Waterfall on West Prong Hickey Fork facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waterfall on West Prong Hickey Fork Creek |
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Waterfall on West Prong Hickey Fork Creek
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| Location | Pisgah National Forest, Madison County, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°59′44″N 82°43′04″W / 35.995446°N 82.717781°W |
| Type | Slide, Cascade |
| Total height | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Longest drop | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
The Waterfall on West Prong Hickey Fork is a beautiful waterfall hidden in the Bald Mountains of the Pisgah National Forest in Madison County, North Carolina. It's a great spot to explore nature and see a powerful force of water!
How This Waterfall Was Formed
This amazing waterfall flows along West Prong Hickey Fork Creek. It starts as a gentle slide, where the water glides over rocks. Then, it suddenly drops almost straight down for 30 feet! The water crashes into a calm pool at the bottom.
You might notice the rocks around the falls are very mossy. This is because of the constant spray from the waterfall. This wet, misty area creates a special home for unique plants that love damp conditions. Scientists call this a "spray-cliff community."
Further down the creek, West Prong Hickey Fork continues to slide and cascade. It drops over 500 feet before joining another creek called Shelton Laurel Creek. All this water eventually flows into the much larger French Broad River.
Visiting the Waterfall
If you want to visit this cool waterfall, here's how you can find it. Remember to always go with an adult and be prepared for a hike!
First, find the spot where US 25/70 meets NC 208. From there, drive north on NC 208 for about 3.4 miles.
Next, turn right onto NC 212 and drive for about 6.8 miles. Then, turn left onto SR 1310. This road will eventually change its name to Forest Road 465. Drive on this road for about 1.1 miles until you reach the parking area.
From the parking area, you'll need to follow a trail to the waterfall. This trail is about 1¼ miles long and is considered difficult. It means it might be steep or rocky, so wear good shoes and be ready for a challenge!
If you keep going past the waterfall, the trail connects to other paths. Eventually, it will even link up with the famous Appalachian Trail.
