During our recent September 2024 visit to McDowell county, NC, we explored one of the area’s many waterfalls —Tom's Creek Falls, located just outside Marion, NC.
As waterfall chasers here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we love finding and exploring new waterfalls, and Tom's Creek Falls didn't disappoint. A short 1-mile round-trip hike leads to this 80' tall cascading waterfall, beautifully surrounded by the tranquil Pisgah National Forest.
In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know to plan your visit, including detailed directions and trail information.
Tom's Creek Falls definitely deserves a spot on your Blue Ridge Mountain waterfall bucket list. Read on to discover why this waterfall is a "must see" when visiting the Marion, NC area!
What you need to know |
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Location: In Pisgah National Forest, off Highway 221 between Marion and Little Switzerland, NC |
Handicap Accessible: No |
Dog Friendly: Yes |
Features: Easy out and back hike to a beautiful 80' tall waterfall. Kids will enjoy playing in the shallow water at the base. |
Distance/Difficulty: 1-mile round-trip / Easy |
Directions: From I-40, take US 221 North (Exit 85) through Marion to Huskins Branch Road (about 12 miles). Turn left and go 1.2 miles to the trailhead on the right with a small parking area. Look for the large trail information sign. |
Where is Tom's Creek Falls?
Tom's Creek Falls is located between Marion and Little Switzerland, NC in McDowell County. This 80' tall multiple cascade waterfall is not only beautiful, but easy to get to as well. It is located off a 1.2 mile drive from US 221, north of Marion, and the trail is an easy 1-mile round-trip hike.
There is even an observation deck that provides excellent views of the falls, although from a distance.
The waterfall and trail are perfect for families looking to get the kids out to burn off a little energy, and also great for those that like to hike, but can't for long distances.
To reach Tom's Creek Falls, just turn left on Huskins Branch Road off US 221 North of Marion. Drive 1.2 miles to the trailhead and parking area on the right.
The trailhead is on the right side of the parking lot, behind the large trail information sign. The parking area is small, but it's not too busy. There is a gravel/service road shortly before the parking area. This is not the trailhead, so don't let it fool you like it did us.
Hiking to Tom's Creek Falls
The hike is an easy stroll through the woods with very little elevation change, except towards the very end, where you will need to hike up a few short switchbacks to the observation deck.
The hike follows the Tom's Creek the whole way up to the base of the falls.
During the first portion of the hike, you'll pass by a few tent campsites on your left. We took a few minutes to explore the creek here. Nothing super photogenic, but it is peaceful.
The trail wonders through the forest, and crosses a bridge on the way to fall. Along the way, there are some side trails that lead down to the creek. Again, nothing is very photogenic, but there are some nice smaller cascades to explore.
There are some benches along the way for resting and where you can just sit and enjoy the surrounding woods and sounds of the creek.
You'll soon reach the switchbacks, where you'll know you're close to the falls. You can actually hear them at this point.
Be sure to begin looking at the ground as you walk up the switchbacks, and especially at the short trail at the top to the observation deck. Why? You'll begin to notice lots of sparking and shiny rocks on and all around the trail.
The area was once a Mica mine, and lots of Mica sparkles on the trail as you walk along it. Mica is flat natural mineral that is platelike and used for many purposes, including semi-conductors, cosmetics, automobiles, and paints and pigments.
Tom's Creek Falls and the Observation Deck
Ahead, you'll see the observation deck and get your first glimpse of this gorgeous 80' waterfall, with multi-cascades.
Lots of green moss covers the rocks at Tom's Creek Falls because of the amount of sun the waterfall receives. This makes for some fun photo opportunities and gives the waterfall a unique look as well.
The observation deck provides a nice and safe, but distant, view of the waterfall. Most people hike to the deck, enjoy the falls, and return to the parking area.
BUT, if you like to get more up close and personal with waterfalls like we do, head back down the trail, and look for a small side trail heading to the left and up. Follow this trail up and over the large boulder, and down the pool at the base of the Tom's Creek Falls.
The small pool is fun for kids to play in and explore, and being at the base provides some pleasant views of the waterfall to enjoy and photograph.
Tom's Creek Falls is definitely worth the short hike when you're in the Marion, NC area!
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