Discover Highlands’ Cascading Treasures
There’s a hush in the forest just before you hear it. A gentle rumble, a distant rush, a promise of something worth discovering. In Highlands, that sound is often the soundtrack to a day well spent. Here, waterfalls aren’t just landmarks - they’re part of the landscape and part of the wonder that draws visitors year after year.
Tucked in the Nantahala National Forest and the southern Appalachian range, Highlands is a place where water works its magic on stone, time, and the senses. With cool mountain air and lush canopies overhead, a short hike often leads to something unforgettable: the kind of moment where mist catches the sunlight and the roar of falling water drowns out everything but awe.
Dry Falls – A Wet and Wild Walk-Under Wonder
One of the most iconic and accessible waterfalls near Highlands is Dry Falls, a bit of a misnomer, really. While you won’t stay dry if you wander too close, the falls get their name from a unique feature: a walkway allows you to literally walk behind the cascading curtain of water without getting soaked (well, mostly). Just a short drive from town along U.S. 64, Dry Falls is a favorite for families, photographers, and anyone looking for a jaw-dropping payoff with minimal effort.
Bridal Veil Falls – A Roadside Marvel
A little further along the same stretch of scenic highway is Bridal Veil Falls, one of the few waterfalls in the country you can (cautiously) drive behind when the conditions are right. Though the drive-under route is now closed to vehicles, it’s still a photo-worthy stop, especially when morning sunlight filters through the spray, creating a veil-like shimmer.
Cullasaja Falls – Wild and Untamed
Continue along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and you’ll catch glimpses of Cullasaja Falls from the road. Towering and dramatic, this fall drops nearly 250 feet in a series of cascades along the Cullasaja River. While there’s no official trail, brave adventurers sometimes scramble down for a closer look. Even from the roadside, though, it’s a thrilling sight - particularly in late spring and early summer, when rainfall feeds the river with energy and sound.
Glen Falls – A Hiker’s Reward
For those willing to stretch their legs a bit more, Glen Falls delivers a three-tiered spectacle with a moderate hike through rhododendron and hardwood forest. Located just a few miles south of town, the trail descends about 1.5 miles, offering multiple vantage points along the way. The sounds shift as you move—from trickle to roar—and the forest seems to lean in as if it, too, is drawn toward the rushing water.
Secret Spots and Hidden Cascades
Highlands’ surroundings are dotted with lesser-known waterfalls, too - tucked into hollows and hidden along backroads. Lower Satulah Falls, Big Creek Falls, and Picklesimer Rock House Falls may not appear on every visitor’s map, but for locals and returning guests, these quiet places offer solitude and a deeper sense of connection to the land. Some require a hike, others a bit of local knowledge - but all are part of the magic that makes the area feel like your own secret to discover.
Respecting the Falls
As with all things wild and wonderful, it’s important to tread lightly. Many of these waterfalls are part of fragile ecosystems and require care from those who visit. Follow posted guidelines, stay on marked trails, and never climb on wet rocks - no matter how tempting that perfect photo might be.
Lace up your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and follow the sound of falling water. Highlands is waiting, and the cool waters are calling.