North Carolina’s Scenic Waterfall Byway
The mountains of western North Carolina are a wonderfully beautiful place. One of the highlights of that beauty, is the North Carolina water fall byway. Beginning in the tiny western corner of the state in the town of Murphy, the byway mainly follows route 64 through the North Carolina highlands, passing several of the state’s most spectacular waterfalls. Some of these require the shortest of hikes, but some are literally on the side of the road! In this article, we will share some of our favorites - and the route that we take when we cruise the North Carolina waterfall byway. This is not a exhaustive list, and we would LOVE to hear which waterfalls are your favorite along the byway! At the bottom of this page is a map, with all the locations mentioned in the article!
Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls are a group of winding falls that follow the Cullasaja river gorge and route 64. Close to the geographical center between Highlands NC, and Franklin, NC, the Cullasaja falls have a blink and you’ll miss it pull off. There’s only room for 2-3 cars, so this water fall is best viewed on weekdays. There is no formal trail, and the hike is steep and best attempted only if you are confident in your hiking skills. Just getting to this waterfall is a stunningly beautiful trek; route 64 clings to a cliff on the wall of the gorge as you climb up towards Highlands.
image credit here.
Dry Falls
Dry Falls is my personal favorite waterfall along this route. This waterfall is named Dry Falls, because the trail to see this beauty actually goes behind the waterfall, allowing you to stay [mostly] dry! Dry Falls is only three miles from Highlands, NC and parking is located conveniently on the side of route 64. There is a short downhill path leading from the parking lot to the falls, or they can be viewed from an accessible platform overlooking the gorge. I would recommend doing both viewpoints if you are able. You can truly take in the majesty of the 70+ foot drop from the top, but nothing beats the roaring thunder of the water down below.
Image Credit Here.
Bridal Veil Falls
Moving even closer to Highlands, NC - you cannot miss Bridal Veil falls. This beautiful waterfall cannot get any closer to the side of the road. There is actually a drivable section that goes under falls, but that was closed off on our last visit through. These falls are spectacular, and so easy to access they are often full mid day. Imagine the proposal opportunities!
image credit: Donald B.
Lake Sequoyah Falls
Ok so this one isn’t technically a waterfall, but it gives you an excuse to stop in the absolute jewel of a town known as Highlands. You can read more about Highlands here (link coming soon! Have questions? Email us at seeseeksleep@gmail.com). On the outskirts of town sits Lake Sequoyah, which is dammed at one end. Over the edge of the dam, flows water that rushes forth into the Cullasaja river, going on to flow into other waterfalls mentioned in this list. The lake is also magnificent - there’s even a waterfront restaurant.
image credit here.
Upper Whitewater Falls
Upper Whitewater Falls are the tallest falls east of the Rocky Mountains and stand an impressive 400+ feet. They are absolutely gorgeous, and can be witnessed from an elevated viewing platform about 1/4 mile from the parking lot, and from below the falls about 157 steps down into the gorge. Another section of these falls (lower whitewater falls) is available from a different entrance in South Carolina.
image credit here.
Looking Glass Falls
Nestled on the side of route 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, sits Looking Glass Falls. One of the most beautiful in North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls is named so after Looking Glass Rock to the northwest. Looking Glass is very easy to access - parking is available (can get tight on fall weekends) and the trail is accessible. Venturing out to this waterfall also gives you the opportunity to explore the Forest Heritage scenic byway - route 276 from quaint Brevard all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
image credit here.
Moore Cove Falls
Quite close to Looking Glass Falls, lies Moore Cove Falls. This one is the only hike on this list that is actually a hike! Moore Cove is 3/4 a mile into Pisgah National Forest (1.5 miles round trip), though its not a challenging hike. We found it is appropriate for the entire family. Check out the beautiful rainbow formed by this waterfall!
image credit here.
