Dry Falls
- Height
- 75 ft
- Hike
- 0.11 mi each way
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Required
Dry Falls drops about 75 ft on Cullasaja River in Macon County, North Carolina. Reaching it is a 0.11 mi hike each way.
Closures and warnings
Wet rocks are slick; stay on the designated trail. Do not climb on rocks or walk above the falls. In winter, ice can coat rock that does not look icy. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 75 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | 75-foot plunge over an overhanging bluff; a short trail leads behind the waterfall when flow allows. |
Access
| Hike | 0.11 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Parking | Dry Falls parking area on US 64 about 2 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge. |
| When it fills | Extremely high volume midday and on holidays; if the lot is full, leave and return later. Do not block the road. |
| Fee | $3 per vehicle day-use; $15 annual pass (also valid at Whiteside Mountain and Whitewater Falls) |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk, year-round |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Wheelchair access | Accessible walkway from the parking area to an overlook above the falls; the behind-the-falls trail includes stairs. |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District) |
| Restrooms | No |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | No |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Dry Falls open?
Wet rocks are slick; stay on the designated trail. Do not climb on rocks or walk above the falls. In winter, ice can coat rock that does not look icy. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round.
How tall is Dry Falls?
Dry Falls drops about 75 ft.
How long is the hike to Dry Falls?
It's a 0.11 mi hike each way. The road in is paved. Parking: Dry Falls parking area on US 64 about 2 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge. Extremely high volume midday and on holidays; if the lot is full, leave and return later. Do not block the road.
Do you need a reservation for Dry Falls?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Dry Falls?
The fee is $3 per vehicle day-use; $15 annual pass (also valid at Whiteside Mountain and Whitewater Falls).
When is Dry Falls flowing?
75-foot plunge over an overhanging bluff; a short trail leads behind the waterfall when flow allows.
What facilities are at Dry Falls?
No restrooms and drinking water.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Dry Falls is inside National Forests in North Carolina .
Sources
3
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/dry-falls (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / waterfall.heightFt / hours / parking / parkingPattern / fee / restrooms false / drinkingWater false / hazardNote / wheelchairAccess overlook, access.fee, access.fee / pass purchase, waterfall.flowNote, access.wheelchairAccess, hazardNote)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/recreation/trails/dry-falls-trail (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_Falls_(North_Carolina) (accessed September 28, 2026; backs waterbodyName)