Thompson River Pisgah

The Thompson River is one of four major rivers that flow into Lake Jocassee.  The other three rivers are Whitewater, Horsepasture and Toxaway.  The upper portion of the river below NC-281 is part of the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, while the lower portion is owned by Duke Energy and managed as Toxaway Game Land.  Although there are no official trails in the area, an old logging road follows the river and provides access to the spectacular waterfalls along the Thompson.  The Foothills Trail crosses Thompson River above Lake Jocassee.

Directions:

Access to Thompson River is from a pull-off on Brewer Road.  Head west on US-64 from Brevard towards Lake Toxaway.  In Lake Toxaway, bear 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:

Waterfalls:

There are numerous waterfalls on Thompson River and its tributaries.

Big Falls:

Big Falls is a massive 125-foot waterfall on Thompson River.

Hidden Dome Falls:

Hidden Dome Falls is a tall waterfall on a tributary of Thompson River that is very difficult to reach.

High Falls:

High Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Thompson River.

Reid Branch Falls:

Reid Branch Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on a tributary of Thompson River.

Rich Falls:

Rich Falls is beautiful 35-foot waterfall on Thompson River.

Simon Falls:

Simon Falls is a 20-foot sliding waterfall on Thompson River.

White Owl Falls:

White Owl Falls is a scenic 15-foot waterfall on Thompson River just below where NC-281 crosses.

Wildlife:

Halberd-leaved yellow violets (Viola hastata)

Blog Entries:

25-Mar-2022: Hidden Dome Falls

21-May-2020: Daniel Ridge Hike

22-Aug-2015: High and Big Falls

21-Feb-2015: Foothills Trail in the Snow

19-Oct-2014: Thompson River Waterfalls

09-Mar-2013: Waterfalls along Horsepasture

07-Jul-2012: Horsepasture & Thompson Waterfalls