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 our eight favorites in the area:
Dry Falls (above left): Walk behind this 75-ft. waterfall, just a few miles from Highlands along US Highway 64. See our Dry Falls Guide.
Glen Falls (above right): A two-mile round-trip hike takes you to two beautiful waterfalls, near Highlands. See our Glen Falls Guide.
Silver Run Falls (above left): Located near Cashiers, this beautiful waterfall and swimming spot is a short walk from the highway. See our Silver Run Falls Guide.
Bridal Veil Falls (above right): Walk behind this unique waterfall, located between Highlands and Dry Falls. (You can no longer drive behind it.) See our Bridal Veil Falls Guide.
Secret Falls (above left): This remote waterfall near Highlands is an idyllic swimming hole deep in the Nantahala Forest, accessed by a relatively easy hiking trail. See our Secret Falls Guide.
Bust Your Butt Falls (above right): 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. See our Bust Your Butt Falls Guide.
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. See our High Falls Guide.
Cashiers Sliding Rock (above left): 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.
Directions: From the intersection of NC 107 and US 64 in Cashiers, follow NC 107 south for 1.9 miles to Whitesides Cove Road. Turn right onto Whiteside Cove Road and follow it 2.8 miles to the bridge over the Chattooga. Park and follow a short trail to the river. Also see the other, better known Sliding Rock, near Brevard.
Cullasaja Falls (above right): 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. Due to the location, there is only a small pull-off along the road (on the left if you are heading west from Highlands). It's best to park when driving toward Highlands from Franklin so you are on the same side as the pull-off. There is no sign for 250-ft. Cullasaja Falls, so you need to drive slow and look the for pull-off. See our Cullasaja Falls Guide.
Nearby Waterfalls: Drive east on US 64 to find Upper Whitewater Falls, Schoolhouse Falls and Rainbow Falls.
