Hidden Falls
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
| Address: | Rainbow Falls Trail, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, USA |
| GPS: |
35°5'20.1"N 82°57'43.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | North Carolina |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.0 mi |
Hike and Swim
Hidden Falls is a serene family-friendly swimming hole in Pisgah National Forest just down river from the towering Rainbow Falls. It's on the Horsepasture River "hidden" just a few steps off the main trail. Most hikers miss it. The waterfall is less than 10 feet tall, but it drops into an idyllic pool surrounded by boulders that act as a small dam and provide sunning and picnic spots.Courtesy of romanticasheville.com
This spot is also known as "Hollow Falls."
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
- Head southeast on NC-281 S toward Toxaway Point (0.5 mi)
- Keep right to stay on NC-281 S (131 ft)
- Continue straight onto US-64 W (2.7 mi)
- Turn left onto NC-281 S (1.6 mi)
Trails
Distance ?
1.0 milesElevation Gain ?
409 feetReal Ascent ?
656 feetReal Descent ?
247 feetAvg Grade (4°)
8%Grade (-29° to 33°)
-55% to 65%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Rainbow Falls
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
0.3 miles ERainbow Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This 150-ft. tall waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that swells...
Hike, Swim 1.4 mi
Turtleback Falls
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
0.3 miles NWTurtleback Falls was named for its domed shape, similar to the back of a turtle. It's also called "umbrella falls" for the same reason. Visitors slide down Turtleback as the...
Backpack, Hike, Swim
Cashiers Area
Woodleaf, North Carolina
8.3 miles WSwim near Woodleaf, North Carolina
Swim
Moonshine Falls Area
Bishopville, South Carolina
9.7 miles SESwim near Bishopville, South Carolina
Swim
Big Creek Area
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
11.2 miles NSeveral swimming holes near the NE border of the Great Smoky Mtns N. P. in the Big Creek Recreation Area on the TN-NC border. NOTE: The National Park Service will not allow you to...
Swim
Bear Creek Area
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
11.2 miles NSeveral swimming holes in lakes along RT 281 southeast of Sylva and Cullowhee. For details... Bathing suits: Optional at most places, very remote
Swim
Courthouse Falls
13.2 miles N
Courthouse Falls is a beautiful 45 foot waterfall that is popular to visit. This waterfall is an easy 3/4 mile hike from the parking lot on Courthouse Creek Road (FSR 140) or can be accessed from the...
Hike, Swim
Big Creek
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
15.5 miles NWSwim near Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Swim
Midnight Hole
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
15.5 miles NWSwim near Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Swim 3.1-4.3 mi
Farlow Gap
Canton, North Carolina
15.5 miles NEThis is one of the most technical downhills in Pisgah: very steep and rocky! The trail drops about 2000 ft in 3 miles then connects with the Daniel Ridge trail. The climb to the gap is long (9 miles)...
Hike, Mountain Bike 7.1 mi
Daniel Ridge Loop
Canton, North Carolina
15.5 miles NEThis is a classic, short Pisgah loop. It's moderately technical most of the way with a couple of trickier sections. Most people prefer to approach it counter-clockwise, but it can be ridden...
Hike, Mountain Bike
Whaleback Swimming Hole
Asheville, North Carolina
15.7 miles NEMost people in this neck of the woods will head straight to Sliding Rock or Looking Glass Falls, but the locals go to Whaleback on the Davidson River above the fish hatchery. A massive slab of...
Swim
Cove Creek Tubs
Brevard, North Carolina
15.9 miles NEBest tubs in the Pisgah Forest. They’re three magnificent pot holes like you’d expect to find in Vermont or New Hampshire. At the top is a seven foot, almost perfectly round tub. From it...
Swim 0.8 mi
Daniel Ridge Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
16.5 miles NEThis waterfall in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard has multiple names: Tom's Spring Branch Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls and Jackson Falls. It’s an easy half-mile hike on the Daniel Ridge...
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Butter Gap / Trail #123
Brevard, North Carolina
16.6 miles NEThe right (western) fork, which is open to mountain bikes, leads to FS 471D, which some riders use as part of a large loop; otherwise, they must backtrack down Butter Gap Trail. *The portion of the...
Hike, Mountain Bike 1.7 mi
Flat Laurel Creek
16.8 miles N
Flat Laurel Creek is a 3.18 mile multi-use trail that is perfect for exploring on foot, horse and bike. This trail can be accessed from a parking lot on either end, making it easy to begin...
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Swim 0.2-2.8 mi
Graveyard Fields
Brevard, North Carolina
17.3 miles NGraveyard Fields is a beautiful hike known for it's forests, wild flowers and two beautiful waterfalls. The Blue Ridge Mountains surround this area creating stunning views throughout the...
Hike, Swim
Skinny Dip Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
17.7 miles NESkinny Dip Falls is a beautiful and family friendly waterfall. Despite the misleading name, bathing suits are not optional at Skinny Dip Falls. Skinny Dip Falls is a long, thin cascading waterfall...
Hike, Swim
Coontree Recreation Area
Brevard, North Carolina
17.7 miles NECoontree Recreation Area is a beautiful area with many amenities and activities on the Davidson River. This recreation area is best known for its picnic area with a beautiful view of the river. The...
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
Looking Glass Falls
Brevard, North Carolina
18.0 miles NELooking Glass Falls is a gorgeous and easily accessible waterfall in Brevard, North Carolina. This waterfall is a short and beautiful walk from Pigsah Highway (Highway 276). Parking is available just...
Hike, SwimNearby Campsites
Davidson River Campground
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
18.9 miles NEDavidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops of shaded campsites, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing spots,...
Camp, Hike, Swim
War Woman Dell Wildlife Management Area
Clayton, Georgia
26.3 miles SWWarwoman Dell Nature Trail and Becky Branch Falls Trail is a 0.8 mile out and back trail located near Clayton, Georgia that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is...
Camp, Hike, Horseback
Mt. LeConte Lodge
Sylva, North Carolina
26.9 miles NWHigh atop Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, LeConte Lodge® is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States. It is situated on an open glade just below the summit of...
Camp, Hike, Horseback, Rock Climb
Cosby Campground
Cosby, Tennessee
48.2 miles NCamp and Swim near Cosby, Tennessee
Camp, Swim
