Tom's Spring Falls Hike Route Map

My approximate route...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trailhead

The path to the falls is the Daniel Ridge Loop which is a 4 mile hike up along the like-named ridge...to the falls it's only about 3/4 of a mile...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

I found myself thinking, for a gated road this is an awfully impressive bridge! Shortly after starting out you cross this big guy to get to other side of the Davidson River...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

The pretty Davidson River from the bridge in the previous shot...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

Wildflowers are another nice reason to make this hike, this being a pretty example of Crown Vetch...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

High, flowering plants on either side of the trail meant that the sound of buzzing bees was ever present...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

The trail climbs moderately and quite severely eroded in places...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

Not my favorite flower but interesting in its own right...Horse-nettle...

Tom's Spring (Daniel Ridge) Falls

A short spur trail spits you out right under the falls. As you can see it was quite dry which was a bit disappointing...

Tom's Spring (Daniel Ridge) Falls

The lack of water meant we could have a bit of fun scrambling around on the rocks, however...

Tom's Spring (Daniel Ridge) Falls

The boys busy themselves looking for crayfish and tossing stones...

Tom's Spring (Daniel Ridge) Falls

With the low water and broght sun, I had to pacify myself with some isolation shots of the falls...

Tom's Spring (Daniel Ridge) Falls

Barely a trickle...

Tom's Spring (Daniel Ridge) Falls

At around 150' high the cliff itself is impressive to stand under, despite the lack of water...

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

A good stretch of the legs on a pleasant afternoon...we'll have to try it again after a good, long rain!