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Explore Waterfalls

There are many waterfalls near Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina, that are easily seen and enjoyed. Many of these are located along US Highway 64, the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.

Here are some favorites in the area:

Dry Falls: Walk behind this 75-ft. waterfall, just a few miles from Highlands along US Highway 64.  

Glen Falls: A two-mile round-trip hike takes you to two beautiful waterfalls, near Highlands. 

Silver Run Falls: Located near Cashiers, this beautiful waterfall and swimming spot is a short walk from the highway.  

Bridal Veil Falls: Drive behind this unique waterfall, located between Highlands and Dry Falls.  

Secret Falls: This remote waterfall near Highlands is an idyllic swimming hole deep in the Nantahala Forest, accessed by a relatively easy hiking trail. 

Bust Your Butt Falls: A popular swimming and sliding area along US Highway 64. Also known as Quarry Falls or Bust-Yer-Butt Falls. For added excitement, there is a “jump off” rock for diving into the chilly waters.  

High Falls (Cullowhee Falls): See the 150-ft. High Falls via a new hiking trail at Lake Glenville. On a few days each year, it becomes the most powerful waterfall in North Carolina when water is released from the upriver dam for kayakers.  

Cashiers Sliding Rock: This natural waterslide, created by the Chattooga River, glides over a 10-ft. high rock face with a few large potholes. It’s a popular local spot during the summer because the water is quite cool. You can slide down the rock, cannonball into one of the potholes or just wade in the pool below the rock.

Cullasaja Falls: Cullasaja Falls can be seen from the roadside on US Highway 64, 8.8 miles west of Highlands, along a very narrow, curvy stretch of highway through the Cullasaja River Gorge.

Click HERE to visit RomanticAsheville.com for a great waterfall driving tour and map.