The Waterfalls In This North Carolina River Gorge Are Among The Best In The State
North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls has a legendary scenic highway that’s nicknamed the Waterfall Byway and it delivers big in the way of easy access, picturesque waterfall views -legendary views, in fact. Take a look:
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The Waterfall Byway is also known as NC-28 and it extends through the Callasaja River Gorge following the 13-mile Callasaja River and her spectacular waterfalls between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina.
Along this short route (it's a 19 mile drive between the two towns) you'll encounter some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. On the approach from Highlands, the first one you'll see is Bridal Veil Falls, known for the short swatch of road that passes under the waterfall.
Not too long ago, you could drive your car right under this waterfall. But today, it's closed to vehicular traffic. Ample parking is available on both sides of the highway so you can get out and explore the waterfall.
This colossal waterfall may not be as big as the real Niagara Falls, but you can walk behind it (and without a raincoat!) and still experience a similar thrill of the sounds of the water pouring over and past you as it moves on down the river.
From the parking area on the Waterfall Byway you can see the pretty cascade and, in season, hear the laughter of the lively crowd below enjoying this roadside swimming hole.
The northernmost of the Callasaja River Gorge waterfalls is named for the gorge. Callusaja Falls is more easily seen in the winter months and can be a hiking challenge to get to.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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