraph.

The Waterfall on the Southern Tributary of Log Hollow Branch is the furthest from the parking area, the tallest of those along FR 5043 and the hardest to photograph in its entirety. If you’re intending to visit all of the falls on this stretch of FR5043, this will be your second stop. The Waterfall on the Southern Tributary of Log Hollow is between 80 and 100 feet high but it is very hard to see unless there is good water flow. The surrounding vegetation encroaches form both sides and the base is filled with debris. The out and back the hike is about 2.0 miles following forestry road 5043 (the hike to see all four falls adds 0.4 miles of of side tips). The only vantage for this falls is from FR5043.

From the intersection of 64/280/276 in Brevard, follow 276 10.3 miles to the turn for FR475B (Headwaters Road) on the left. From the Blue Right Parkway the right turn to FR475B is about 4.7 miles. FR475B connects with 475 not to far from the fish hatchery but at certain times of the year the access gate at FR475 is closed to you might want to check at the ranger station for potential road closures or you could end up doing a lot of backtracking. From the intersection with US276 drive 1.6 miles. This is a gravel road with frequent turnouts to provide for two way traffic. On my last visit it was in very good shape. You will get some great views of Looking Glass Rock off to your left before you reach the gated FR5043. FR5043 will be on the right at the apex of a hairpin turn to the right. The forest service does not take kindly to people blocking the gates so park so as not to do so. All four falls on this hike are accessed from here.

The hike is kid friendly as it follows the undulations of FR5043. Taken as a whole, the combined hike to the four falls along FR5043 ranks as one of my top ten hikes. The complete list is here. Start by heading past the gate following FR5043 into the woods. You’ll pass through a large clearing after a short distance and then at 0.25 of a mile you’ll come to the first bridge. This bridge spans the Northern Tributary of Log Hollow Branch. This will be our final stop on the hike. Continue another 0.25 of a mile to the second bridge. This is the Waterfall on Log Hollow. From Log Hollw Branch to the Southern Tributary is Log Hollow is another 0.5 of a mile along gently sloping terrain. The waterfall is right next to the road.

Unlike the first stop, this waterfall isn’t as photogenic. The photo opportunities are severely limited by the height of the falls and the narrowness of the road. You can get a shot from the front but you can only back up so far before you run out of room. You’ll need a wide angle lens to get it all and doing this it loses perspective. Above average water flow will help. On my June 2015 trip there was a mere trickle and the dense foliage encroaching from the sides obscures most of it. The lighting is also touch. Ideally you’re going to need a cloudy day or an arrival after the sun has dropped behind the hills. This isn’t a difficult hike but you will likely be the only one here other than mountain bikers cruising along 5043. When you’re done here, we’re off to the Upper Waterfall on Log Hollow Branch.