I think I have found my favorite North Carolina waterfall. Dry Falls is anything but dry. The day we went was following a nice week of rain so the falls were roaring as you can see from my pictures and the video.
Dry Falls is just down the road from Bridal Veil Falls that I highlighted a couple of weeks ago that is right off of highway 64. The parking area is on the left side of the road if you are coming from Bridal Veil Falls and is easy to spot. Bonus is that there are restrooms here as well. As part of the Forest System there is a usage fee that you should pay $3 before following the path to the falls. A scannable QR code can be found on the information board so if you have cell service you can scan it and pay online.
The falls are called Dry Falls because you are able to walk behind the falls without getting wet. Not. I was drenched from the spray and sported “waterfall hair” the rest of the day. Next time I will take a raincoat. This was one of the best experiences — a nice path leads down to the falls with plenty of spots to take perfect pictures. The day we were there it was relatively uncrowded and we managed to find a parking spot in the lot. Weekends and summers I imagine you would be hard pressed to find a parking spot unless you are there early in the morning.
The falls have also been referred to as High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. Here are a few facts gathered from my favorite waterfall book: North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide by Kevin Adams.
River: Cullasaja River
River Basin: Little Tennessee
Elevation: 3,320 feet
Type and Height: Short slide into a free fall with cascades below.
Landowner: Nantahala National Forest, Highlands Ranger District
This waterfall gets two thumbs up in my book. It is a really fun waterfall to experience and one with a very easy walk, parking, and restrooms. I would love to know if you have visited this one. Leave me a comment and remember that each comment made on the blog this month means a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause – Copeland Oaks Life Care Fund.
