French Broad Falls

Height: 15 feet
Trail Type: Dirt
Hike Distance: A few yards
Difficulty: 1
Beauty: 4

Overview:

French Broad Falls, also known as Mill Shoals, is on the property of Living Water Ministries right beside NC highway 215. The property owners allow public access to the falls, but don’t be a dick and leave a bunch of trash there. There are two very distinct falls here. Shoal Creek meets the North Fork French Broad River, and each waterway drops about 15 feet into a wider stream.

In an ideal world, these falls would have a higher beauty rating. If you’re a picky photographer, the red mill house beside Mill Shoals, along with another private residence on the other side of the creek, makes it difficult to avoid human disturbances in your photos. The worst part, however, is the fishy smell thanks to the fish hatchery farther up stream.

Directions:

From the intersection of US 64 and US 276 in Brevard, head west on US 64 for about 12.5 miles and turn right onto NC highway 215. Drive about 8 miles and Living Waters Ministries will be on the left.

If you’re coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll head south on NC highway 215 for about 9 miles to the parking area on the right.

Hike Description:

From the pullout, an obvious dirt path descends fairly steeply to the riverbank. There are a few big boulders to go out on to view the falls.