Waterfalls

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Western North Carolina has thousands of waterfalls. Many of them are accessible enough to be seen from the road or just an easy walk away. Here are six waterfalls that can be seen in a single day.

Summary of waterfalls that are closer to cabin:   (More info below)
Fires Creek     (about 20 minutes from the cabin)
Cupid Falls, Young Harris - Very Easy  (20 minutes away)
Rufus Morgan Falls  (One of our favorites: about 30 minutes from the cabin)
Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area (52 minutes from cabin)


From Hayesville, follow US 64 east toward Franklin, then exit toward Highlands staying on US 64 for about seven miles.

1. Cullasaja Falls – Visible from U.S. 64, in Cullasaja Gorge, 11 mi. east from Franklin.  Height 250 ft. Accessible by foot trail, a half-mile through steep, rough terrain. The road here is dangerous, so be extremely careful and park to observe. Continue east another five miles on US 64 to Dry Falls on the right.

2. Dry Falls –   Paved walkway leads to falls from parking area. Walk underneath the 75 ft. falls.
Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot (20.1 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest. Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7-mile (14.0 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the waterflow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the waterflow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also gone by a few other names, including High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls.
Continue east on US64 to Bridal Veil Falls on the left, directly beside the road.

3. Bridal Veil Falls –  Visible from the highway, which at one time routed traffic under the falls. Height 120 ft.
From Bridal Veil Falls, head on east and drive through Highlands and Cashiers. Take NC 281 South and drive 8.6 miles to the entrance of Whitewater Falls, on the left. From the far end of the parking area, follow a .2 mile paved path to the upper viewing area. Stairs lead down to another viewing platform, but not all the way to the river.

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.  Drift, Horse pasture and Rainbow Falls are also accessible from Whitewater Rd. Whitewater Falls can also be reached from N.C. 107, south of Cashiers.
Retrace your steps back to US 64 and take up again eastward, travel through Bervard, and turn right at the signal light at US276. Continue 3.7 miles to the Texaco station in Penrose, turn right and follow the signs for DuPont State Forest. Turn right on Crab Creek Road, continue about 4 miles on DuPont Road. The parking lot on the right leads to a short walk along a level path to Hooker Falls.

Hooker Falls drops off 11 foot ledge directly into Cascade Lake, This waterfall features new parking for those with disabilities and an observation deck. Also in the park, but requiring a longer and somewhat steeper hike, are Triple Falls & High Falls.

Return to Penrose, turn left on US64, go back to US276 through the signal light into Pisgah National Forest for 5.5 miles. On the right is the 60ft. Looking Glass Falls.

Looking Glass Falls. The falls are visible from the road and a viewing platform at the roadside. You can also take the stairs to a short trial near the base of the falls. This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state.

Continue on US276, travelling by Sliding Rock on the left (a 60 ft. sloping boulder making a natural water slide ending in a 8ft deep pool of water) toward Wayhesville, under the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mount Pisgah and won pass Crusoe to Waynesville. Turn left onto US 23/74 and go by Sylva to Dillsboro. Bypass Franklin until the road becomes US 64 and leads to Hayesville.

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 (more information below)

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. http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/big_laurel1.htm

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.Leatherwood and Bald Springs Falls


 Fires Creek     (about 20 minutes from the cabin)

 A pair of 100-foot waterfalls on Fires Creek. Picnicking is available. Directions: Falls located on Forest Road #1244, 10 miles north Hayesville Caution: Keep in mind, waterfalls are beautiful, but they are not to be climbed on, they can be dangerous, people have been seriously injured and in some cases have lost their lives climbing on waterfalls, they are posted for a reason, so enjoy while you are there and take a photo home to remember. - Click here for more information


Waterfalls in the North Georgia Mountains
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14. Rufus Morgan Falls  (One of our favorites: about 30 minutes from the cabin)

•  60 Ft. Cascading waterfall 
•  Easy to Moderate Loop trail 1 mile in length 
•  Well worn path with a 2 creek crossings via footbridge 
•  Wildflowers are abundant in Mid to late April 
•  Flame Azalea, Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron from late May through late July
•  Trail is peaceful and off the beaten path which might mean you'll have it to yourself 
•  The trail is "Blue Blazed" (Blue rectangle painted on trees) 
•  Suitable for all ages

The Local Scoop

We recommend the Rufus Morgan Trail to the entire family, including "Fido." We suggest that you come in mid to late April through early May for the best chance to see the floor of the forest covered with wildflowers. If you have dogs, please keep them on a leash and the two stream crossings will give them a chance to hydrate during the trek. Come in late May- July (at this elevation) to enjoy the multitude of blooming Rhododendrons, Flame Azeleas and Mountain Laruel. The entire right hand side of the falls are lined with Rhododendron. The last time I came was in late August and the blooming season had already passed. We recommend this trail because it is a great activity for the entire family. This trail is also sutiable for senior citizens that still get regular exercise. The trail is Blue Blazed and is well maintained. The falls are beautiful and the sounds of cascading water by the creek are both relaxing and rejuvenating to sit and listen to. This is a loop trail but you can simply hike to the falls and return the same way you came if you like. Either way leads back to the small parking area where you started.  Make a day out of it and see the nearby "Wayah Bald Lookout Tower" and have a nice picnic packed to enjoy at the tables found at the top.

The Local Directions

From intersection of U.S. Hwy-64 W and U.S. Hwy-23/441 North in Franklin take Hwy-64 W towards Murphy, NC for 3.8 miles to "Old Murphy Rd.(SR 1448) on your Right (Wayah Bald Sign). After you take the exit, continue down the hill for just under 0.2 miles to Wayah Road (SR 1310) on your Left ("Loafers Glory" gas station will be at the intersection of Old Murphy Rd. and Wayah Rd, so you'll know where to turn). Continue on Wayah Rd. for another 6.4 miles until you come to FR (forest road) #388 on your Left (you'll need to pay attention to your odometer because there are no signage for Rufus Morgan Falls or Trail, just a small brown sign with the numbers "388" on it). Continue on FR #388 for 2 miles to the parking area for "Rufus Morgan Trailhead". The road is gravel, but well maintained.


Moony Falls

Not too far outside of Franklin, located in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest, near Standing Indian Campground one can enjoy the beauty of Mooney Falls (please see picture above). Mooney Falls is about 20’ and there is a small swimming hole near the bottom of the falls. To get to Mooney Falls, take the turn into Standing Indian Campground, which is about 12 miles from the intersection of 64W and 441/23 outside of Franklin, drive just under 2 miles and turn right at the sign for Standing Indian Campground (FR67). Drive 6.7 miles down (FR67) and then take a left into Standing Indian Campground, the road will turn from pavement to gravel. The hike to the waterfall is an easy .5 mile hike along Big Laurel Branch. A short distance from the trailhead, turn right at the fork in the trail and follow the creek up to the fall. Remember, it can be cool up in the higher elevations so don’t forget a light sweater or jacket.


Upper Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 411 feet! It's about 25 miles from Franklin, NC and part of the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge area of North Carolina just before you reach South Carolina. For an excellent view of Whitewater Falls, follow the paved 1/4-mile walkway to the upper overlook. The walkway begins at the end of the parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. A lower overlook with an even better view (please see photo above) is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. The only full views of the falls are from these two overlooks. However, some people venture off the trail to try for better views. Tragically, several of these people fell to their deaths or suffered serious injuries at Whitewater Falls, so please stay on the trails for your safety.


  Sliding Rock

Each summer, many thousands of children and adults slip and slide down this favorite natural mountain waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina. Sliders patiently line up and wait their turn as one-by-one they ride the chilly water (50-60 degrees!) down the 60-foot flat, sloping boulder. They make a splash in an eight-foot deep pool and swim a few strokes to the shore, get in line, and do it all over again.This natural waterslide, located eight miles from Brevard, is fueled by 11,000 gallons of water flowing down the rock each minute, creating an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind thrill. It is extremely popular on hot summer days, so be patient! There's plenty of areas to relax on rocks or observation decks.2016 Hours & AdmissionWhile you can slide anytime during daylight hours, lifeguards are on duty from May 28 through late August, 10 AM-6 PM. After late-August, lifeguards will be present on Labor Day weekend and then intermittent staffing on weekends will continue through mid-October. Changing rooms and restrooms are open when it's staffed. While Sliding Rock is also often open when noone is on duty, do not slide during high water or thunderstorms. Cost to enter the recreation area is $2 per person when staff members are on duty. Children 6 and under are free. It is free to visit during "off" hours (but restrooms are closed and donations encouraged). - See more at: romantic asheville

Driving DirectionsFrom Asheville (38 miles from downtown), drive I-26 East to Exit 40 for Highway 280 (and the Asheville Airport). Take a right onto Highway 280 West and go 16 miles toward Brevard. As you enter Brevard, you will see a big shopping center on the right (with Wal-Mart). Just past the center, turn right onto US Highway 276 North (Forest Heritage Scenic Byway) to enter the Pisgah National Forest. Go 7.6 miles to a parking area on the left. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take US 276 South about 7.5 miles. - More information 

Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area (52 minutes from cabin)

These beautiful falls are located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and are readily accessible for the price a few dollars and a little bit of hiking. The water cascading over the drop offs is created by two creeks. The Curtis Creek falls drop 153 feet and the York Creek falls are a much shorter but still spectacular 50 feet. The water at the bottom of the falls is then considered to be part of Smith Creek which flows into and forms Smith Lake - the centerpiece of Unicoi State Park. Click here for the park's link
To get to the visitors center you will need to drive through Unicoi State Park (driving directions).  

Unfortunately the fees for the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area and Unicoi State Park have nothing to do with one another. If you want to visit both places, you have to pay a fee at each one. If you are only visiting the falls you are allowed to drive through Unicoi State Park for free.
Once you drive through Unicoi Park you will enter forest service property and soon arrive at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center. Here is where you pay your $3 recreation use fee (per person, 16 and older; free for kids under 16) and access the trailhead.
You can reach the falls via a ~ 1/2 mile paved trail that leads from the parking lot to two viewing decks. From there you get a nice view of both falls. More adventurous hikers can also walk the 4.6 mile Smith Creek Trail, which connects the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. Another interesting trail that begins at the visitors center is The Lion's Eye Trail. It runs along Smith Creek and is designed to provide visually impaired individuals an opportunity to visit the creek and learn about the local environment. The trail has hand rails and braille signs.


Cupid Falls, Young Harris - Very Easy  (20 minutes away)
Click here for directions
It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in all of North Georgia, even if it’s barely over ten feet in height. It’s more easily seen from the small park above, but a short walk down to the creek bed affords this view. (Be careful if walking down for this view, however, as the rocks are a bit difficult and always slippery). Ample free parking is available at the Corn Creek Preserve on Thomastown Road, which also features a couple of short trails, a children’s interpretive garden, and a marker commemorating the old mill which once operated here. 
Hardly need to get out of the car, just a short easy walk. Take Hwy 76 W to Maple St. turn left ( at corner of Mayor's Park) thru YHC campus to Thomastown Rd Falls on left