Accessibility – Medium

Height – Approx 14′

Distance – 0.1 miles (out and back)

Beauty – 5

Photo rating – 8

Solitude – 5

GPS Info: LAT 35.1140 LONG -82.7489

Last Updated: 09-07-2017

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NOTE: Like Reese Place Falls, East Fork Falls is in the soon to be opened Headwaters State Forest. As far as the status of this waterfall when it comes to public access, I’m really not sure. I don’t want anyone to get in trouble for trespassing so keep this in mind. It is roadside and there was a trashcan at the trailhead that seems to be getting a lot of use. The trail is well worn and obviously sees a lot of traffic.

East Fork Falls is a 14 foot waterfall on the East Fork of the French Broad River in the soon to be opened Headwaters State Forest. The waterfall is just over 6 miles from the intersection of East Fork Road and NC178. There is a large pullout on the right side and a trail descends from the end of the pull out to the river below the falls.

From Brevard, take US64 west to the intersection with NC178 and make a left. If you’re coming from Lake Toxaway, turn right onto NC178. It will be less than a mile after you pass NC215. Follow NC178 into Rosman and make a right at the light at the High School to remain on NC178. The intersection with East Fork Road is 1.6 miles from the turn off of US64. The intersection is on a dangerous curve so be careful when making the left onto East Fork Road. The next 6.2 miles will be on East Fork Road but at one point, about 3.6 miles into the drive you’ll come to a stop sign. Make a right here to stay on East Fork Road. The pullout is 2.6 mile from the stop sign.

The trail enters the woods from the lower end of the parking area and heads down to the river. It isn’t a terribly hard tenth of a mile but it does have some steep areas. The trail comes out below the fall on river right. I was there in a driving rain so I was forced to take all my pictures from the bank. If it wasn’t raining I would have ventured into the river to set up. The hike is kid friendly, while photographically there are a lot of options. I imagine the lighting could be an issue here but since my visit was in the middle of a rain storm, I can’t say for sure.