Directions:
From Hayesville, North Carolina
on U.S. 64W, take NC 1301 northeast 3 miles to NC 1300. Then travel
west 5.7 miles to FR 1344 (at Fire's Creek sign). Drive north 1.6
miles to Fires Creek parking area.
From Murphy, take US 64 East
toward Hayesville. After about 9 miles, turn left at the green forest
service sign (and Citgo service station) onto NC 1302. After about
4 miles, make another left (also marked) onto NC 1344. It's about
1 mile to Hunters Camp, and another .7 mile to the Leatherwood Falls
parking area.
For more information:
Tusquitee Ranger District,
201 Woodland Drive,
Murphy, NC 28906.
Phone (704) 837-5152.
Leatherwood Falls at Firescreek
Recreation Area | s in Clay County North Carolina. A beautiful,
perhaps less dramatic, example of nature and gravity. Part of the
Nantahala National Forest.
The 25-foot falls is visible from the picnic area or along a barrier-free,
paved trail alongside the creek. The ice-cold water of Fires Creek
provides an invigorating swim for hearty souls, particularly under
the bridge where it is 6 or 7 feet deep. Leatherwood is a common family
name in the area, and generations of local children have frolicked
in the creek or fished for trout along its banks.
Colorful wildflowers are everywhere,
and huge mossy logs, remnants of the once-abundant chestnut tree,
add to the beauty. For a short walk, the .7-mile loop trail along
the creek is easy and enjoyable.
Fires Creek is a sanctuary for the American
black bear. Other wildlife, including white-tailed deer and the
Russian boar, roam among the rhododendron thickets and in forests
of yellow-poplar, birch, and oak trees. The pileated woodpecker,
assorted warblers, vultures, and hawks can also be seen here.
History
Fall size:25'
Beauty Scale:>
(1-worth seeing-10 awesome) 4
Activities:
Hiking, swimming, fishing (trout stamp required).
Leatherwood Falls: picnic tables, grills.
Hunters Camp: pit toilets.
Bristol Horse Camp: camping, facilities for horses.
Facilities:
Parking, picnic tables and grills, restrooms, water.
Fees: no
Closest town:
Hayesville North Carolina about 9 miles
