Reid Branch Falls (Thompson)

Reid Branch Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on a tributary of Thompson River in in Transylvania County.  The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 1.8 mi
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Thompson River (Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.07795,-82.99367
Waterfall GPS: 35.07051,-82.98693

Directions:

To visit the falls, head west on US-64 from Brevard towards Lake Toxaway.  In Lake Toxaway, go left to stay on US-64/NC-281 and go about 2.5 miles, then turn left onto NC-281 south.  Drive 3.7 miles, passing Gorges State Park on the left, and turn left onto Brewer Road and park along the side of the road.

Map:

Hike Description:

Right at the turn for Brewer Road, start hiking up the gated logging road.  In 0.8 miles, there will be a small path to the left that leads down towards Reid Branch.  The turn is right before the more obvious right-hand turn for High Falls.  Follow this steep path down to Reid Branch.  I had to wade in the creek and through the rhododendron to get a view of the falls.

Before reaching the creek, another path leads to a good view of the falls from the side.

Blog Entries:

21-May-2020: Daniel Ridge Hike