Jackie Steffan — 1 mile — 1 hour — Easy — 300′ elevation gain —
When we need a go-to easy hike to a waterfall, this is the one! Sill Branch Falls is very accessible, kid-friendly, a pretty cascade, and generally not crowded. Although it is not the largest waterfall in the area at only 20′, it is worth the visit. In the spring (early April), you’ll also encounter plenty of wildflowers.
Getting There
From Johnson City area (I-26):
- Take Exit 37 in Erwin
- Turn right onto 81/107 and drive 6.5 miles
- Turn left onto Rt. 107 and continue 5 miles
- Turn left onto Clark’s Creek Rd. and drive 3.1 miles, with the last 2 miles on gravel.
- Typically the gravel road is easily navigable in any car, but as of 2025, there were quite a few sneaky potholes to dodge and a large puddle to drive through.
- Find the small parking area on the right side of the road. The trailhead and trail sign are on the left.
The Hike
Hiking to Sill Branch Falls is pretty straightforward. It is better to go after a recent rain since it can be a little dry otherwise. The trail is pretty flat with a gradual rise as it follows Sill Branch creek. At 0.4 mile, you will reach a trail intersection. Bear slightly left to continue toward the falls. Sill Branch South Trail continues to the right; details of that trail will be added at a later time. After bearing left, you will cross Sill Branch, which is typically a rock-hop. Climb the stairs on the other side of the stream crossing and continue for 0.1 mile to Sill Branch Falls. When you are done admiring the falls, simply backtrack to the parking area.
Not verified, but we’ve heard that glow worms inhabit the rock walls around the falls, so it could be a unique visit at night. With that said, please be respectful of all natural landscapes and avoid climbing.
For additional exploration, we recommend tacking on Pine Ridge Falls. You can walk to the Pine Ridge Falls trailhead without needing to move your car, since it is only about 0.25 mile between the two, or you can move it if you wish.
