Discover Nearly 200 WNC Waterfalls
There are nearly 200 waterfalls in the Western North Carolina area – it’s no wonder the area is known as the “Land of Waterfalls.” The Cashiers-Highlands area is famous not only for the many waterfalls, but also the trout streams. Below we have just a few listed in the area.
Silver Run Falls
Bridal Veil Falls – Franklin/Highlands, NC
Bridal Veil Falls is a fun walk to the 120-foot waterfall, which is located about 2.5 miles west of Highlands on Highway 64. It is on a tributary of the Cullasaja River. There is a little loop off the highway so you can drive right under the falls, but will sneak up on you. If you miss it, pull off after the waterfall in the wide area on the right and park or circle back around.
Cullasaja River Gorge – Franklin/Highlands, NC
As the name implies, this is a deep canyon created by the Cullasaja River, Cascading about 250 feet. Three major waterfalls grace the route: Bridal Veil Falls followed by Dry Falls and, finally, Cullasaja Falls, bring the most dramatic. The trail to the base of the falls is steep and rocky.
The Cullasaja gorge is between Highlands and Franklin on US-64
Drift Falls – Cashiers, NC
This waterfall is somewhere around 80 feet long. It doesn’t drop straight down like a traditional waterfall but instead slides at close to a 45-degree grade. This waterfall can be used as a waterslide by the brave and hard-headed.
From Cashiers follow US-64 10 miles east to Sapphire. Turn right on the ‘Whitewater’ Road and then south about 3 miles to the Horsepasture River
Dry Falls – Franklin/Highlands, NC
Dry Falls is in the Nantahala National Forest. You can see it from the road and no, it’s not dry! There is an old log shelter at the trailhead. The trail descends a series of steps to the base of the 75-foot falls. Not particularly challenging but, the climb back up may be a little tough. If you descend to the base of the falls, you can walk behind the falls, which is really neat…be prepared to get wet, though!
Located On US 64/28, 4 miles from Highlands
Whitewater Falls – Cashiers, NC
These falls are awesome! This is the highest set of falls east of the Rocky Mountains having a total drop of almost 700 feet. Upper Whitewater Falls plunge an amazing 411 feet! South Carolina’s Lower Whitewater Falls drops another 400 feet. In the cool, moist shade of steep slopes and rock cliffs, wildflowers and salamanders are plentiful. Also enjoy the beauty of berries and blooms throughout the seasons.
Located 10 miles south of Cashiers NC on NC-281