Dry Falls

14901 Highlands Road, NC
4.6
11 Reviews
Dry Falls
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Details

Distance
0.35 miles
Elevation Gain
26 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Scenic
Family Friendly
River
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Waterfall
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About this place

Added by Matthew Koehnemann

Dry Falls is a popular waterfall located in western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. Dry Falls is not only exceptionally beautiful, but the trail takes you safely behind the 75ft waterfall allowing you to truly take in the power of its presence.

Dry Falls is located off of Hwy. 64, which has been designated as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, and the road does not disappoint. Hwy. 64 is a two lane road which hugs the northern side of Cullasaja Gorge, which has been carved by the Cullasaja River. Besides Dry Falls, Hwy. 64 leads you past several other waterfalls: Cullasaja Falls- which is only visible from the road; Quarry Falls- more or less a patch of glorified rapids with large boulders that are great to get out and climb on; Bridal Veil Falls- this has a small detour allowing you to drive under them.The parking lot to Dry Falls was redone in 2012, offering restrooms, a viewing platform of the falls and access to the trailhead of the short, easy hike leading down to the falls. From the parking lot, the trail descends a short distance, by way of several different sections of stairs, to the waterfall itself. The trail has several places to observe the falls and continues behind the waterfall to another area where you can see the falls from a different vantage point. Standing behind the waterfall is a truly memorable experience that allows you the humbling opportunity to be witness to the awesome power of nature.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Jessica Haugan
9/15/2025
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C Hadley Summersell
5/30/2025
Stairs lead down from the parking area to the falls which is right off of the main road. It’s only about a 5 minute ...
Amazing Views
Well Marked
Easy To Park
Well Maintained
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Mitchell Gentry
4/28/2023
Beautiful waterfall
It’s amazing after a rain storm
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Brian Lane
8/14/2022
Trip with grandson
Beautiful falls. Great to see with children with short walk to the falls.
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Carly Bouknight
6/19/2021
Great views, easy “hike”
Parking lot sometimes gets busy but a great “hike” for anyone and everyone!
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Jared Beeler
9/15/2020
Photography
This waterfall like the many in the area is very photogenic and provides many angles for photography. Don't forget to get the behind the ...
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Adam Lentz
12/6/2018
Easy access
This is a great spot to stop and see a beautiful water fall with easy access. I visited during early December so a ...
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Jean-Claude Linossi
3/19/2018
Dry Falls
Easily accessible falls off Hwy 64. The walk to the falls is very easy. One of the few falls in the area where ...
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Christian Murillo
10/16/2017
Incredibly scenic, equally as crowded
I was surprised at how accessible Dry Falls is. It was great to see small children and grandparents able to explore such beautiful ...
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Sarah Levant
3/16/2017
Touristy Yet Spectacular
The short walk (all paved) makes this a popular pull over for visitors so it may be crowded with large groups/families. We went in ...
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Kellie Honea
4/5/2016
Walk Behind The Falls
A great waterfall to visit with the family! Just a short walk down gets you to the falls quick. Fun to go ...
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