The charming town of Highlands, North Carolina, has a number of wonderful reasons to visit. The streets here are lined with wonderful little shops, great restaurants, cozy places to spend a night, parks, and so much more. You can’t go wrong with a visit to this tiny little locale with a small population estimated to be just under 1,000 residents. And Highlands waterfalls are not to be missed!

Whether you're planning a weekend or just a day trip over to Highlands, you'd be missing out if you didn't set aside some time to chase some waterfalls.
Google/Alex Marks
In a fantastic stroke of luck, there are nine wonderful falls to explore within 10 miles of the town of Highlands - and some of them are even visible from your car so there's no hiking required! And who wouldn't want to see these Highland waterfalls in person? See them for yourself below!
1. Glen Falls
Glen Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
AllTrails/Chelsea Gunter
Glen Falls is actually a series of three falls that drop sharply down the side of the mountain in spectacular fashion. The unofficial height if you put all three falls together? Six hundred feet! Check out these absolutely gorgeous North Carolina waterfalls. This is one waterfall you won't want to miss if you're searching for some of the best in North Carolina.
2. Lower Satulah Falls
Satulah Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
TripAdvisor/management
TripAdvisor/Tim L
Easy, peasy. This more than 100-foot waterfall can be seen from the pull off right from the highway. From Highlands, head south on Route 28 (Walhalla Road) and at just about one mile from the intersection of Old Orchard Road you'll encounter a pull off. Pull in here to view this massive North Carolina waterfall from the road. It's an easy one to stop and enjoy!
3. Waterfalls on Scotsmans Creek
Cashiers, NC, USA
AllTrails/Justin P
Hike a super short (0.3-mile), yet difficult trail to arrive at this 50-foot wonder along Scotsman's Creek. At the top, it drops straight over a ledge and then at the bottom, the water cascades the rest of the way to the plunge pool. Learn more about the trail, including an easy-to-read map of this Highland North Carolina waterfall. This is a beautiful one to hike out to, well worth the effort!

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4. Pinky Falls
Pinky Falls, 1138 Flat Mountain Rd, Highlands, NC 28741, USA
AllTrails/Amy Preston
Only steps from the road between Cashiers and Highlands, is the beautiful meandering Pinky Falls. Under the canopy of lush, green trees, this waterfall is the perfect setting for an afternoon swim in the cool and deep plunge pool - and a picnic along the shore. Read on to learn more about this waterfall near Highland, North Carolina. We think this one should be on everyone's bucket list!
5. Dry Falls
Dry Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
WerksMedia / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
One of the most visited and most stunning waterfalls in the Tar Heel State, Dry Falls has a walk-behind trail that takes visitors right under and behind the flow as it drops over this waterfall sometimes called the Niagara Falls of North Carolina. Read on to learn all about one of our favorite Highland, North Carolina waterfalls. It's absolutely stunning! We highly recommend this beauty.
6. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Located just off of Highway 64 just north of Highlands, Bridal Veil Falls spills ribbons of water over a ledge for 120 feet. In the golden days (some 25 years ago), visitors could drive right under and sometimes behind (depending on the power of the water's flow) this waterfall. But road access has been cut off and now visitors can walk behind (or under) the falls on that same paved road. Learn more about this beautiful fall that's visible from the highway by reading this article about our favorite Highland North Carolina waterfall, just about the the tallest waterfall in North Carolina! Definitely a must-see if you're in the area.
7. Bust Your Butt Falls
Quarry Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Flickr/Jim Liestman
Also known as the much less fun name of "Quarry Falls," Bust Your Butt Falls is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing all summer long. It's found right along the highway (U.S. 64) between Highlands and Franklin. This North Carolina waterfall is why summer in North Carolina just isn't summer until you've visited this particular spot. And the funny name doesn't hurt, either.
8. Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Eifel Kreutz / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Take Highway 64 between Highlands and Franklin and pull off in the Cullasaja Falls parking area. Look for the trailhead for the short, 0.2-mile trail to view the falls from an observation deck. This photo shows approximately the bottom 100 feet of the falls. Above, is another 100 feet out of sight of this photographer. See the whole thing, in person, when you hit the road to chase these nine waterfalls! This waterfall in North Carolina is a must-see, along with the many other stunning, scenic waterfalls in the state! We love seeing this one in person.
9. Sequoyah Falls
Sequoyah Falls, 1896 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741, USA
Google Maps/Rick Farmer
As you pass through the town of Highlands, you'll see from the road the gorgeous ribbons of water that pour over the retaining wall of the Lake Sequoyah Dam. Don't let the man-made nature of this waterfall deter you from admiring its beauty. Pull off and find a way to hike down there to stick your toes in the water and sit for a spell. This dam is well worth seeing in person, even if it's just to sit back, relax, and take in the mesmerizing sight of the flowing water.

Did you have any idea there were quite so many waterfalls this close to Highlands? Perhaps it’s time to start planning an overnight (or longer) to explore! A trip to see the Highlands waterfalls should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Looking for more beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina? Make time for this incredible North Carolina waterfalls road trip!

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Highlands Waterfalls

Megan McDonald | January 20, 2023

What are the best waterfalls in North Carolina?

The best waterfalls in North Carolina are tall, accessible, and beautiful. From state parks, to off of the side of the road, North Carolina has over 300 waterfalls of every shape and height imaginable. 

These are some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina:

 

Does North Carolina have a lot of waterfalls?

Yes, North Carolina has a lot of waterfalls. North Carolina has hundreds of waterfalls, and over 250 waterfalls are in the Brevard area. In fact, Brevard is frequently referred to as the “Land of Waterfalls,” and is the perfect place to visit if you love this gorgeous natural wonder.

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Highlands, NC 28741, USA