 
Left: View from Observation Deck at parking area. Right: View from the end of the trail.
While the view is nice from the new observation deck, the real treat is getting a closer look by climbing down the stairs and short path. The path is often wet after a rainy period. There are many great vantage points along the way for photos. You may be able to see a rainbow if you and the sun are in the right position. The spray from the falls may get you wet when you walk behind it, so have somewhere to hide your camera or anything you don't want to get wet. But it’s usually just a little mist.
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Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7-mile (14 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls. The Cullasaja Gorge presents one with the impression that it was cleaved in a moment of anger. Narrow and deep, the Cullasaja River rushes and drops in a series of cascades and waterfalls to the Tennessee River near Franklin. A two-lane highway called Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, which is the combined route of U.S. 64 and NC 28, runs through the Cullasaja Gorge, which is mostly protected as part of the Nantahala National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service has designated this to be a National Scenic Byway because of the river, and its numerous waterfalls. The highway clings to the north bank of the Cullasaja River as though it knew what would happen if it let go. Though the road is narrow and the curves are frequent and sharp, it can be a fun and beautiful drive. There are many places to pull off, get out and enjoy the views of the river.
Less than a mile away from Dry Falls is Bridal Veil Falls. Also nearby are Quarry Falls (Bust-Yer-Butt Falls) and Cullasaja Falls. Read more about these in our Highlands & Cashiers Waterfalls Guide. Not too far away is Whitewater Falls (the tallest in eastern America) and Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park. And for more waterfalls in the Asheville area, see our Waterfalls Guide.
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