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Chasing Waterfalls

With its ancient granite mountains and shadowed hollows, combined with abundant rainfall (Highlands is technically in a rain forest), well, it’s no surprise that Highlands has become a national waterfall destination. Make the most of every moment on your next vacation adventure and reconnect with all your senses. Click here to momentarily trade in the noise and bright lights of your day and discover a glimpse of our mountain waterfalls.  Some are diminutive, little more than a rivulet; some of them are raging, exploding over a cliff face with irresistible force. All of them are beguiling and will charm even the most jaded traveler. 

This well-known spot along US Highway 64 near Highlands, also called Quarry Falls, offers a natural slide and swimming hole on the Cullasaja River. Accessible from parking pull offs, a short walk leads to the area where you can find a “jump off” rock. Exercise caution…

This is one of the most unusual and most popular falls in the South by virtue of its easy access along scenic mountain US 64 West, 2.45 miles from town. The falls drop for 120 feet. During cold spells, the spray creates a large mound of ice at its base. If it stays cold long…

Catch a glimpse of Cullasaja Falls from the roadside on the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway (US Highway 64), 8.8 miles west of Highlands. The beautiful cliffside drive winds through the Cullasaja River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest. Exercise caution on the narrow road and…

Head down US Highway 64 West from Highlands toward Franklin to see one of the most popular waterfalls in the area, Dry Falls. This 80-foot waterfall is located along the Cullasaja River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. From…

Discover Glen Falls, a captivating triple waterfall near Highlands, offering four scenic stops on the approximately 2-mile round-trip hike in the Nantahala National Forest. From Highlands, head down NC Highway 106 for approximately 1.7 miles. Look for the sign to Glen Falls on…

Lake Sequoyah Dam Falls, also known as Kalakaleskies Falls is a man-made waterfall spilling over from Lake Sequoyah. To get there, head down highway 64 west toward Franklin for 1.9 miles. There will be a pull off on your left right at the green “Highlands” sign…

Big Shoals Falls, also known as Secret Falls, is a .75-mile easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. From highlands, head south down Highway 28 for 4.1 miles to Wilson Gap and turn left onto Rich Gap Road. Drive .6 miles then turn right onto unpaved forest service road FR45670. Drive…

Silver Run Falls is an easy hike in Cashiers, North Carolina. From Highlands, head down US Highway 64 East toward Cashiers. In Cashiers, from the intersection of Highway 64 and 107 in Cashiers, drive south on Highway 107 for 4.1 miles where you will see Silver Run Falls on the…

Sliding Rock is a popular spot in Cashiers where you can sunbathe, picnic or slide down the rock into the pool at the bottom. From Highlands head down US Highway 64 East to Cashiers. From the intersection of Highway 64 and 107 in Cashiers, head south on Highway 107 for 1.7…

Whitewater Falls is a short out and back hike near Cashiers, NC that provides views of one of the tallest waterfalls in the east. Walk down a paved path to stairs that will take you to a viewing platform. From Highlands, head down US-64 East toward Cashiers. When you reach the…