Falls Branch Trail

At about 1.7 miles long, this is a nice, easy, family-friendly trail. From the parking lot, head south on the trail, which in the beginning is shared with the Horseshoe Mountain Trail. After only a tenth of a mile, the Horseshoe Mountain Trail splits off to the right and you begin to follow the Falls Branch Trail. In the beginning of the loop there is a little bit of climbing, but after midway the trail is mostly a gentle descent. There is a beautiful waterfall (Falls Branch Falls) about 75% of the way through the trail (about one mile from the start). The waterfall is a lovely spot where we often allow the children to splash around and swim, and makes a great place for a picnic. During the spring, summer, and early fall, hikers are encouraged to wear long pants and bring bug repellent--there are ticks and mosquitoes. There is usually light to moderate traffic on this trail.