Walk Behind A Waterfall For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience In North Carolina

North Carolina is home to plenty of waterfalls, over 300 to be exact, but there’s one that’s completely different from the rest. We’ve all dreamed of that epic experience of walking behind a waterfall. Yet, between slippery rocks, rushing water, and the sheer logistics, unless we’re on the set of Last of the Mohicans, it’s not happening. But near Highlands, there’s a truly magical place where you CAN have that experience.

Flickr / Frank Kehren

Flickr / Tracey Harrison-Hills

Appropriately named, Dry Falls is a 75-ft. waterfall that flows over a cliff. A safe walkway allows you to walk right beneath the waterfall for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

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Flickr / Timothy Wildey

Dry Falls is located in the Nantahala National Forest and conveniently off US HWY 64. The fall is past the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. U.S 64 and NC 28 run directly through the Cullasaja Gorge. This prime location means lots of waterfalls and lots of incredible views in close proximity.

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Flickr / Timothy Wildey

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Flickr / Jim Liestman

From afar, Dry Falls is easily accessible and even wheelchair accessible. There is a convenient parking area with a roadside observation deck. While from afar the fall is of course, amazing, the best part is walking down the stairs, along the pathway, and beneath the fall.

Flickr / Jim Liestman

Flickr / bobistraveling

A pathway leads you directly beneath the fall. While of course, the namesake derives from the fact you can walk beneath and stay relatively dry, the fall can sometimes be a bit powerful after a heavy rain (meaning yes, you will get wet).

Flickr / John Gretchel

Dry Falls is one of the waterfalls among many on this 8.7 mile stretch of the of the Cullasaja River, eventually ending with Cullasaja Falls. It's located near other notable and popular falls like the drive behind waterfall Bridal Veil Falls, Glen Falls, the swimming hole Bust Your Butt Falls and Secret Falls. While surrounded by other magnificent waterfalls, this one truly stands alone as a unique experience every North Carolinian must have once!

Dry Falls is easily one of the most unique places in North Carolina. It has made several of our lists, including 10 waterfalls with no hiking required and 20 breathtaking waterfalls. Have you visited here before, or want to now?

If you’re looking to make a whole road trip out of it, we’ve already done the planning for you and compiled the ultimate waterfalls road trip!