If you are driving on NC Highway 215 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway (exit at Milepost 423) on the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, you will cross a bridge with a series of cascades, including a picturesque waterfall beneath the historic arched stone bridge built in 1937. After driving down the mountain ridge from the Parkway 4.2 miles, cross the bridge and see the pull-off for parking on the left. This is the West Fork of the Pigeon River, located in the Pisgah National Forest. Many call it Sunburst Falls, since it's near the Sunburst community in Haywood County.
The waterfall is not tall, but the cascades are beautiful and fun to get a closer look. If you are careful, you can venture out above and below the bridge. To get the photo above, take one of the steep trails across the road from the parking area. Then rock hop across the stream. Only attempt if water is low enough for plenty of dry stepping stones.
Above the bridge, sit on the boulders by the rushing cascades. It's a great picnic spot (although no room for a spread on a big blanket). Do not venture out onto the rocks if they are wet. You can slip easily. See the swirling whirlpools and enjoy the melodies of the rushing water.
Also enjoy the view looking down river from the bridge, but watch for cars. This is not a place for wading or swimming. But you can get your toes wet.
You'll find nearby Sunburst Swimming Hole, which has two main swimming areas. Nearby on the Parkway is the hike to the top of Devil's Courthouse. More waterfalls on NC 215 (south of the Parkway) are Wildcat Falls, Dill Falls, Courthouse Falls, French Broad Falls, and Cathedral Falls. Just 2.4 miles north of 215 is Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades.
If you continue down NC Highway 215 North for another nine miles, you will find the trailhead to the hike to the summit of the infamous Cold Mountain. The great small town of Waynesville is about 17 miles north.
Location
Sunburst Falls is about 37 miles from Asheville - south of Canton along NC Highway 215 - it's 7.4 miles south of Lake Logan. From the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 423.2), it's 4.2 miles south on NC 215.
