Waterfalls in Western North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina are home to many beautiful waterfalls. People travel from all across the country to see them. There are more than 250 falls in our immediate area. Below is a selection to get you started; be sure to read the driving directions, as some falls are most easily visited in sequence. Also see our list of hiking trails near the Cashiers/Highlands area.

More information: Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Recreational Guide (pdf)

Bridal Veil Falls

Height: 120 feet
This unique waterfall cascades right over Highway 64 and sometimes features a rainbow in the afternoon sun. You can either view the falls from the highway or drive right underneath them. Bridal Veil Falls is one of three main waterfalls in the Cullasaja Gorge.

Directions: From Cashiers, take Highway 64 West for 10 miles into Highlands. Turn right at the second red light, continuing on Highway 64 for 2.8 miles to the falls on your right.

Dry Falls

Height: 75 feet
Part of the Cullasaja Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest , Dry Falls earned its name because you can take a trail to walk behind the falls and not get wet (don't count on that last part). This is a massive, thundering waterfall that is not to be missed!

Directions: Continue past Bridal Veil Falls for .9 mile to a Forest Service parking area on the left. Follow the stone staircase to the falls, which cascade overhead. A short path takes you behind this waterfall. The $2 parking fee also covers same-day entrance to Whitewater Falls; just be sure to save your receipt.

Lower Cullasaja Falls

Height: 250 feet
The rushing waters of the Cullasaja River flow over the Lower Cullasaja falls, in the Cullasaja Gorge. At 250 feet high, these falls are spectacular and are part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. They can easily be viewed from the road; it is not safe to try and hike down to the base of the falls.

Directions: From Dry Falls, continue on Highway 64 for 3.3 miles. Pull off to the left onto gravel for a view of the upper falls. Continue another 2.4 miles on Highway 64. and pull off to the left side of the road for a view of the lower falls. You can also pass the pull-off, find a safe place to turn around and then go back and enter the pull-off facing the falls. Be sure to pull your vehicle off the road completely, as passing trucks need two lanes to navigate the adjacent curve. Be careful!

Sliding Rock Falls

Length: 60 feet
Managed by the US Forest Service, Sliding Rock is a natural rock slide with a pool at the bottom to catch those who take the plunge. Cool rushing water flows at 11,000 gallons per minute over the smooth granite face of the rock. Lifeguards and staff are on duty during the busy summer season. Located in Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a thrill for kids of all ages.

Directions: From Cashiers, take Highway 107 South for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Whiteside Cove Road and go another 1.5 miles.

Silver Run Falls

Height: 25 feet
The lower portion of Silver Run Falls cascades over a rock ledge into an enchanting tree-lined pool. There is also a sandy beach, making this a fun swimming and picnic area that is popular with both tourists and locals.

Directions: Take Highway 107 South approximately 4.3 miles to gravel parking on the left. A brown Forest Service sign marks the area. Follow the short trail and cross a small foot bridge over the Whitewater River to reach the falls.

Whitewater Falls

Height: 411 feet
Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. These amazing falls plunge over 400 feet into the river below. Because of the rugged terrain with steep slopes and rock cliffs, the area is mostly wild. Undisturbed by man, many varieties of ferns, mosses, fungi flourish, along with beautiful native plants, wildflowers and berries.

Directions: From Cashiers, drive south on Highway 107 for 9.3 miles. Shortly after crossing the state line into South Carolina, turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls. Continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SC 130, which becomes NC 281 at the North Carolina state line. Just beyond this point is a sign for the entrance to Whitewater Falls.

More information: Whitewater Falls Recreation Area Guide (pdf)

Looking Glass Falls

Height: 60 feet
One of the most popular waterfalls in Western North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls is actually a stunning 30-foot wide cascade over a sloped 60-foot surface of polished granite — Looking Glass Rock. It resembles a mirror (or "looking glass") in the winter, as water freezes on its sides and reflects the sun. Looking Glass Creek flows past the falls through Pisgah National Forest.

Directions: From the intersection of Highway 107 and Highway 64 in Cashiers, drive east on Highway 64 for 32.7 miles. Turn left (north) onto US 276 and continue for 5.9 miles. Park on the right. View the falls from the roadside, or descend a stone staircase to the bottom of the falls.

Hurricane Falls

Height: 30-40 feet
Scenic Hurricane Falls empties into Lake Glenville. Although hiking down to the fall is not advised, you can enjoy a great view of it from the roadside. Or, you can access it by boat. Boat rentals are readily available on Lake Glenville. Take along some lunch and enjoy a very special picnic on the water.

Directions: From Cashiers, take Highway 107 North 2 miles and make a left onto Norton Road. Follow road for .5 mile to a pull-off area just past the bridge.

Please follow these basic rules when visiting waterfalls: