WATERFALLS & HIKING

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Sapphire, Cashiers, and Highlands cover much of the western North Carolina area that contains over 200 waterfalls, which is why we are known as the "Land of Waterfalls"! It is famous not only for the many waterfalls, but also the trout streams. This page is always under development because we are constantly uncovering new waterfalls in the area! 

Bearwallow Falls

Located in Transylvania County and joins the North Carolina/South Carolina state line in

the Gorges State Park. The 1.5-mile round-trip Bearwallow Falls Trail. The hike is a moderate one that ends at a large viewing platform that overlooks Bearwallow Creek.

Bridal Veil Falls, Franklin/Highlands

Bridal Veil Falls is a fun walk to the 120-foot waterfall, which is located about 2.5 miles west of Highlands on Hwy 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.

Bull Pen Falls, Cashiers

Bull Pen is as much rapid as waterfall. While not the most dramatic falls in the area, this is a great place to hang out for a while and explore the Chattooga River Trail. (Credit GoCashiers) However, white water rafting, canoeing, and kayaking is prohibited in this section of the Chattooga. The falls can be easily viewed at the bridge or you can take a short trail just past the west side of the bridge to the top of the cascade. At the bottom of the cascade, the powerful Chattooga has carved deep swirl-holes in the rock. Over thousands of years, small pebbles and grains of sand were swirled around by the water to create these holes. Several hiking trails are in the area, including a new loop trail that follows the river upstream. Plus, this is a popular spot for fly fishing.

Quarry Falls, or "Bust Your Butt Falls", Sapphire

A popular swimming and sliding area along U.S. Highway 64 is "Bust Your Butt Falls" (also known as Quarry Falls or Bust-Yer-Butt Falls). For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters. It's six miles west of Highlands on U.S. 64 (about 3 miles from Dry Falls). (Courtesy Romantic Asheville)

Cullasaja Falls, Franklin/Highlands

Big falls at 250ft and considered to be one of the most picturesque falls in western North Carolina. This fall is the first seen from U.S. 64/28. The falls are spectacular and this wavy strip of U.S. 64/28 is a paved marvel of highway. A real hang onto your hat kind of road but well worth the drive. Directions: Located on U.S. 64/28 between Highlands and Franklin

Lower Cullasaja Falls

The lower portion of Cullasaja Falls is a cascade of water which flows about 250 ft down. It is located on the Cullasaja River at the lower part of the Cullasaja Gorge. It is part of the Mountain Water Scenic Byway. Cullasaja Falls is only visible from your car; there is no adequate pull-off from the road. Directions: Cullasaja is located off U.S. 64, 11 miles east of Franklin, 9 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge.

Drift Falls, Cashiers

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 water slide 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, Highlands

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 trail-head. A lot of water pours over this wide waterfall. There is a well maintained path that leads a short distance down from the parking area. The path doesn't end at the falls but travels under the falls. It's a breath taking experience to stand under the falls and watch millions of gallons of clear mountain water pour over your head and before your eyes at a height of 75 ft. Directions: On U.S. 64/28 four miles from Highlands.

Glen Falls, Highlands

Glen Falls is a must see. This is a favorite and probably one of the most beautiful waterfall setting in the Highlands area! It's a great hike and I always like to take a back pack with sandwiches and snacks! Glen Falls is on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the scenic Blue Valley area in Nantahala National Forest. The hike is down hill from the parking lot, so it's quite a climb

to return. There are quite a few switchbacks, so the climb is not too steep. As you descend, you will reach a beautiful view from the top of Glen Falls .Continue down hill to the upper section of the waterfall, dropping about 70 feet. There is plenty of room to rest and relax on the rocks at the base of the falls and maybe have a picnic. Continue about 1/3 mile to the middle section of the falls that drop 60 feet, with water stair-stepping down a wide rock face.

Frolictown Falls, Panthertown Cashiers

Frolictown Falls is a small but nice waterfall in Panthertown Valley. Hiking in this area, you really get the feel of being in the woods. There are no panoramas from this thickly vegetated valley floor. Be sure to get a map of Panthertown Valley or find someone to lead you, as the trails can be tricky.

Lookingglass Falls, Pisgah Forest

A beautiful waterfall along an incredible forest drive in Pisgah. This is an easy waterfall to get to without any hiking needed. Just pull over along the street (plenty of easy parking) and walk up to the huge mountain face that bears a cascading waterfall, Lookingglass.

The Narrows, Sapphire

The beautiful Narrows waterfall is located on the Horsepasture River in Sapphire Valley.

Enjoy the scenic trails that lead you to different sections of the river!

Rainbow Falls, Sapphire

Rainbow Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This 150-foot tall waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that swells the Horsepasture River, its source. The best feature of Rainbow Falls is the ability for visitors to experience the falls from the front, bottom, side, and top! (courtesy Romantic Asheville)

Schoolhouse Falls, Panthertown Cashiers

Among the many hikes and waterfalls in Panthertown, Schoolhouse Falls is one of our favorites. This moderately easy hike takes you to a beautiful waterfall cascading into a swimming cove. This is a great spot to bring a picnic and relax in the sun.

Silver Run Falls, Cashiers

Just moments from Sapphire, a few miles South on 107. A short and enjoyable hike, where you even get to cross a tree fallen across the creek. (This waterfall is very close to our home Cashiers Mountain Hideaway.)

Sliding Rock Falls, Pisgah Forest

Sliding Rock is a natural water slide, created by the Chattooga River gliding over a 10-foot high rock face with a few large potholes. It's a popular local spot during the summer because the water is quite cool. You can slide down the rock, cannonball into one of the potholes or just wade in the pool below the rock.

Turtleback Falls, Sapphire

These falls offer a 20-foot drop over a curved rock face into a pool that can have strong currents. At lower water levels, it's a popular spot to go sliding and swimming. You should be a good swimmer, since there are no lifeguards. The rocks and currents can make it dangerous if inexperienced. Do not attempt to slide when water is high, since the rushing water can take you down river over Rainbow Falls (150 ft drop so do not get too close!). There are several great vantage points to enjoy the falls - and the people sliding. (courtesy Romantic Asheville)

Whiteside Mountain, Highlands

A landmark in the Nantahala National Forest, the Whiteside hike rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet, located between Cashiers and Highlands. A loop trail takes you on top of sheer 750-foot high cliffs with incredible views (from the safety of railings of course). This hike is a favorite of ours.

Whitewater Falls, Cashiers

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.