If you plan on vacationing in the famous North Carolina mountains, you won’t want to miss my favorite spot! Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the charming town of Highlands, North Carolina, offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and waterfall aficionados. With its lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls, the Highlands-Cashiers area is a hidden gem in the southern Appalachians and beckons adventurers from all around. In between visiting waterfalls, you may enjoy nature hikes, golfing, horse-back rides, or a day of shopping and dining on Main Street in downtown Highlands. In this article, I will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful, yet easy to access (including roadside) waterfalls that Highlands-Cahsiers has to offer.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
Your waterfall adventure in Highlands begins with Bridal Veil Falls, the only waterfall in North Carolina you can drive behind. Located on U.S. Highway 64, just minutes from downtown Highlands, Bridal Veil Falls gracefully spills over a sheer rock face, creating a captivating curtain of water. It’s a picturesque spot to stop and take in the scenery, as well as a popular spot for wedding photographs, given its romantic name. The experience of driving beneath the falls and hearing the soothing rush of water overhead is truly magical. Hiking not your thing? No problem – you don’t even need to exit the car to view Bridal Veil Falls!
2. Dry Falls
A short drive down the road from Bridal Veil Falls, you’ll find Dry Falls. This breathtaking 80-foot waterfall is anything but “dry.” Visitors can walk behind the falls through a dedicated viewing area, sheltered from the mist. The name “Dry Falls” can be deceiving, as you can get close enough to this fall to feel the water spray. Pull off the road into the parking lot, and after a quarter-mile family friendly hike down designated steps, you’ll find the sight and sound of the water plummeting into the pool below is well worth the walk. And, don’t forget your camera for this waterfall as there are multiple amazing photo-ops!
3. Silver Run Falls
Tucked away in the enchanting landscapes of the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, Silver Run Falls is our favorite pick for a family-friendly waterfall. Located near the picturesque town of Cashiers, Silver Run Falls is a breathtaking 25-foot waterfall that cascades into a crystal-clear pool below, creating a pristine oasis where the kids can wade or swim right up to the base of the fall. The falls are named after Silver Run Creek, which winds its way through the lush forests and eventually tumbles over the rocks, providing a perfect setting for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. Accessing Silver Run Falls is relatively straightforward, making it an ideal destination for both experienced hikers and those seeking an easy, family-friendly adventure. Vacationers need only pull off the highway into the designated parking, and follow the less than half-mile trail down to the falls.
4. Sliding Rock
Finally, although it requires some athleticism to get in the water, Sliding Rock made my list. Within the lush forests of the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina lies a natural wonder that brings pure, unadulterated fun to the world of outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Sliding Rock is not your typical waterfall; it’s a natural waterslide, providing an exhilarating experience that combines the beauty of nature with a refreshing splash of adventure! This 60-foot natural waterslide created by Mother Nature herself. Located right off and visible from the highway, this unique attraction is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and creativity of our planet. The smooth, gently sloping rock face provides a thrilling and safe surface for visitors to slide down and plunge into a crystal-clear, frigid mountain pool. It’s an adventure suitable for all ages, as long as you can climb a few rocks, swim and are prepared for the brisk mountain water.
Waterfall visits are a great and cost-effective way to make your vacation in the mountains of North Carolina an experience. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, you won’t even realize that you got your exercise in at the same time! Be sure to always go prepared – wear comfortable, waterproof hiking boots or shoes, and dress in layers to accommodate the changing weather conditions in the mountains. Some waterfall areas can be slippery, so exercise caution when walking on wet rocks or steep terrain and check the weather.
If your looking to make an entire day out of it, Vacationed can help you plan an unforgettable experience to the enchanting waterfalls of Highlands-Cashiers, North Carolina. Contact us today to get started!
