About this spot
Sunburst Falls is a roadside waterfall on NC Highway 215 in the Pisgah National Forest, tucked into a sharp curve beside a stone arch bridge built by the CCC in 1937. The upper falls need no hike at all; a short, steep scramble across from the bridge leads down to the lower falls, which has two distinct swimming areas -- a shallow, beach-like spot and a deeper 6-7 foot pool. Water runs cold (around 50F) even in warmer months, and rocks near the falls get very slippery in rain or fog. Parking is limited to a few pull-offs right at the blind curve, so watch for traffic when loading in or out. No fees; free public Forest Service access.
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.