Daniel Ridge Falls
Discover Daniel Ridge Falls, a stunning 150-foot cascade in Pisgah National Forest, perfect for a refreshing hike and nature escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, moderate flow
Daniel Ridge Falls
Best Time
Lush greenery, moderate flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Daniel Ridge Falls, a stunning 150-foot cascade in Pisgah National Forest, perfect for a refreshing hike and nature escape.
"This waterfall was so pretty. The trail was moderately easy to hike which gradually increasing incline."
🎯 Get the Best View
Veer left at the start for a closer view of the falls. Foliage can obscure the view from the main path. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Gravel Road Ahead
The last 0.7 miles to the trailhead are gravel. Drive cautiously, especially after storms. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Daniel Ridge Falls
Pisgah National Forest
A stunning 150-foot cascade, also known as Jackson Falls or Tom Spring Falls. Impressive even with moderate flow.
+1
Upper Tom Spring Falls
Daniel Ridge Loop Trail
An often-overlooked gem on the loop, offering a different perspective of the falls.
Davidson River
Along the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail
Enjoy the peaceful sounds and scenic beauty of the river as you hike. Great for a refreshing break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Access
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get the Best View
Veer left at the start for a closer view of the falls. Foliage can obscure the view from the main path. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Gravel Road Ahead
The last 0.7 miles to the trailhead are gravel. Drive cautiously, especially after storms. :car:
🥾 Trail Conditions Vary
Hurricane damage can impact trail accessibility. Check recent reports before your visit. :hiking_boot:
💧 Water Flow Varies
The falls can have a light flow during dry spells. Visit after rain for a more impressive cascade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get the Best View
Veer left at the start for a closer view of the falls. Foliage can obscure the view from the main path. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Gravel Road Ahead
The last 0.7 miles to the trailhead are gravel. Drive cautiously, especially after storms. :car:
🥾 Trail Conditions Vary
Hurricane damage can impact trail accessibility. Check recent reports before your visit. :hiking_boot:
💧 Water Flow Varies
The falls can have a light flow during dry spells. Visit after rain for a more impressive cascade.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail. Remember to clean up after your pet. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Daniel Ridge Falls for its beautiful cascade and peaceful forest setting, especially when seeking a less crowded waterfall experience. However, some note that trail conditions can be challenging due to debris or damage, and the waterfall's flow can be light during dry periods. Parking can also be difficult on busy weekends.
"6/27/25 *Suggestion Experienced bikers and hikers only. Be cautious of the damage from the hurricane. Some parts of trail aren’t even accessible."
Explore More Just By Living Moment 2 Moment (EMJBLM2M)
"Seeking a less traveled waterfall, we used the PISGAH RANGE DISTRICT “Waterfalls Along the Hwy 276 Corridor.” We picked up this sheet at Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center off Hwy 275 just outside Brevard. It provides details on several Falls and specific directions for driving to each waterfall. We used this in the past to explore some new and less popular waterfalls. Today, we selected Daniel Ridge Falls. It is off FS475 and about 4 miles off Hwy 276 (last .7 miles is gravel road). There is a nice parking area on the right. The hike starts at a nice flat path and goes over a bridge. Then we make a turn to the right which is marked “Falls”. The trail is an a nice path basically a slight uphill for the .4 miles to the Falls. This is nice wide path. On our visit we were the only ones hiking to Daniel Ridge Falls. Once we arrived at the Falls much of it is difficult to see from the path due to foliage and debris near the path. There is a path that goes up close to the Falls that give a better view. This is a nice waterfall with its height and rocky terrain but has a very light waterfall on our visit."
Charlene Mixa
"This waterfall was so pretty. The trail was moderately easy to hike which gradually increasing incline. I love how peaceful and quiet it is, as well as the plenty of signs for navigating the trail."
Regan Benites
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Brevard, take Highway 276 North into Pisgah National Forest. Turn onto Forest Service Road 475 (marked for Daniel Ridge). The last 0.7 miles are a gravel road leading to the parking area.
No, the road to the trailhead is gravel for the last 0.7 miles. While generally manageable, it can be rough and may require caution, especially after heavy rain.
Daniel Ridge Falls is approximately a 3-hour drive from Atlanta, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway.
GPS can be helpful, but it's advisable to also have a map or directions from the Pisgah Ranger Station, as cell service can be spotty in the forest.
The Daniel Ridge Loop Trail is generally well-marked, but some visitors have reported getting confused. Look for signs indicating 'Falls' and consider downloading an offline map.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Daniel Ridge Falls and the surrounding Pisgah National Forest are free to enter. There are no admission fees.
Pisgah National Forest is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific operating hours for the falls themselves.
There is no parking fee at the Daniel Ridge Falls trailhead. Parking is available in a designated lot.
No reservations are needed to visit Daniel Ridge Falls. It's a public access area within the national forest.
Yes, you can visit Daniel Ridge Falls in the winter, but be prepared for potentially icy conditions on the trails and roads.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Daniel Ridge Falls from the parking area is about 0.4 miles one way. The Daniel Ridge Loop Trail is approximately 5.2 miles.
The trail to the falls is a moderate, gradual incline. The full loop trail has about 800 feet of elevation gain and is considered relatively easy to moderate.
While you can cool off near the falls, swimming directly in the cascade is not recommended due to slippery rocks and strong currents. The Davidson River nearby offers safer spots.
It can get crowded on weekends, but weekdays and mornings tend to be much quieter. Some visitors found it to be a less traveled waterfall.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as the trail can be rocky and wet. Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Morning light can be beautiful, but be mindful of shadows. Midday can be harsh. Consider visiting when the sun is not directly overhead for softer light.
Explore the path that leads closer to the base of the falls for a more dramatic perspective. Be cautious of slippery rocks.
Tripods are generally allowed in national forests, but be considerate of other visitors. Ensure you are not blocking trails or viewpoints.
Use a tripod for stability and a slower shutter speed to capture the silky water effect. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare.
Drone usage in national forests is regulated. Check the latest FAA and US Forest Service guidelines before flying a drone in Pisgah National Forest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider tackling the full Daniel Ridge Loop Trail for a longer adventure, but be mindful of the 5.2-mile length and potential encounters with mountain bikers.
Always supervise children closely, especially near water and on rocky paths.🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
+1While the main falls are a draw, exploring the full Daniel Ridge Loop Trail can offer a more extended period of solitude and discovery.
It's always wise for solo hikers to inform someone of their plans, carry a basic first-aid kit, and have a reliable way to navigate, such as an offline map, as cell service can be unreliable. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 To get the best shots, consider using a tripod to achieve silky smooth water effects with a slower shutter speed. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance the colors of the foliage. While the main path offers a view, venturing to the closer path near the base of the falls can provide more dramatic angles, though caution is advised due to slippery rocks.
Be aware that water flow varies, so plan your visit accordingly if you're aiming for a specific look. Remember to respect the natural environment and other visitors while seeking your perfect shot.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Daniel Ridge Loop Trail Experience
While the main waterfall is a highlight, don't miss the smaller cascades and the chance to dip your toes in the cool waters of the Davidson River.
Recent reviews suggest that trail conditions can vary, especially after severe weather events like hurricanes. Some parts may be less accessible or show signs of damage.
Understanding the Names: Daniel Ridge Falls
+1 These names often refer to the same 150-foot cascade, highlighting its presence in local lore and history. The waterfall is situated along the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail within the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, North Carolina. These multiple names are not uncommon for natural landmarks, often stemming from local families, historical events, or descriptive features. For instance, 'Tom Spring' might refer to a nearby spring or a person associated with the area.
Regardless of the name used, the waterfall itself is a significant attraction, drawing visitors with its impressive height and the surrounding natural beauty of the forest. When planning your visit, using any of these names should lead you to the correct location within the Pisgah Ranger District. Best Practices for Visiting
For a more peaceful experience, visit on a weekday or during off-peak hours. Weekends can be busy, and arriving early or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds.
Many visitors recommend taking the path that leads closer to the falls for the best views, as the main trail can sometimes be obstructed by foliage.
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