Location: Highlands
Top Things to do in Highlands
7 Waterfalls in Highlands That You Shouldn't Miss
Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, it lies mostly in southeastern Macon County and slightly in southwestern Jackson County, in the Highlands and Cashiers Townships, respectively. The permanent population was 924 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Highlands
1. Dry Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,566 reviews
Following paved walkways from the parking area, you can walk directly underneath the tumbling 75-foot waterfall.
Reviewed By dontchange - Tampa, United States
This is one of the best falls in the area and the walk to get to the falls is a short one that requires very little effort. This is a 65 ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest that flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry. You will get a nice mist from the falls when you stand behind them and the rocks do get wet so it can be slippery. They do have an overlook just steps away from the parking lot if you’re unable to manage steps that offers a pretty great view of the falls. The parking is limited and fills up pretty quickly. If the lot is full go to the Bridal Veil Falls up the road about a mile or so. The parking was $2 or $3 if I recall and they do have an outhouse type bathroom.
2. Glen Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Parkshorebeach
Glen Falls is my ultimate waterfall hike! The hike is moderate with tree roots and some elevation change going down to the falls and then hiking back up to the parking area. The beauty all along the way is fantastic!
3. Secret Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By NordicCow - South Carolina, United States
If you love waterfalls that are well out "in the woods", Secret Falls is well worth the modest effort to hike to and visit. Secret Falls is not so secret these days and we always encounter 10-20 people hiking out or back from the falls. Even finding a parking spot at the small trailhead can be a challenge. Head out of Highlands on Main Street out past the Nature Center. Wind down to lovely the delightful Horse Cove area and look for Walkingstick Rd on the right. It's less than five miles from Main and Fourth. Turn right on Walkingstick knowing this is a narrow dirt road and there are ruts, a stream or two, and other rustic encounters as you travel 2.5 miles or so to the turn to Secret Falls. Jeeps - yes. Mini Coopers - no. The hike is about 3/4ths of a mile and there are two streams that require fording. The trail is well marked. If there has been rain recently (when, in Highlands, has there NOT been rain recently?) these small streams can be more than small...And the trail can be muddy in places. I would call the hike medium in intensity with some ups and downs required. But oh the view when you get to the falls! Turn right to take the steps down and follow the steep path to the base of the falls. Sit on a rock. Marvel at the scenery. Watch others frolicking in the pools. Stay straight at the top, duck under some trees (is this really the trail?), and emerge at the top of the falls. Again, stunning. The really adventurous bring food/snacks...even chairs. One could spend several enjoyable hours at Secret Falls. But please don't tell anyone about the place!
4. Bridal Veil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 726 reviews
Visible from the highway, this 120-foot waterfall sometimes displays a rainbow in the afternoon light and has been known to freeze up during the winter.
Reviewed By slopater
A small waterfall on the side of the road...some parking. A low volume waterfall, but very cool to visit.
5. Cullasaja Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By marciam608 - Blairsville, United States
One of the prettiest waterfalls I know. I love to make the 64East drive and stop here, Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and then on to Cashiers for Whitewater Falls - a great day trip!
6. Lower Satulah Falls
7. Bust Your Butt Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Mis4 - Atlanta, United States
So we pulled over on the side of the road, and got out to see the falls. My daughter,who is in a wheelchair, and I stayed on the path. We had great views of the falls! My husband and son went down on the rocks by the falls to take pics, and they were able to climb up and down safely. This is a fun and easy activity to travel too!
