Toms Creek Falls

A tall, pretty falls with a nice area at the base for hanging out. This one benefits from normal to wet weather. The water falls nearly vertically over multiple levels and mini ledges, and the rock near the bottom is sculpted by the flow. Just downstream from the falls is a neat old mica mine, which is filled with water.

Directions

Driving

From the intersection of US 70 and US 221 North in Marion, NC, drive about 5 1/2 miles North on US 221. Turn left on Huskins Branch Road, just before the old Woodlawn Motel. The road climbs and turns gravel, then paved again. At 1.2 miles from the start, park in the gravel lot on the right.

Trail

The trail easy and about 1/2 mile long. It is signed and starts at the back of the parking area. At the first fork, just past a small branch, bear left; another trail goes right uphill. Go through a campsite and cross another branch. The trail continues a short distance, up a couple of short climbs, to the base of the waterfall.

To get to the old mica mine, cross the creek below the falls, go left, and follow the path downstream a few feet to the mine on the right. It's filled with water, so stay back from the entrance.