Cullasaja Falls can be seen from the roadside on US Highway 64 (called Mountain Waters Scenic Highway & Waterfall Byway), 8.8 miles west of Highlands, along a very narrow, curvy stretch of highway through the Cullasaja River Gorge in Nantahala National Forest. What a beautiful cliffside drive.
Due to the location, there is only a small pull-off for 2-3 cars along the road (on the left if you are heading west from Highlands). Be careful! It's best to park when driving toward Highlands from Franklin so you are on the same side as the pull-off. From Franklin, it's about 8 miles east on US 64 from the intersection of US 441. There is no sign for 250-foot waterfall, so you need to drive slow and look for pull-off.
You'll see a small trail that leads down hill from the parking spot, but it's not an official trail and it's very steep. Don't attempt unless you are an experienced hiker. Best views are in the winter when the leaves are gone.
Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place".
Nearby Waterfalls
About two miles east (toward Highlands) is the roadside Bust Your Butt Falls swimming hole. 5.5 miles east is Dry Falls. Go another mile east for Bridal Veil Falls. Also nearby is Glen Falls.
Watch Video: Frozen Cullasaja Falls
Watch Video: Fall Color at Cullasaja Falls
