Big Branch Trail

Big Branch Trail packs a surprising amount of scenery into a short, manageable out-and-back. From the trailhead, you'll drop into a lush, hemlock-shaded hollow following Big Branch creek as it tumbles over a series of cascades and small waterfalls. The trail is rooty and rocky in places — nothing treacherous, but enough to keep your eyes on your feet between the scenery. The forest here feels older and wilder than the gorge rim trails, with moss-covered boulders and ferns crowding the streambanks. The payoff comes at the main waterfall, where Big Branch spills over a rock ledge into a pool that catches the light beautifully on sunny mornings. This is a trail for hikers who want a waterfall reward without committing to an all-day death march — perfect for a late-morning ramble with a camera.