Are there fees or permits required for Toms Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Toms Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Toms Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Toms Falls.

Live Conditions · 68 ft³/s · About average

Toms Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Toms Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Toms Falls.

North Carolina

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

jjjj56cp CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

alans1948 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Jim Liestman CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Toms Falls

Toms Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into a quiet stand of North Carolina woods. Its modest drop and clear plunge pool create a peaceful spot that rewards visitors seeking a less-crowded natural scene — ideal for photographers and anyone wanting a short, restorative outing. The fall’s charm is its intimacy rather than grand scale, so expect a serene vibe and close-up views of the water as it threads through the surrounding rock and forest. Most visitors reach the falls via a moderately paced out-and-back hike. The approach is a roughly 2.4-mile round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain, so while the route is short it offers a little climb and changing forest scenery that makes the walk feel satisfying rather than just a stroll. Plan for uneven, possibly muddy footing after rain and bring sturdy shoes; the trail’s moderate rating means it’s best for hikers comfortable with a few steeper sections and natural tread.

The Setting

Toms Falls sits at 2,543 feet along the Cove Creek, in the hills of North Carolina.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hickorynut Falls (404 ft) lies 4.4 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Rainbow Falls (150 ft, 3.7 mi).

Hickorynut Falls Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail: out-and-back, 2.4 miles round trip; elevation gain: ~350 ft; difficulty: moderate. The path is predominantly natural/unpaved singletrack with roots and rocks in places and an average grade of roughly 2.8–3% overall (shorter pitches are steeper). Expect a mix of packed dirt and leaf litter that can turn slick or muddy after rain. The route is well-suited to hikers prepared for moderate footing — wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and allow extra time for photo stops at the falls.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Toms Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Toms Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall typically has the most water flow during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail may become slippery after rain, so exercise caution. Watch for uneven ground and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

68 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

42 56 96 215

Based on 75 years of record

2.13 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

COVE CREEK NEAR LAKE LURE, NC

USGS 02149000

11.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 79 sq mi

Altitude: 815 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COVE CREEK NEAR LAKE LURE, NC (19 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

68 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

68 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

68 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

68 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

68 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

74 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

77 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

77 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Gerton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 155 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,543 feet above sea level.

Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 189 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Toms Falls near Gerton, North Carolina, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Toms Falls near Gerton, North Carolina, showing about 155 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,543 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 155 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Toms Falls is located near the town of Marion, North Carolina. It is accessible via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on your starting point. Visitors are advised to use GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside pull-offs or small parking areas near the trailhead. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking access roads.

Elevation

2,543 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.484811° N, -82.306002° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy. Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces are limited.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

CURTIS CREEK CAMPGROUND (NC)

14.5 miles away · 24 sites

Reservable

Overview Curtis Creek Campground is nestled in the mountains at the base of the Blue Ridge just minutes from the quaint town of Old Fort and less than an hour from the popular city of Asheville. Located in the first tract of National Forest land in the eastern US at the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) camp, the campground is surrounded by old growth forests and roaring trout streams. The gravel road through the campground ascends to the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing easy access to

Book on Recreation.gov