5 km away
Ravenel Park
One of the best hikes to enjoy the sunrise or sunset near Highlands.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.3 km
- Ascent
- 72 m
- Descent
- 72 m
A short walk to an impressive waterfall you can walk behind!
Hiking Easy
Dry Falls is a breathtaking waterfall in Nantahala National Forest and a great short hike for anyone visiting Franklin or Highlands, North Carolina. The trailhead is located along Highway 106, a paved two-lane road through the Cullasaja Gorge. A fee is required to access the falls, and a self-pay station is available in the parking lot.
This is less of a hike and more of a brief walk down to the waterfall. Most of the path is along a flight of stairs that descend to the falls, which is well worth the trip since you can walk behind it! Hiking poles are not necessary, and during the warmer months, sandals would suffice instead of boots.
There is no drinking water available at the trailhead, and only two vault toilets. There are also several waterfalls further down the gorge worth stopping it should you find the time. Not all are named, but you will find plenty of swimming holes and roadside pull-offs to enjoy a picnic as you drive towards Franklin. The aptly named Bust-Your-Butt Falls is also just down the mountain, a (humorously) popular swimming hole with no signage.
Easy
Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.
5 km away
One of the best hikes to enjoy the sunrise or sunset near Highlands.
Moderate Hiking
5.1 km away
A popular summit hike in Highlands with views reaching in to NC, SC, and Georgia.
Moderate Hiking
6.3 km away
A stunning waterfall in Blue Valley with a massive rock "house" you can explore behind the falls.
Easy Hiking
6.7 km away
A quiet trail network near Highlands with a small pond and tons of wildflowers to explore.
Moderate Hiking
8.7 km away
A classic hike between Highlands and Cashiers with far-reaching views over NC, SC, and GA.
Moderate Hiking
5 routes · Hiking
10 routes · Hiking