Accessibility – Easy
Height – 20′
Distance – 0.3 miles (out and back)
Beauty – 3
Photo rating – 4
Solitude – 5
GPS Info: LAT 35.75532 LONG -82.97645
Last Updated – 01-21-2023
Last Visited – 07-22-2022
Home Alphabetical Listing Numerical Listing Location Listing Harmon Den
Little Fall Branch Falls is a 20-22 foot high waterfall on a low flow creek near Harmon Den (Exit 7 on I-40). The hike is easy, the waterfall is uninspiring, and the long drive on gravel roads takes it out of me. The time spent driving to the trailhead from the freeway is likely 2 to 3 times the amount of time hiking to and from this one. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
The trailhead parking is on roadside on Fall Branch Road. There are some seasonal gates to consider when coming to the waterfall. I don’t beleive they gate Cold Springs Creek Road, but I’m certain that Fall Branch Road is gated in winter. The parking is here: 35.75828, -82.97728, but if the gate at Cold Springs Creek Road is closed, then it’ll add about half a mile total to the hike.
The hike: From where you parked, walk past the gate that prevents driving further on Fall Branch Road, and look for the obvious trail on your left. It is easy spot if you’re paying attention. Follow the obvious trail for 0.2 miles to a view of the falls. The trail is in decent shape with only one large tree I recall having to climb over. This was from my May 2019 visit. It looked nothign like this whan I was there in 2022. There was more downfall and less water.
HIKINGWNC 