Waterfalls

Waterfalls in the Cashiers-Highlands Area

There are nearly 200 waterfalls in the Western North Carolina area, thusly known as the "Land of Waterfalls". which includes the Cashiers-Highlands area. It is famous not only for the many waterfalls, but also the trout streams.
Below we have just a few listed in the area.

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

The 1.5-mile roundtrip Bearwallow Falls Trail. The hike is a moderate one that terminates at a large viewing platform that overlooks Bearwallow Creek.

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 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.

Photo by Dave Allen

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, waterwater rafting, canoeing and kayaking is prohibited on 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 swirlholes in the rock (pictured below). 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.
(Credit Allen Easler)


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

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

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
(Credit GoCashiers)

Glen Falls
Highlands

Glen Falls is a must see...With fairly steep trails that zig zag back and forth, that lead to different overlooks of tiered falls.

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! Click here for images!

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.