Daniel Ridge Falls  2-3-08

2-3-08 This may be confusing, but Daniel Ridge Falls isn't on the nearby Daniel Ridge Creek, it's on Toms Spring Branch. Jim Bob Tinsley calls it Toms Spring Falls in his book and so is Kevin Adams in his newest waterfall guide, so maybe I should also. But it's also known as Jackson Falls. The falls is over 100 feet high, very pretty, and well worth the easy hike to get to it.

Directions: From the intersection of Hwys 280/64/276, drive 5.2 miles north on 276 and turn left on the paved FR475 towards the Pisgah Center. Drive 3.9 miles and park in the dirt lot on the right. FR475 turns to gravel after Cove Creek Group Campground at 3.2 miles. Walk past the gate and in a short distance come to the bridge at the Davidson River. Once across, continue up and pass the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail on the left. (This does lead up river to a series of primitive camp sites.) Continue up the road for less than 1/2 mile. Pass the other end of the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail on the left just before the waterfall. A large hemlock blocks the frontal view of the falls and looks like it's eat up with aldegids. You probably noticed a side trail which heads up to side views of the waterfall.

There's another waterfall up creek from this one. It's not as big but nice after a good rain. Hike past Daniel Ridge Falls and continue up the road for just under a mile and a half (it took me 30 minutes to hike back down one time). The falls will be just off the road on the right - you'll hear it. It's a fairly easy uphill hike and the road becomes more grassy. It had rained the night before I went one time and my boots and socks were soaked by the time I got back to my truck, so keep this in mind. A heavy dew will give you the same result. Not sure if they ever mow the road. Anyhow, the falls is about 30' and I thought it was well worth the hike. If you know how to read the trail map, you can also get to this waterfall by heading up the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail.

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