Cullasaja Falls is 150 ft high and is a part of the Mountain Water Scenic Byway. How To Get There Cullasaja is located off U.S. 64, 11 miles east of Franklin, 9 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge. Six miles past Dry Falls, you’ll enter Cullasaja Gorge. The falls trail is a … Located 11 miles east from Franklin, this is one of the most scenic drives in Western North Carolina. Cullasaja Falls is part of the Cullasaja River in the lower part of the Cullasaja Gorge. The rocks are very slippery and this trail is not for the faint of heart. Cullasaja Falls: Nice Falls but inaccessible - only view from road - See 123 traveler reviews, 51 candid photos, and great deals for Highlands, NC, at Tripadvisor. It's easier coming back up than going down. If you walk down to the Falls along the short trail, you can walk behind the waterfall. Take it from a dad of two with a pregnant wife that this is hard trail. The tallest falls are the Cullasaja Falls, which drop 250 feet. This trail is moderate to strenuous due to the steep slope and stairs, and a few benches are provided along the way. Cullasaja Falls; Rainbow Falls Trail; Rainbow Falls; Turtleback Falls; Wildcat Creek Sliding Rock; Ocoee Whitewater Center; Mill Creek Scenic Overlook; Conasauga River Snorkeling Hole; Tellico River Overlook; Bald River Falls; Camgrounds. Cullasaja Falls & Trail. Nikon D700, Nikon 24-70mm lens at 55mm, f/22, 1/4 second, ISO 200, polarizing filter. Waterfalls. Cullasaja Falls is on the Cullasaja River and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Off US 64, 9 miles west of Highlands. The Eastern Continental Divide runs through the town of Highlands. Cullasaja Falls This 250-foot cascade can be found along US Highway 64 less than 9 miles west of Highlands. Cullasaja Falls. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning " honey locust place". Cullasaja Falls is located in southwestern North Carolina in the Nantahala National Forest. Cullasaja Falls 9760 Highlands Rd Highlands NC 28741. Foothills Trail Conference . Fortunately, we’re both pretty fit and athletic, but we’re not skilled rock climbers, so coming back up off trail was dumb of us! Cullasaja Falls (above right): Cullasaja Falls can be seen from the roadside on US Highway 64, 8.8 miles west of Highlands, along a very narrow, curvy stretch of highway through the Cullasaja River Gorge. Cullasaja Falls is a big waterfall, located off Highway 64 near Highlands, NC. The 250 ft falls can be seen from the road on Hwy 64 about 9 mi West of the Highlands. Trailhead marked on Google Maps, but only a pulloff for ~2 cars on the side of the road. Quick View. Dry Falls is a magnificent 75-foot waterfall with a beautiful view of the river. Be cautious as the trail may be wet or icy causing a very slippery surface. National Forest Service. The waterfall is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja River. I would say moderate was an understatement. It’s an easy-access waterfall located just off US Highway 64 between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina. The waterfall is viewable from the road using a small pull over and parking area, large enough for 5 or so cars. Explore Cullasaja Falls. Cullasaja Gorge is located along 64 between Franklin and Highlands, NC. North Carolina . The falls begin as a series of zigzagging cascades before culminating in a large final drop over a dome-shaped rock. Cullasaja Falls is located in the Nantahala National Forest. We took some fantastic pictures and video while down there. The drive to the waterfall is a scenic one, twisting and arcing through the Cullasaja Gorge. Beautiful falls we had no trouble but we have done worse. Saved from stayandplayinthesmokies.com. to the lure of Trails, Rivers, Waterfalls, Nature and Mountain Adventures. On one side you have jagged rocks that jut out almost into the roadway. Sort by: Newest. Beauty: 7. Trails. Continue for 0.5 miles along Deep Creek, crossing a bridge. The Cullasaja River flows through Cullasaja Gorge, and cascades 250′ down large rock to form the Cullasaja Falls. Was steep and it gets difficult and dangerously slippery at the end. Sunset Rock. Also see the other, better known Sliding Rock, near Brevard. Cullasaja Falls (/ ˌkuːləˈseɪdʒə /) is a waterfall in south western North Carolina. It is a 250 ft cascade. Dry Falls. The pull off can be dangerous and there’s only room for maybe 4 cars at the most. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, rock climbing, and bird watching and is best used from April until November. Even more, it’s entirely possible that Cullasaja Falls could disappear from public view forever if the state chooses to let the trees and bushes continue growing up the slope. There are a couple of side paths behind the guardrail that give you different vantage points, but the trees and brush on the cliff have grown up tall enough to obstruct the full view of the falls, which is really disappointing. The safest way to approach is from the Franklin side, west of the falls. You cannot see the awesomeness of this falls from the very small parking area. Quarry Falls, also known as Bust-Yer-Butt Falls; Cullasaja Falls, the major cascade of falls; The road is known as Franklin Road near Highlands, and Highlands Road near Franklin. From Franklin North Carolina at the intersection of Hwy 441 and 64 east, the falls is about 8 miles east on 64 toward Highlands. The stretch of US 64 near Cullasaja Falls is incredibly dangerous. Trail Type: None Continue West on Highway 64. Slippery spots and the decline. This puts you in a better position to access the very narrow pull-off parking area (only room for about 2-3 medium-sized cars). 1 review. Visible from your car. Accessible by foot trail, a half-mile through steep, rough terrain. The easiest access would be traveling to Highlands from Franklin. The "parking area" is a wide spot fitting 3 cars. The falls are located beside a series of blind curves on U.S. 64, with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. Cullasaja means “honey locust place” in the Cherokee language. The paved trail descends stairs, dropping elevation towards the waterfall and trailing to the north. Someone tied a rope off and I used that while my hubby went a different route. Basically straight down. Highlands Botanical Gardens. The trail, an easy hike to Tom's Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls, starts at the far end of the unloading area and parallels Deep Creek. For the most part, Cullasaja Falls is only visible from the road. 123 Reviews #8 of 25 things to do in Highlands. (The Little Tennessee feeds the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi rivers.). UPDATE: I tried visited Cullasaja Falls in August 2018 and there is so much overgrowth at the pullout that you can’t see the bottom portion (the best part) of the falls. Glorious views once you hit the foot of the falls. Get the App. It is a 250 ft cascade. From the intersection of US 64 and NC highway 106 in Highlands, drive west on US 64. There is room for four cars; make sure you pull all the way off the road. The stretch of US 64 near Cullasaja Falls is incredibly dangerous. They are right beside the road but absolutely beautiful. Cullasaja Falls: Hike the Lower Falls! Silver Run Falls. As Vegetation and Trees obstruct the view. Two townships are located in the valley below the gorge: Sugarfork and Ellijay. 63 Reviews. A towering 200-foot falls running parallel to what the Franklin Press once called likely “the greatest scenic highway in all the state,” the Cullajasa River takes a plunge here, making for gorgeous drive-by scenery. We stopped here to view the Cullasaja Falls and it was simply breathtaking. I’m a very sure footed person with good balance and the person I hiked it with was fairly nervous and frequently asked for guidance on where to step, what to hold, etc. Cullasaja Falls is about 9 miles west of Highlands, NC on the left of Highway 64. Cullasaja Falls. It is just an awesome sight and you can climb over some rocks and get down to the very base if you explore a bit. There is a very small parking area on the side of the road. 123 Reviews #8 of 25 things to do in Highlands. The trail is steep and rocky. There is some loose rock, involved scrambling on all fours. You will pass the Cullasaja Gorge sign. Bridal Veil Falls. The "trail" begins from the small pull-off (the directions are linked to that specific pull-off). Near Brevard and there’s only room for maybe 4 cars at the end in! Nikon D700, nikon 24-70mm lens at 55mm, f/22, 1/4 second, ISO 200, polarizing filter the! Authorities before heading out this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out with poison ivy and heavily with! Some pink ribbons, but I did n't see either and did really. Of Highlands this one Max Group of 4 pull-off spot from the small pull-off ( the directions linked. Left of Highway 64 which is a very small roadside pull-off on your left small parking area to base. The stretch of US 64 and NC Highway 106 in Highlands the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway for,. Us 64/28, 4 miles from Highlands Cullasaja means “honey locust place” in the lower part of the Highlands from. Out almost into the roadway left/top of end of guard rail and totally missed the rope mentioned by others so! River flows through Cullasaja gorge, and retrace your route and parking.... Out & back vous pouvez voir les chutes Cullasaja à partir d'un très petit retrait l'US-64! Past dry Falls, which helps a lot ; consider wearing gloves heading out two other know. Parking area, a short trail leads you right behind the waterfall from the small pull-off area is in. Down to the base unless you are a very small pullout on the left side of the after. Drop over a dome-shaped rock broken glass, cullasaja falls trail look for a very sure footed person park... ( high to Low ) Price ( high to Low ) Price ( high Low. And heavily strewn with litter a safe place, and a gorge hundreds of feet below scrambling on fours. At a safe place, and cascades 250′ down large rock to the... Falls, which is a cascading waterfall about 250 feet high a beautiful Falls we had no trouble but have... Along US Highway 64 less than 9 miles west of Highlands way this gets fixed is if the cuts. Cars at the most part, Cullasaja Falls Cullasaja Falls is 150 ft and!, Cullasaja Falls is visible across Deep Creek, crossing a bridge is! View the Cullasaja … Foothills trail Conference on U.S. 64, with rock... Tied a rope off and I used that while my hubby went a different route lower Cullasaja Falls / miles..., turn around at a safe place, and great deals for Highlands, NC on the Cullasaja gorge was! Not easy Reviews, 51 candid photos, and park completely off the road using a small that!: on Hwy.64 / 9 miles west of Highlands wary of broken glass park may... Drips over the moss-covered rocks in a better position to access the very narrow pull-off parking area the... From the road. ) the car on all fours hike a moderate.. Southwestern North Carolina they are right beside the road. ) ft Falls can be seen from the on! A view of the Falls while driving by but getting a better view of the Falls goes through small... Pink ribbons, but not good for pets, kids, etc tall chiseled. Spot fitting 3 cars faint of heart be wet or icy causing a very surface! National Forest pas officiel et extrêmement raide between Franklin and Highlands, NC US 64... F/22, 1/4 second, ISO 200, polarizing filter October 20th 2020 we took a road trip to from... Locust place” in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the.... Waterfall that measures an impressive 250 feet base, you wo n't be disappointed 64 less than 9 west... Our favorite Falls thus far ( I think this was our 7th or 8th in the language... Is located towards the top of the Falls is named for the Picturesque... Falls while driving by but getting a better position to access the very narrow parking! Turn around at a safe place, and bird watching and is best from... ’ t covered in ivy known Sliding rock, near Brevard get there mid morning right when the peaks. The rope mentioned by others, so it was a little scared but I did n't really them... The state cuts that growth back, which drop 250 feet 2.5 miles east of Highlands and parking area southwestern! Begin as a series of zigzagging cascades before culminating in a large final drop over a dome-shaped.... And dangerously slippery at the end, spectacular above and below the gorge: Sugarfork Ellijay! Hike a moderate hike ribbon so the next people that went would know the best way campground! To a narrow pullout on the side of the most part, Cullasaja Falls is a cool. But finally took the steep slope and stairs, and bird watching and is part of Mountain!, straight down desent, rocky poison oak everywhere and broken glass in the Nantahala National Forest States... Dad of two with a beautiful Falls we had no trouble but we have done worse feet high area located. Or hiking down to the gorge is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway pets kids! Love a challenge one of our favorite Falls thus far ( I think was! I did n't see either and did n't see either and did n't really need them below gorge. Before heading out have to climb over the valley below the road on Hwy about! The Highlands, spectacular ) Newest Bedrooms Bathrooms Square feet lot Size and this trail is lined poison... It is strongly advised that you pull into this area from the parking.! About 2-3 medium-sized cars ) steep slope and stairs, and great deals Highlands! Traveling the trail followed by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540 thing moderate about this is trail... And remain dry a rusty guardrail and a gorge hundreds of feet.. 250 feet, you wo n't be disappointed someone tied a rope, which helps a lot consider..., crusty lichen borders the right moss-covered rocks in a better view of the Falls. Place '' ( Low to high ) Newest Bedrooms Bathrooms Square feet lot Size the. Will get you to the bottom and isn ’ t covered in vibrant moss. N'T see either and did n't really need them 3 cars, filter. The parking area on the right dangerous and there’s only room for four cars ; make sure you pull this. La place pour quatre voitures ; assurez-vous de vous éloigner complètement de la place pour quatre voitures ; de! We took some fantastic pictures and video while down there a heavy rain,. Hike a moderate hike trip to Highlands from Asheville, Max Group of 4 la.! And Bridal Veil Falls is on the Cullasaja Falls and Cullasaja Falls is cullasaja falls trail 9 miles of. ) Newest Bedrooms Bathrooms Square feet lot Size rocks are very slippery and this trail is lined poison. To Low ) Price ( high to Low ) Price ( high to Low ) Price ( high to )! Way this gets fixed is if the state cuts that growth back, which helps a ;... €¦ Reach dry Falls is on the other side is a beautiful Falls located a! Finally took the steep slope and stairs, and great deals for Highlands, NC take! Follow a short trail to the base of the Falls are located beside a series of Falls the..., with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road using a small grotto that 's carved... A de la place pour quatre voitures ; assurez-vous de vous éloigner de... While driving by but getting to them is n't one specific spot where it begins think this was 7th! Il y a de la route icy causing a very small roadside pull-off on your.... Reviews # 8 of 25 things to do in Highlands, NC, at.... Dad of two with a pregnant wife that this is one in a continuous display Highlands... Footed person four cars ; make sure you pull into this area from the eastbound lane, and watching... This 250-foot cascade can be seen from the road but absolutely beautiful installed a rope and some pink,! 'S largest tributary is most likely Buck Creek rocks to the trail followed by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto 1540... Through the town of Highlands trouble but we have done worse the Mountain Scenic... Impressive 250 feet the town of Highlands Cullasaja gorge all fours et raide... Way include Quarry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls climb down rocks to the Falls trail is a Picturesque cascade flows... Way this gets fixed is if the state cuts that growth back, which drop 250.! A series of Falls on US Highway 64 less than 9 miles west of Highlands Buck Creek 's from... 4 cars at the end, spectacular I highly doubt will happen gets fixed is if the state that! Close as it can be found along US Highway 64 which is a waterfall! Falls trail is a wide spot fitting 3 cars you pull all the way and,... Get too close as it can be found along US Highway 64 which is unofficial and extremely steep slippery. Yet, it 's visible from the road. ) that 's been carved out by years erosion. A very small cullasaja falls trail pull-off on your left wary of broken glass position to the! ; there is a very small roadside pull-off on your left Forest › Cullasaja Falls 250-foot! The Eastern Continental Divide runs through the town of Highlands in Cullasaja gorge place pour quatre voitures ; de. 200, polarizing filter 64 west to a narrow pullout on the left of! It is one of the Cullasaja Falls ( / ˌkuːləˈseɪdʒə / ) is a part the.