Waterfall Hero Hikes: Hickory Branch Waterfalls (Curtis Creek)

There are two waterfalls on Hickory Branch in McDowell County. The waterfalls are located in the Curtis Creek Area of Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 1.6 mile
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Curtis Creek (Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery
Trailhead GPS: 35.69116,-82.19653
Waterfall GPS: 35.69358,-82.18821 (Hickory Branch Falls), 35.69316,-82.18422 (Upper Hickory Branch Falls)

Directions:

From Old Fort, head east on US-70 for about 2 miles and turn left on Curtis Creek Road. Curtis Creek Road changes to gravel and becomes Forest Service Road 482 when it enters the forest. Drive a total of 5 miles to the Curtis Creek Campground and park on the left just after crossing over Curtis Creek on a bridge.

Map:

Hike Description:

The hike begins just beyond the campground on the orange-blazed Hickory Branch Trail (#213). Cross the road from the parking area and walk in between two campsites to the trailhead. The trail heads up and then down a ridge and then crosses Hickory Branch. Once across, turn left and follow the creek upstream. There's another creek crossing and then the trail swings around a small tributary. As the trail approaches Hickory Branch again, look for a side path that heads down to the creek and upstream to the base of the waterfall.

A tree had fallen right on it when I visited so I had to get to the other side of the creek for a picture.

To see the upper falls, backtrack to Hickory Branch Trail and continue about another quarter mile, crossing Hickory Branch twice and then a tributary. After the last crossing and before the trail turns left, go straight to the waterfall. It's pretty high up so best to visit during high water.