The Tar Heel State is no stranger to waterfalls. Western North Carolina is home to literally hundreds of the enchanting attractions and many are located right beside the highway. Others are the magnificent reward for miles and miles of hiking. But this one is different – in more ways than one: the hike is short and the payoff is huge!
The famously popular waterfall known as Dry Falls drops over an overhanging bluff, allowing you to walk under and behind the rushing water.
From the parking area, you'll make your way a mere .03 mile down the mountain on a mostly paved trail with stairs and declining pathways... all the while viewing (and hearing!) the rushing waters of the fall and the Cullasaja River.
Dry Falls gets its name from the unique opportunity it affords visitors to walk behind the massive waterfall, remaining relatively dry. However, during or after a hard rain you can expect to feel the spray created by the impact of the water on the ledge in front of the path.
The enormous waterfall, and the pathway underneath, is one-of-a-kind in North Carolina, and while there are other walk-behind waterfalls, none are quite as spectacular as this one!
The stairway and natural path under this waterfall are a phenomenal sight, making Dry Falls one of the absolute favorites among locals and tourists alike.
Nearly 10 years ago a new viewing platform was added adjacent to the parking area. If your knees simply won't allow the climb down (and back out) of the waterfall stairs and pathway, then you can enjoy Dry Falls from above.
