A 75-foot waterfall on the Cullasaja River that visitors can walk behind and often stay mostly dry.
Dry Falls drops about 75 feet over an overhanging ledge on the Cullasaja River, in the Cullasaja Gorge section of Nantahala National Forest between Franklin and Highlands. What sets it apart from most waterfalls is the path behind the curtain: a short trail leads from the parking area underneath the overhang, and the U.S. Forest Service notes that visitors can walk behind the falls and often stay mostly dry when flow is normal.
There is no fee to visit, and an accessible walkway from the parking lot offers a view of the falls for anyone who can't take the trail behind it. The Forest Service cautions that the path can be wet or icy and very slippery, so sturdy footwear matters more here than the short distance suggests. Parking along US Highway 64 is limited, especially on weekends, so plan for crowds in peak season.
Know before you go
Cullasaja Gorge Scenic Byway (US Highway 64), Nantahala National Forest, between Franklin and Highlands, Macon County.
Year-round; Forest Service notes the trail can be wet or icy and slippery.
Short path from the parking area leads behind the falls; an accessible walkway offers a view from the lot.
No fee.
Accessible walkway available from the parking area for visitors who can't take the trail behind the falls.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- USDA Forest Service — Cullasaja Gorge, Nantahala National Forest ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
