Trip Planner: USA / North Carolina / North Carolina Mountains / Highlands / Dry Falls

Dry Falls, Highlands

4.9

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 Klarna Trips.

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Dry Falls reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,627 reviews

Google

4.9

By dadof5boys

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 »
By 14JohnMar14

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 »
By debbief26

We have been to Dry Falls so many times and it never ceases to amaze me! The walk down to the falls can be a little tricky, especially if it's cold (icy). There are handrails for the steeper areas...

We have been to Dry Falls so many times and it never ceases to amaze me! The walk down to the falls can be a little tricky, especially if it's cold (icy). There are handrails for the steeper areas... more »

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Google

By Scotti Little

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.

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By Kellee Soup

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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By Meghan Ward

This is a must see if you're in the area. It is $3 to park, but they have a credit card accepting fees for convenience. It's just a short walk down and then you're able to walk behind a gorgeous waterfall. Take you time, take way too many photos, and make some easy family memories. This waterfall is perfect for the whole family.

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By Chrissy

Absolutely stunning and must see falls. GPS took us right to it. Easy to see and access from the main road. Plenty of parking. There is an observation deck but could not see much from it. The best views are down the stairs. It’s a short hike down but with many steps. Currently at the time I visited the access to walk behind the falls was closed off. Some of the walking areas of the falls are slippery so be careful.

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By ashley ray

Beautiful waterfall. Lots of steps and slippery. Do not recommend for anyone who is unsteady.

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