Once the gate up to table rock is open (april I believe) you can park in the Table rock lot and hike up to the summit which is an awe-inspiring view of the entire gorge and a great place to rock hop from one end to the other.  That would be my number one suggestion.  If going to the river is a must spence ridge is the easiest way to get there.  Both of these hikes are about 1 hr each way. And both trail heads are on the same side.  If you take exit 103 off 40W which is 64 then turn left onto 70 (school for the deaf is at that intersection) follow 70 around and turn left onto 181 (yellow car wash will be on your right).  Then take 181 to mile marker 23ish and turn left into the first entrance you see for Gingercake Acres.  When the road forks stay to the left.  You will pass by houses on both sides of you and that road will turn into a dirt road and your trail head / parking areas will be: sitting bear, hawksbill, spence ridge.  After you pass spence ridge (parking on both sides in a bottom area) look for a sign for table rock and take a right and that will take you up to Table Rock parking (I believe its the first right you can take).

The bridge at the bottom of spence


View from Table rock


If you have any other questions let us know.  Also the falls would be an easy hike but super touristy.

Mike

Your photo for the Spence Bridge is a private photo ... can't pull it up.

Stuff happens sometimes ... must be gremlins!