Highlands is known for its natural beauty, and among its many attractions are the waterfalls that draw visitors from near and far. While all waterfalls offer their own unique charm, there’s something particularly magical about those that allow you to walk behind their falling waters. Highlands is home to three waterfalls that allow you to see them from this unique perspective—Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls.
1. Bridal Veil Falls 
Bridal Veil Falls is a picturesque waterfall known for its unique feature: an old road that allows visitors to walk behind the falls. This 45-foot waterfall is part of the Cullasaja River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest and has been a popular roadside attraction since the construction of U.S. Highway 64 in the 1920s. It is said that the Cherokee believed if a woman walked behind the waterfall in the spring, she will be married by the first snow. Over the years, Bridal Veil Falls has become a well-known and frequently visited waterfall, offering both a scenic spot for photographs and a serene stop for travelers exploring the beauty of the Highlands area.
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2. Dry Falls
Just a short drive past Bridal Veil Falls you will find
another waterfall that you can walk behind. Dry Falls is a beautiful 75-foot waterfall that is also located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest. It is named for the unique feature that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water without getting wet. Dry Falls has been a beloved natural attraction for decades. The site became more accessible to the public in the early 20th century with the development of U.S. Highway 64, which passes close by. Over time, improvements such as viewing platforms and walkways have made Dry Falls a must-see destination, drawing visitors to experience the breathtaking beauty and unique experience that this waterfall has to offer.
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3. Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls
Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls, located about twenty minutes from
Highlands, is a lesser-known waterfall in the area. Like the waterfalls mentioned earlier, this waterfall also allows you to walk behind it. The falls are named after the Picklesimer family, who were early settlers in the region. Unlike the more prominent waterfalls in the area, Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls offers a quieter, more secluded experience, with a distinctive rock overhang that creates a natural shelter or "rockhouse." This unique feature was historically used by Native Americans and early settlers as a temporary refuge. The falls remain a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful connection with nature away from the more traveled paths of the Highlands area.