Waterfall Hero Hikes: Leatherwood Falls (Fires Creek)

Leatherwood Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on Leatherwood Branch, a tributary of Fires Creek, in Clay County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Fires Creek Recreation Area in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: < 0.1 to 0.6 miles miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Fires Creek Recreation Area (Tusquitee Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest)

Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The view of the falls from the picnic area is not good. A good view from the base requires wading Fires Creek, which is difficult in high water.
Trailhead GPS: 35.09581,-83.85854
Waterfall GPS: 35.09631,-83.85898

Directions:

From Hayesville, go north on Tusquitee Street and cross Hiwasee River. Turn left on Fires Creek Road and drive 4.6 miles. Turn right on Fires Creek Wildlife Road and go just under 2 miles to Fires Creek Picnic Area on the left.

Map:

Hike Description:

Leatherwood Falls is visible across Fires Creek from the picnic area.

For a better view, you'll need to wade the creek, which is difficult in high water.

To see the upper section, return to the picnic area and take the footbridge over Fires Creek to pick up Leatherwood Loop (#73). In about a quarter-mile, the trail passes the top of the waterfall.