Tom Creek Falls – .8 mile. Lush cove forest, huge boulders and a small pool at the base of a 60-foot falls, perfect for wading.
From the intersection of US 70 and US 221 North in Marion, NC, drive about 5 1/2 miles North on US 221. Turn left on Huskins Branch Road, just before the old Woodlawn Motel. The road climbs and turns gravel, then paved again. At 1.2 miles from the start, park in the gravel lot on the right.
Moore Cover Falls Hike – 1.4mile. A beautiful walk thru fern-filled woods. Be careful on wet and slippery rocks, however, and do NOT attempt to reach the top of the falls. This would be dangerous to you, and to the fragile plant communities that grow on the steep banks.
From Asheville, take I-240 west, to I-26 east, to Exit 40, for the Asheville Airport and NC Hwy. 280. Turn right onto 280; follow this 4-lane highway for 16 miles toward Brevard. At the intersection with US Hwys. 276 and 64, turn right onto US 276 west. Proceed on US 276 for 6.6 miles past the stone entrance gate. The parking area is on the right just before the highway crosses stone bridge over Looking Glass Creek.
Dupont Waterfalls Tour Hike – .6 mile to 6 miles. It starts as an easy path to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area: Hooker, Triple, and High Falls. Covered picnic shelters with views of the falls make for excellent family outing possibilities. If you wish to continue to Grassy Creek and Bridal Veil Falls, this will become a moderate hike.
From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east to the exit for Asheville Airport (exit 40). Head south (right) on NC 280 (4-lane highway) toward Brevard for 16 miles. Turn left on US 64 East and drive 3.7 miles. Turn right on Crab Creek Road. Drive 4.3 miles and turn right on Dupont Road. The road will climb and change names to Staton Road, then begin a long downhill, at the bottom of which is the bridge over the Little River. The parking area is on the right just before the bridge. The trail to Triple and High Falls starts on the other side of the bridge.
Ridgewalk Hike – 1.4 miles. Easy hike along a ridge to some great views. Watch the forest transition as you hike and the ridge becomes drier, rockier, and narrower. This hike is suitable for children and families.
From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east. Take Asheville Airport exit (exit 9) and go south (right) on NC 280 for 16 miles. At the intersection with US 64/276, turn right onto US 276 and enter the National Forest. Go 2.3 miles and turn right on gravel FR 477. Follow 477 for about 5.0 miles (it's twisty and narrow in places) to the top of the gap. The Bennett Gap trail starts on the left at an old gate; there is parking for 4-5 cars on the right.
This information was taken from The Best Easy Hikes in Western North Carolina. Additional Hikes can be found on this website include moderate, more difficult and most difficult hikes.
