About this spot
Chestnut Falls is a documented 20-25 foot cascade on a small stream near Balsam Grove in Transylvania County, off FS 140/FS 5031 near NC 215. The final approach is a steep scramble down to the base, and FS 140 has been reported closed at times, requiring roadside parking and an added walk. It's catalogued as an easy-to-moderate waterfall hike in a cluster of falls near Courthouse Falls, not as a swim destination — no source mentions pooling or jumping here, and the small flow argues against it.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.
