This is a guide to 16 scenic waterfalls in
Southwestern North Carolina, including areas
of the Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National
Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. We've also included a waterfalls
map to help you get there.
1.
Cullasaja Falls
- Visible from U.S. 64, in Cullasaja
Gorge, 11 mi. east from Franklin, 9 mi. west
from Highlands. Height 250 ft. Accessible by
foot trail, a half-mile through steep, rough
terrain.
2. Dry Falls -
Located near U.S. 64, 3.5 mi. west from Highlands,
16.5 mi. east from Franklin. Paved walkway leads
to falls from parking area. Walk underneath
the 75 ft. falls.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
- 2.5 mi. west of Highlands on U.S. 64.
Visible from the highway, which at one time
routed traffic under the falls. Height 120 ft.
4. Glen Falls -
From Highlands, travel 3 mi. south on NC 106.
Turn left on U.S. Forest Service Rd. with "Glen
Falls" marker. One-mile trail to falls
is steep and rough. Consists of three large
falls, each dropping approx. 60 feet.
5. Whitewater Falls
- At 411 ft., the highest falls in Eastern America.
From Cashiers, take U.S. 64 east, 10 mi. to
"Whitewater Road." Falls are located
10 mi. south on Whitewater Rd., near the NC-SC
state line. Drift, Horsepasture and Rainbow
Falls are also accessible from Whitewater Rd.
Whitewater Falls can also be reached from N.C.
107, south of Cashiers.
6. Rainbow Falls -
From Cashiers, take U.S. 64 to N.C. 281 South.
The trail to the falls is two miles from this
intersection.
7. Toxaway Falls
- This falls can be seen from your car as you
cross the Toxaway River on U.S. 64 East near
Rosman.
8. Courthouse
Falls - Take
US 64 East to N.C. 215 North. Travel 10 miles
and take right on Courthouse Creek Road. Trailhead
well marked.
9. Sliding Rock
- This natural waterslide is a favorite of many
people. Just jump in the water at the top of
the falls and slide down the rock face to the
bottom. 11,000 gallons of 50 to 60 degree water
rushes down the rock every minute. Take 276
North from Brevard. 7 Miles north of the Ranger
Station.
10. Looking
Glass Falls - Take 276 North from Brevard.
Falls is approximately 4 miles north of Ranger
Station.Parking area is well marked. Short walk
to falls.
11. Indian Creek
Falls - From Bryson City, take "Deep
Creek Rd." north 3 mi. to Deep Creek Campground
in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
One-mile hike to falls is classified as "easy".
Height 60 ft.
12.
Juneywhank Falls - Follow directions
to Indian Creek Falls. Juneywhank Falls are
one-quarter mile downstream from Indian Creek.
13.
Tom's Branch
Falls - See directions to Indian Creek
Falls. A quarter-mile walk from Deep Creek Campground.
14. Rufus Morgan Falls
- This easy one mile loop trail is named after
Rufus Morgan, a naturalist who was instrumental
in developing the Appalachian Trail. Take U.S.
64 for 3 miles west of Franklin. Turn right
at Wayah Bald directional sign. Take first left
onto Wayah Road (S.R. 1310). 6.6 Miles and then
left of F.S. Road 388. Trail 2.2 miles on right
15. Big Laurel Falls
- Go 9 miles west on U.S. 64. Turn left on Wallace
Gap Road (Old U.S. 64) and go 1.5 miles. Turn
right on F.S. Road 67 (toward Standing Indian
Campground) and go 7 miles (5 miles past Back
Country Information Center). Trail runs along
an old railroad grade. After passing over bridge,
it splits; right ends at Big Laurel Falls.
16. Mooney Falls
- See directions to Big Laurel Falls, continuing
for .7 mile past Big Laurel Falls trailhead.
A very short trail descends to Mooney Falls.
Roadside parking available.
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Visitor Information