If there’s only one waterfall hike you take this season, hit the trail to Glenn Falls near Highlands, North Carolina! This doozy of a trail has a lot of steps to haul yourself out of the canyon you’ll travel into, but the journey is so worth the effort because of the unique waterfall views you’ll have along the journey.

The Glenn Falls Trail clocks in at 2.4 miles and it begins near Highlands.
TripAdvisor/Laura L
As you can see, it has some very interesting views, including one long-range mountain view from the very top of Glenn Falls.
The trail to Glenn Falls follows along the water for part of the way and traverses into the Nantahala National Forest for more than a mile from the trailhead.
TripAdvisor/Laurel F
And while most of the hike into the falls is all downhill, there are some high points that afford incredible views!
alltrails/Grennan Goes Hiking
Most people pause at the top of Glenn Falls to get an amazing photo of the top of the waterfall with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
The view from up here can be a bit dizzying as you spy downward to watch the water disappear into the canyon below.
alltrails/Elizabeth Green
Don't venture too close to the edge and be sure to avoid wet surfaces as they can be very slippery.

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Then, you'll continue climbing down the mountain to the base of the waterfall to see it from a whole new perspective.
TripAdvisor/Mac D
The best time to visit is a few days after a hard rain, when the water is flowing heavily and the trail has had a chance to dry out a bit.
TripAdvisor/Mac D
Be sure to bring your hiking sticks if you have them.
Because getting out of the canyon is an uphill climb all the way out.
alltrails/Tricia Proctor
The Glenn Falls Trail is rated as moderate by AllTrails.com.
TripAdvisor/nickikim07

It’s 2.4 miles in length and has a total elevation change of 784 feet. Most people can finish this hike in under four hours. Be prepared to share the trail as this one is popular with tourists. Parking is at a premium. We recommend hiking very early in the morning to get a spot, or avoiding days of the week (like the weekends) when traffic is higher. Learn more about the Glenn Falls Trail from our friends at AllTrails.

By the way, it makes a great photo, but we do not recommend getting a photo of yourself close to the edge of this waterfall. Please use caution when you’re at the top of the waterfall. Fatalities occur with only a slight misjudgment of footing.

If you love to hike but don’t get much time to hone your skills, then you’ll love reading 7 Of The Best Mountain Hiking Trails For Beginners In North Carolina.

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1091 Glen Falls Rd, Highlands, NC 28741, USA