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Dry Falls, Highlands

4.9
#1 of 20 in Things to do in Highlands
Must see · Waterfall · Nature / Park
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Unlike the name suggests, at you will see a lot of rushing water in the scenic Nantahala National Forest. The 24.4 m (80 ft) falls steam from an overhanging cliff, which you can walk under on the path and stay relatively dry. However, when it rains and the water flow is higher, you might get sprayed. Near the parking area is an observation deck where you can take in the entire waterfall. To experience the falls up close, walk the short, paved trail. Make sure to protect your camera and other electronic equipment, and consider bringing an umbrella or waterproof jacket. Admission is free and the parking area has restrooms. Plan my trip to Highlands with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.
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Dry Falls reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
1,627 reviews
Google
4.9
TripAdvisor
  • This is a beautiful site. Even though they had the trail under the falls restricted due to falling rocks, it’s still well worth the short walk to the falls. There are steps involved with this walk... 
    This is a beautiful site. Even though they had the trail under the falls restricted due to falling rocks, it’s still well worth the short walk to the falls. There are steps involved with this walk...  more »
  • So majestic, and peaceful but intimidating. Not a long walk and something worth the stop. Handicap accessible 
    So majestic, and peaceful but intimidating. Not a long walk and something worth the stop. Handicap accessible  more »
Google
  • Absolutely beautiful! No words can explain the views, especially right now iced over. Be very careful if you make the trip down as there are iced over spots to get to under the falls.
  • We went towards the end of Dec this year in the mid morning and about 10 other ppl were there but it wasn’t crowded feeling (about 5 more families came by the time we left). You park (lots of spaces) and literally just walk down the stairs (has railing) to the waterfall. So easy and so quick! Wouldn’t even call it a hike. Just a flight of stairs that aren’t even steep to the waterfall. When we went half of the falls was frozen with white snow like colors and half the falls was gushing so much water! You can still walk behind the falls but the grounds closest to the water was frozen and slippery so go at your own risk. Lots of giant icicles for great photos. Highly recommend for an easy but super rewarding experience. Think there might have been a sign to pay for parking but saw no one pay. We were there for an easy 20 minutes.

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