JOHN'S JUMP & DEW FALLS are both located on the same river that crosses under NC-281, but on opposite sides of the road. ALLTRAILS labels it Mill Creek while another website called it Gumbottom Creek. Map coordinates are 35.067993, -83.007686 [ HIKING ] JOHN'S JUMP is a 35 foot waterfall on the eastern side of the road and is accessed via a very short yet steep trail to the base of the falls. The trail begins at the northern end of a grassy pullover. Look for an orange ribbon tied to a tree about 25 feet to the right of the beginning of a guard railing marking the trailhead. If the orange ribbon is not visible, the narrow trail leading into the woods should be fairly obvious. You will encounter a side view of the falls within a minute of being on the trail. John's Jump Falls are surprisingly large and the crest is within view from the roadside. Very pleasant waterfall that is fairly easy to access. To reach D.E.W. FALLS, walk safely along NC-281 near the guard railing. Once on the other side of the creek, cross over the road and you will see a small dirt pull-off large enough for two cars. Walk past the gate along an old road. In about 300 feet you will encounter a small elevation gain of about 15 feet. Take the dirt trail to the left of the main trail at the top of the small hill, which will lead you to D.E.W. Falls, named so after a student @ a South Carolina school by the name of Dorothy Ehlrich Walker, whom died in a car accident the summer before her senior year began. Reportedly the students helped build the trail and were given the honor of naming the waterfall by the Forest Services. NOTES: Our hike was within a few day of recent rains. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Total Hiking Distance: .6 miles Difficulty: Easy and family/pet friendly Creek Crossings: YES (1 bridge) Elevation Gain: 135 feet Waterfall Height: 35 feet (John's Jump) Waterfall Height: 12 feet (D.E.W.) WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS * DEW Falls - 3 out of 10 * John's Jump - 6 out of 10 Access to top of falls: NO Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES (limited) [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] The hike to both falls is about half a mile combined. DEW falls is less impressive, but still a worthy road trip pit stop if you are planning to visit other waterfalls in the area such as the magnificent triple waterfall combo trail @ nearby Gorges State Park which features 125' Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls as well as an overlook to the 270' Bearwallow Falls. If you are feeling adventurous, there is a THIRD waterfall upstream of DEW Falls that is much taller and practically roadside. Topography maps indicate the waterfalls is approx. 70' tall, but it is unclear on how to reach the base from Upper Whitewater Road (1152). 2021 / 50 read more

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