Waterfall Hero Hikes: Simon Falls (Thompson)

Simon Falls is a 20-foot sliding waterfall on Thompson River in Transylvania County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Thompson River Area in Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 3.2 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Thompson River Area (Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery. The trail involves a difficult ford of Thompson River that is impossible in high water.
Trailhead GPS: 35.65449,-82.44059
Waterfall GPS: 35.06344,-82.98760

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:

From the pull-off on Brewer Road, pick up the gated Forest Road 87. In about 1 mile, the trail descends to the river and crosses at a ford. If the water is up, this will not be possible to cross.

Continue on the trail for another 0.5 miles past the ford and look for an obvious path on the left that leads down to the river. You can hear the waterfall from here and maybe see it. Head down the steep but short path to the base.