Chasing waterfalls in western North Carolina is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike so it's a good thing there are so many to discover! When exploring the impressive waterfalls in and around Highlands on US-64, most visitors will spend the majority of their time seeking out the most popular falls. Among them, Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls are a must-see - but locals know these falls, in particular, get very crowded during the height of the season. What most people (even many locals) don't know is there's a secret waterfall that winds through the forest in Highlands - and it's definitely less crowded and worth seeking out.
The waterfall is a series of drops that vary in height, all within a meandering shoal that winds, gushes, and gurgles through the forest. Some locals call it The Big Shoals, while others refer to it as Secret Falls.
Finding it means pulling off US64 in the vicinity of NC28 and then hopping on a one-lane gravel road for a quarter of a mile to reach a parking area. From there, the hike is relatively level for about half a mile until you reach a split in the trail.
Expect a couple of small water crossings that should be easy to navigate with logs or rocks providing some dry footing. By no means is this trail easy, but it's also not difficult.
At the end of the trail you can turn left to go to the top of the falls to look left to see a couple of small drops... and to the right...
...you can watch the water flow over the 50-foot drop. But don't meander too close to the edge! People have died getting too close to the edge of waterfalls and falling over the edge. After, head back down the trail, where you'll need to negotiate some pretty steep terrain to reach the bottom of the falls.
Once at the base of the falls, you'll get a sense of just how enormous The Big Shoals (a.k.a. Secret Falls) is. To see it for yourself... just look for the tiny person in the bottom middle of this image.
If you visit during warmer months, then don't forget your towel. The base of the falls is perfect for dipping your toes in the cold mountain water and enjoying the spoils of nature in this tranquil spot.
A little farther down the trail is still another view of this meandering waterfall that makes a spectacular place for photos. The rocks here tend to be super slippery, so watch your footing.
Did you know about The Big Shoals that wind through the forest here in Highlands? We've love to know if you've visited them before or plan to take a hike soon to see them for yourself!
You can learn more about Secret Falls (a.k.a. The Big Shoals), including tips from others who've taken the hike and directions to the trailhead, from our friends at AllTrails. This really is a waterfall hike for your North Carolina bucket list!
So many waterfalls - and so little time! What's your favorite waterfall in North Carolina? Do you know of any hidden or secret waterfalls we should explore? We'd love to know -- share your thoughts in the comments below! Still wondering about "waterfalls near me in North Carolina?" Check out these 14 hidden gem waterfalls and go chase some cascades!
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