Waterfall on Billy Branch

A sliding cascade, which gets a bit steeper near the bottom and tumbles into a small pool. It's surrounded by rhododendron and, unfortunately, the hemlocks beside the falls have died.

Driving Directions

From the intersection of US Hwy. 64 & 276 & NC Hwy. 280 in Brevard, NC, go north on 276 towards the Blue Ridge Parkway past the Forest Discovery Center and the Pink Beds Picnic Area. Turn right on gravel Yellow Gap Road (FS 1206). Go about 3.3 miles and turn right onto Wolf Ford Road (FS 476, it may or may not be signed based on past experience). Go to the end at 1.3 miles, where there is a gate and a parking area. The road may be a bit rough for passenger vehicles near the end.

Trail Description

The S. Mills River trail is a continuation of the road you drove in on, behind the gate. Take the trail south for about a mile to its crossing of the river on an old concrete bridge. Turn left onto an unofficial trail The path goes uphill, turns right and crosses a tributary (Billy Branch) almost immediately. Don't cross, but bear left onto the trail leading uphill at the crossing. This path climbs alongside the creek; the waterfall is on the right less about 500 feet ahead. It's a bit of a scramble down the bank to the base of the falls - be careful not to disturb anything that grows there if you decide to visit.