Chasing Waterfalls: Where to Find the Best Falls Near Highlands, NC

These waterfalls are the best-known in the area and are often the first stops for visitors. Their accessibility and dramatic settings make them essential starting points.

Dry Falls

Dry Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina and a defining feature of the Highlands area. Located along US Highway 64 just west of town, this 80-foot waterfall is famous for the short walkway that allows visitors to stand behind the cascade.

The trail is paved and relatively short, making Dry Falls accessible to most visitors. Because of its popularity, early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be quieter, especially during peak seasons.

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most unusual waterfalls in the region due to its roadside location. The 120-foot drop sits directly along US Highway 64 West, making it visible without leaving your car.

Seasonal changes dramatically alter its appearance. In winter, freezing spray can create large ice formations at the base, while spring and summer bring strong flow and lush greenery.

Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls is a series of cascades plunging through the Cullasaja River Gorge within the Nantahala National Forest. While there is no formal trail to the base, several roadside pull-offs along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway (US Highway 64) offer striking viewpoints.

The drive itself is part of the experience, with steep rock walls, dense forest, and rushing water visible from the road. Caution is advised, as the highway is narrow and winding.

For visitors who want to spend more time on the trail, Highlands offers several rewarding waterfall hikes that range from easy walks to moderate climbs.

Glen Falls

Glen Falls is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Highlands. This approximately 2-mile round-trip hike descends to a series of three waterfalls, each with its own character and viewing area.

The trail is well-marked but steep in sections, particularly on the return. The effort is rewarded with multiple viewpoints and fewer crowds than roadside falls.

Silver Run Falls

Located near Cashiers, Silver Run Falls is reached via a short, gentle hike that makes it ideal for families or those looking for minimal elevation change. The waterfall drops into a wide pool and is surrounded by forest, creating a calm, enclosed feel.

Because of its ease of access, Silver Run Falls is often paired with other nearby stops in a single outing.

Whitewater Falls

Whitewater Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States and a common addition to a Highlands waterfall itinerary. A paved path leads to an overlook, while stairs descend to lower viewpoints for those wanting a closer look.

It is especially impressive in spring, when rainfall and snowmelt increase water volume.

Beyond the major stops, the Highlands area is filled with quieter waterfalls that feel more local in character.

• Bust Your Butt Falls (Quarry Falls): A natural waterslide and swimming hole along the Cullasaja River, popular in warm weather. Conditions can change quickly, so caution is essential.
• Secret Falls (Big Shoals Falls): A short hike leads to a wide, peaceful cascade that feels removed from roadside traffic.
• Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls: A smaller waterfall framed by mossy rocks and dense forest, ideal for a quieter stop.
• Glenville-area falls: Several small cascades scattered near Cashiers and Lake Glenville reward exploration for those willing to venture slightly farther.

These waterfalls often require more navigation and attention to trail conditions, but they offer a sense of discovery that contrasts with the more famous sites.

Waterfalls near Highlands flow year-round, but each season offers a different experience.

• Spring: Peak flow and vibrant greenery make this the most popular season for waterfall exploring.
• Summer: Warm temperatures allow for swimming at select waterfalls, with shaded trails providing relief from the heat.
• Fall: Lower water levels but exceptional foliage create striking contrasts along trails and scenic drives.
• Winter: Quieter trails and occasional ice formations add a dramatic edge, particularly at Bridal Veil Falls.

Even the most accessible waterfalls around Highlands are part of a mountain environment, and a little preparation goes a long way. Conditions can shift quickly, trails are often damp, and many viewpoints sit close to slick rock or uneven ground.

Choose footwear with traction.
Waterfall areas tend to stay wet year-round, even during dry stretches. Shoes with solid grip help on muddy trail sections, stone steps, and mossy rocks near the base of falls. Smooth soles and open-toe shoes are best avoided.

Dress for changing conditions.
Highlands’ elevation keeps temperatures cooler than surrounding areas, particularly near moving water. Light layers or a breathable jacket help you stay comfortable as you move between shaded forest, open viewpoints, and mist-heavy areas.

Carry water and something small to eat.
Waterfall exploring often involves multiple short stops that add up over the course of a day. Having water and a simple snack makes it easier to move at a relaxed pace without cutting plans short.

Protect phones and cameras from spray.
Mist from larger waterfalls can travel farther than expected, especially after rain. A small dry bag or waterproof case keeps electronics safe while still easy to access.

Move slowly near water and edges.
Scenic viewpoints are often close to drop-offs or slick stone. Taking extra time and watching footing is especially important after rainfall or during busy periods.

Check conditions before heading out.
Rain upstream can affect water levels and trail conditions. A quick look at the forecast or trail signage can help you adjust plans safely.

Staying in Highlands allows you to experience multiple waterfalls without turning each outing into a long drive. Trailborn Highlands offers a central, quiet base between hikes and scenic drives.

Guests often structure their days around short excursions—heading out to a waterfall in the morning, returning to rest, then exploring another area later in the day. Having comfortable rooms close by makes it easy to recover between outings, especially after time on damp trails or steep terrain, while on-property dining offers a relaxed way to wind down in the evening without needing to drive back into town. Meals at the Highlands Supper Club fit naturally into the rhythm of a waterfall day, providing a warm, unhurried close after hours outdoors.

For travelers looking to deepen their stay, Trailborn’s Highlands Field Guide adds helpful context with seasonal recommendations, scenic drives, and local insights that make it easier to plan waterfall routes alongside other mountain experiences. You can also explore guided and on-property experiences, from wellness offerings to outdoor programming, which pair naturally with waterfall exploring and help balance active days with intentional downtime.

In Highlands, waterfalls aren’t destinations you rush to and leave behind. They’re part of how you move through the mountains—appearing along scenic drives, tucked beside quiet trails, and shaping the pace of the day. Some are dramatic and well known, others easy to miss unless you slow down, but together they define the character of the region.

Using Trailborn Highlands as your base gives you the time and flexibility to experience them properly. Start the morning at Dry Falls, spend the afternoon hiking to Glen Falls, or follow a winding road to a lesser-known cascade, then return to rest, refuel, and do it again the next day. It’s a way of exploring Highlands that feels unhurried, grounded, and closely connected to the landscape, exactly how this mountain town is meant to be experienced.