Waterfall Hero Hikes: Upper Bubbling Spring Branch Falls (Middle Prong)

Upper Bubbling Spring Branch Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Haywood County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in Pisgah National Forest near Middle Prong Wilderness.

Hike Length: 0.8 miles
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery. Most of the hike is off trail and requires creek crossing several times.
Trailhead GPS: 35.30342,-82.90864
Waterfall GPS: 35.30068,-82.91195

Directions:

From Brevard, head west on US-64 for about nine miles and turn right on NC-215 north. Drive about 17.5 miles on NC-215 N to a large pull-off on the left side of the road. The pull-off is just under a half-mile north of the parkway. If coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC-215 N and go 0.4 miles to the pull-off on the left.

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike down the road a hundred feet or so and turn left onto Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Cross a seasonal stream and then rock hop Bubbling Spring Branch. Turn left where MST goes right and go through a primitive campground and cross Bubbling Spring Branch again. Follow an obvious path along river right side of the creek, then cross the creek again at 0.2 miles. Shortly, cross the creek again two more times and arrive at the base of Lower Bubbling Spring Branch Falls.

Cross once again and climb the steep path up alongside the lower falls. Don't get too close to the top of the waterfall. Once near the top, continue following the creek upstream a short ways and cross one final time to reach the base of Upper Bubbling Spring Branch Falls.