Indian Flats Falls

Indian Flats Falls is a multi-tier waterfall on Indian Flats Prong, reached by an unmarked spur from Middle Prong Trail. It takes a little over four miles to reach the spur and roughly eight miles round trip. The turn is on the right just above the footbridge over Indian Flats Prong, and it's easy to miss. The narrow, rocky path and the rocks beside the falls are slick. Start from the Middle Prong trailhead at the end of Tremont Road, just west of Townsend's Y; the lot there is small and rocky. This is a good pick for a long creekside walk with a waterfall payoff, but skip it if you're short on time or uncomfortable on rough, wet footing. Food or potable water at the falls wasn't confirmed, so bring provisions for the hike.

The early miles follow the water past several cascades; the trail gets rockier and steeper farther in. At the destination, white curtains spill over blocky, mossy ledges into a pool. Accounts differ on the number of tiers, and rhododendron and broken ground hide much of the lower falls. The upper tier is easiest to see from the end of the spur.

The upper falls make the clearest view from the end of the side path. Frame the water with the ledges around it; trying to get below the falls means rough, slick footing, and the lower cascades are partly hidden anyway.

Middle Prong Trail follows a railroad bed that Little River Lumber Company used to haul logs. Logging continued in this area until 1938, after the park had been established.

The first two miles of Middle Prong Trail can be especially good for spring wildflowers. Foamflower, toothwort, violets, wood sorrel and trilliums are among the plants recorded along this stretch.