Twisting Falls — Local services in Beech Mountain

Twisting Falls is not the falls you see pictured in most of the photos here. The big falls that are pictured are Compression Falls, with Twisting Falls a few hundred yards up stream above Compression Falls. I could only see Twisting Falls through the dense forest, and only after fighting my way up the 60 degree slope of the mountain side and across through dense underbrush to a chute in the rocks that I could see down. I did not observe anything that looked to be like a well worn trail to Twisting Falls. The best I could find was places where it looks like hikers had “tried” to pick there way up to these falls. Because of the poor view of these falls and no trail to it - I rated this as a 3. From the little I could see of these falls, they looked very impressive - just wish I could have figured out a way to get down there to see them in the ravine. Didn’t want to make a bone-headed move and try to pick my way down the chute through all the rocks and the brush/trees that were mess. I’m not even sure the view at the bottom would have been good, because I believe it would have ended at a sheer drop off down the chute, which would have been dangerous to get to and back up the mountain again. I did clamber and slash my way up the hill from Twisting Falls instead of cutting across the mountain to get back to the main trail I took to get down to Compression Falls. I knew there was a forest service road towards the top of the ridge that I knew was there, so I headed that direction and eventually climbed up to it. No sign of snakes or other animals that might make you jump out of your hiking boots, but the climb and lack of view makes me want to sprout a...

Beautiful falls once you arrive. The trail down is steep w rocks and roots. It is, fortunately, only 0.2 - 0.3 miles down. It was peak leaf season, and we were surprised not to see a soul. I'm not sure we parked in the official parking area. We parked below the forest service road, which was gated closed off the side of the road. My husband, my sister, her husband, and myself hiked to the falls. We are in our 60s to 70s and not super in shape. We took it slow and easy. We made it and were glad we had done it. There was only one rope and would have liked more but realized they were put there by people who hiked the trail, and eventually, they rot. It hadn't rained, but the leaves covered the trail, so we had to watch our steps carefully. Rocks and roots help one find footing on the steep trail. Getting right up to the falls was a challenge as the rocks were very slippery from the spray. In summer, we would have just waded in the water. I'm glad we went. A good workout. You must have good shoes and a walking...

An honest review of Twisting Falls is ... well, twisting. Primitive parking area, short stroll along a dirt road to a decent (then ascent upon return) that requires a bit of agility, athleticism ... and stops many casual visitors from venturing further. Once below, a short trail runs parallel to the water, soon to a glorious waterfall also known as Compression Falls. Expect a group around the pool at the base of the falls ... and expect a few daring people be jumping (or sliding) from the top of the falls.

You can bet each summer there will be several injuries. Not so much from the jumps & slides, but from the very slick wet stone in and around the water. Injuries are bad news, as the area is rural, rugged, and erratic with cell phone service.

Upstream (towards North Carolina), there are more deep pools, jumping sites, and waterfalls ... but it is very challenging in...