Wash Hollow Falls is a very pretty a photogenic 50′ waterfall located off Highway 215 in Pisgah National Forest. Getting to the falls is a bit difficult, but not too bad for experienced hikers with proper hiking boots or shoes. Definitely worth the visit, and it’s only a short distance past Lower Sam Branch Falls.
Roundtrip Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate – The very first portion is difficult, and there is a somewhat dangerous creek crossing at Lower Sam Branch Falls
Handicap Accessible: No
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Features: Waterfalls, Forest
Directions: From The Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC Highway 215 exit at MP423. Take 215 North for 4 miles, at the hairpin turn. Park in the small gravel pull-over to the side.
Recommended Gear: Standard Day hiking essentials, [easyazon_link identifier=”1566953324″ locale=”US” tag=”blueridgemountainlife-20″]Pisgah National Forest Ranger District Trail Map[/easyazon_link]
Map:
Hiking to Wash Hollow Falls
Wash Hollow Falls is just a short distance past Lower Sam Branch Falls. Follow the directions to Lower Sam Branch Falls. After Reaching Lower Sam Branch Falls, you’ll need to cross over the creek and pick up the trail on the other side to reach Wash Hollow Falls.
While the creek crossing isn’t difficult, it can be treacherous in the winter, and if water levels are high. The cascade to the left of the crossing isn’t really high, but high enough to injure you if you were to go over.
There are two places to cross, one is hopping down from a boulder near the base of Lower Sam Branch Falls, the other is too crossover just above the cascade. We chose to hop down off the boulder. This isn’t too difficult, especially if you have waterproof hiking boots or if you don’t mind getting a little wet. Getting back up here is a bit more difficult. When we go back, we’ll bring some climbing rope to help with this section.
The trail is immediately on the other side of the creek, and easily visible. Follow this trail through a small campground, for about 0.1 miles to reach Wash Hollow Falls.
Wash Hollow Falls
Wash Hollow Falls is a really gorgeous 50-foot waterfall, that starts as more of a water slide, and then cascades into a small pool below, followed by additional cascades further down.
The best place to take photos of Wash Hallow Falls is from below it, down the small creek a bit. If you walk back towards Lower Sam Branch Falls, you’ll see a scramble trail that goes down to the creek, just at the campsite area. Scramble down, and you’ll have the view below. Unfortunately, the time we visited, lighting conditions weren’t optimal. Early morning or late afternoon would be better.
Nearby Waterfalls
While visiting Lower Sams Branch and Wash Hollow Falls, be sure to visit Sunburst Falls, Little Bird Falls, and Wildcat Falls which are very nearby. A little further away, but well worth the trip is Dill Falls and Courthouse Falls as well.
>> Be sure to check out more than 30 detailed waterfall guides.
