About this spot
Hickory Branch Falls is a roughly 30-foot waterfall in the Curtis Creek area of Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort, reached via the Hickory Branch Trail (about 3.1 miles round trip with several creek crossings) starting from Curtis Creek Campground off gravel Curtis Creek Road. It's a popular, well-reviewed hiking destination and photo stop rather than a documented swimming or jumping spot. Parts of the surrounding Grandfather Ranger District have seen closures from Tropical Storm Helene damage, so check current U.S. Forest Service closure maps before visiting.
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.