About this spot
Poundingmill Branch Falls is a roughly 40-80 ft cascade/free-fall in Pisgah National Forest near Balsam Grove, NC, ending in a series of rock cascades. Reached via FS 475B and FS 5032 off US 276, with a final quarter-mile bushwhack over poorly-defined trail — guides describe it as not suitable for casual hikers. No developed parking beyond forest-road pullouts, no facilities. No documented swimming or jumping culture; treat the approach and base rocks as slippery and exposed.
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.
