Augur Fork and Maple Spring Branch Falls

At the confluence of Augur Fork Creek and Maple Spring Branch are two waterfalls - an 50-foot waterfall on Augur Fork Creek and 80-foot waterfall on Maple Spring Branch.  The waterfalls are located in Gorges State Park near Rosman.

Hike Length: 5 miles
Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Gorges State Park
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Only if on a ≤ 6 foot leash
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: Off-trail bushwhacking to get to the waterfall.  The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.10853,-82.88361
Waterfall GPS:  35.09210,-82.89614 (Augur Fork Falls); 35.09196,-82.89581 (Maple Spring Branch Falls)

Directions:

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 9 miles and turn left on Frozen Creek Road.  Go 3 miles and the parking for the Frozen Creek access of Gorges State Park will be on the right.

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike the Augur Hole Trail for just under 2.5 miles.  The trail will curve to the right; in the outside of the curve is a path leading down the ridge.  There was flagging tape on my last visit.  Follow the ridge down to Augur Fork Creek at the confluence with Maple Spring Branch.  Augur Fork Falls is to the left and Maple Spring Branch Falls is to the right.

It's hard to see Maple Spring Branch Falls from the base.  An obvious path to the right of the lowest drop climbs up to the top of this drop.

From here. there is a good view of the waterfall as well as Augur Fork Falls.

Blog Entries:

13-Oct-2019: Gorges Waterfalls

16-Mar-2013: Hidden Waterfalls in Gorges

External Links:

NC State Parks website: https://www.ncparks.gov/gorges-state-park/home