About this spot
Simon Falls lies along the Thompson River Waterfalls trail near Sapphire, North Carolina, reached from a trailhead off Brewer Road in Nantahala National Forest, roughly 3.5 miles one-way over moderate-to-difficult terrain. It's a low, sliding-rock style cascade rather than a sheer drop, with a wide open rock area on the far bank. The pool below is cold and its depth changes abruptly — from ankle-deep to over ten feet within a single step — with sections reported as over head-deep, making it a favored swimming stop after the hike in. The sudden depth change and cold mountain water are the hazards that matter most; wet rock underfoot can also be slick. The trail sits on public national forest land, with no fees or facilities.
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.