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Waterfalls on the Thompson River

based on 104 tracks & routes #43 hike out of 616 in
10.5 mi
Distance
5 hrs 28 min
Time
terrain
1,098 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a technically challenging, in and out hike to a number of waterfalls near the Thompson River. The main track follows good (but unmaintained) trails along old logging roads. Visits to each waterfalls entail steep, muddy scrambles down sketchy user trails. Some are worse than others, but the off trail journey to Big Falls is the most strenuous and technical.

When starting from Brewer Rd., the easiest to reach are Reid Branch Falls and High Falls. These can be reached with dry feet, though you may get your feet wet to get the best view at High Falls.

To reach the lower falls, you are likely to have a wet crossing where the trail crosses the Thompson River. Right after the crossing, be sure to visit Unmentionable Falls, which is still quite nice.

Note the the actual stats on this hike, including the falls, is around 9.5 m/ 2000' eg.

You should also not pass up the nearby visit to White Owl Falls. This requires ~0.2 milk road walk before you hit the trail, but it is well worth it.

Getting Started

Look for Brewer Rd., between Whitewater Falls and Gorges S.P. on Hwy 281. ( https://goo.gl/maps/w2eN7TxFFPYGJg2bA )
Park on the side of Brewer Rd close to the turnoff. Walk back towards the highway, and look for a dirt road with a closed gate as the start of the hike.

To access White Owl Falls, walk ~0.2 miles south along 281 until you see a trail to the left. This trail will lead to the falls.

Taking Children

Most of this hike is not appropriate for children. There are steep descents/climbs, swift water crossings, and slick rocks near waterfalls.


Sights to See


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Public Tracks

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RareSwamp5655 10 years, 2 months ago
Thompson River Falls
https://www.dwhike.com/Hikes-in-the-South/North-Carolina-Hikes/Nantahala-National-Forest/Thomson-River-Big-High-Falls/
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SnowyHat4243 10 years, 2 months ago
Thompson River Falls
https://www.dwhike.com/Hikes-in-the-South/North-Carolina-Hikes/Nantahala-National-Forest/Thomson-River-Big-High-Falls/
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JustVine3617 4 years, 5 months ago
Brewer Road 4/24/22 12:32:42 PM
Hit the three biggies...
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RoughVista2821 9 months, 3 weeks ago
VVS Thompson River Falls
5 falls or more
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QuietPlateau5029 1 year, 7 months ago
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