© 1999 Jon Binder

Overview

Ratings (ratings explained)
Power: 4/10
Beauty: 7/10
Ease of Access: 7/10

Twin Falls, also known as Henry Branch Falls, is a set of two somewhat anticlimatic falls in the Pisgah National Forest. The easy 2.2 mile hike required to reach the falls is probably more of an attraction than the actual falls, and is definitely worth the time.

Photos

Twin Falls (east tributary)
Twin Falls (Henry Branch)

Directions

To get to Twin falls, take U.S. route 276 north for a little over two miles to a gravel road on the right. There will be a sign for the riding stables here. Take this gravel forest road for approximately 2.5 miles. There will be a small parking area on the right, at the orange blazed Buckhorn Gap trail. Follow the orange blazed trail for 2.2 miles to Twin Falls.

Description

The hike to Twin Falls is beautiful. It leads along Avery Creek and the Henry Branch, with several beautiful cascades, as well as a couple of small falls. The trail crosses the streams about a half a dozen times (all on bridges), and leads through a wonderful forest. In addition, the hike is almost perfectly flat. It really is a great, pleasant walk that needs no destination.

Fortunately, the hike makes up for the disappointment of the falls themselves. The main falls is on the Henry Branch, and is nice except for the branches and trees strewn across the front. This is the falls pictured on this page. The other waterfall is on a tributary of the Henry Branch. The natural debris here is even more distracting. It's kind of contradictory to complain about natural forces lessening the beauty of nature, but Twin Falls would definitely be more beautiful without all of the fallen trees in the way. Overall, though, the area is worth visiting, especially for the incredibly beautiful hike.

Courthouse Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and Moore's Cove Falls are all in this same general area of the Pisgah National Forest.

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Page Last Revised: March 31, 2002