Dry Falls — Local services in Highlands

$3 REQUIRED "Day fee" (they are giving notice that it may increase to $5), but it's still well worth it! Amazing waterfall! Good-sized, and you can even walk behind it! You get close enough that you get sprayed! The path is paved, but there are steps, as well. But it's not difficult to navigate. It's not far, either. We spent maybe 30 minutes total and took lots of video behind the falls. It looks like it might be more challenging than it is, because it switches back, but the incline is not bad since the periodic steps break it up.

Very beautiful. I plan to come back and bring my son next time.

Note: the Day Fee presumably applies to all of the National Recreation Fee Sites in the area, so your $3 should cover you to visit some of their other waterfalls in the area, too, like Whitewater Falls (which is larger, but you don't get that close). But be aware that they do not have a way to provide change. They have a QR code where you can pay online, but that will require you to set up an account. And they want ALL your info! You cannot simply pay as a guest. Which puts your info into yet another database where it can be hacked and stolen or simply sold at the provider's discretion. So I would avoid that route if you can. Anyway, we ended up spending more time trying to scrounge up $3 (and failing because who who still carries $1 bills around?) and filling out all the required info (and walking back and forth to our vehicle to search for cash and a pen, and ultimately put the tag in the window than it took us to walk to the waterfall itself)! They make it such a challenge to pay that I'm guessing that's why about half the cars hadn't done it. But follow their path at your own risk. I don't know what the repercussions might be. It's possible that "day use" only applies to people who will be spending the day there rather than 30 minutes, but I wouldn't recommend risking it.

WARNING: when you get to the actual waterfall, there is a sign that warns of possible falling rocks, but it is in a terrible spot! If you pay attention to the sign, that should trigger you to look up to watch for danger right as there is about a 1 foot drop in the path! So DO NOT LOOK UP to check for falling rock danger at this moment or you risk serious injury because you paid attention to the warning sign! This is the opposite of what warning signs are supposed to do! Be sure to come to a complete stop if you want to look up to evaluate the risk, and then LOOK DOWN before you take another step! It is not clearly marked that there is a...

Not really a hike but nice waterfall. You can go behind the waterfall easily. As long at you can walk few stairs its fun. Located roadside on US Highway 64, everyone can enjoy the view from a fully accessible observation area adjacent to the parking area. It's a short walk down the trail to reach the falls. The view above is from the end of the short trail.

During the coldest winter periods, stop by to see the ice formations! When there's ice, the section behind the waterfall is blocked off for safety.

Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7-mile (14 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls. In the narrow and deep Cullasaja Gorge, the Cullasaja River rushes and drops in a series of cascades and waterfalls to the Tennessee River near Franklin. A two-lane highway called Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, the combined route of U.S. 64 and NC 28, runs through the Cullasaja Gorge, which is mostly protected as part of the Nantahala National Forest.

The U.S. Forest Service has designated this to be a National Scenic Byway because of the river, and its numerous waterfalls. The highway clings to the north bank of the Cullasaja River. Though the road is narrow and the curves are frequent and sharp, it can be a fun and beautiful drive. There are many places to pull off, get out and enjoy the views of the river.

It's approximately 80 miles from Asheville, so it makes a great day trip with much to see along the way.

Nearby Waterfalls Less than a mile away from Dry Falls, drive behind Bridal Veil Falls. Also nearby are hikes to Glen Falls and Secret Falls. A short drive away on US 64 is Bust Your Butt Falls swimming hole and Cullasaja Falls. Read more about in our Highlands & Cashiers Waterfalls Guide. And for more waterfalls in the Asheville area, see our Waterfalls Guide.

Directions Coming from Highlands: Take Hwy 64 west for just over 3 miles from its intersection with Hwy 106. Pass or stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then look for a brown and white forest service sign for Dry Falls and turn left into the parking area. If you are coming from Franklin, Dry Falls is about 16.5 miles east on U.S. Hwy 64.

From Asheville: Take I-40 West to route 23/74W towards Waynesville. Take 23/74W to 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. At Franklin stay on the bypass and take U.S. Highway 64 East toward Highlands. 82 miles,...

My recent visit to Dry Falls in Highlands, NC, was nothing short of magical! Nestled in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, Dry Falls feels like a hidden gem that belongs in a fairytale.

The drive to the falls is winding and steep in some areas. Parking is free but the lot is small and fills up quickly. The trail to the falls is easy, but it does require a short trek down a couple of sets of stairs. The view of the waterfall from the overlook is breathtaking, but the real enchantment begins as you follow the trail toward the falls. As I approached the falls, the mist from the cascading water created a refreshing, ethereal atmosphere. Standing behind the curtain of water, I felt like I had stepped into another world, where nature's beauty and power are on full display.

The lush greenery surrounding the falls adds to the mystical ambiance, making it a perfect spot for photos or simply to soak in the serene environment. The cool, refreshing air behind the waterfall is invigorating, a natural respite from the summer heat.

Dry Falls is an enchanting destination that captivates the heart and soul. If you ever find yourself in the Highlands area, this magical place is a must-visit. It's not just a waterfall; it's an experience that will leave you feeling awe-inspired and connected to the...