Your online resource for the Smoky Mountains
Franklin, North Carolina, serves as a major gateway to the Cullasaja River Gorge along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway (US-64/NC-28). Connecting Franklin to nearby Highlands, this winding 8.7-mile mountain drive features one of the highest concentrations of impressive, easily accessible waterfalls in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
A dramatic 75-foot waterfall where a paved, family-friendly trail leads visitors directly behind the roaring wall of water—allowing you to stand underneath the cliff and stay virtually dry. (Includes an ADA-accessible paved overlook from the main parking lot).
A famous 60-foot cascade located right along the side of US-64. Famous for historically being the only waterfall in North Carolina visitors could drive behind, the path behind the falls is now reserved as a safe, easy walking walkway for photos.
The largest waterfall in the gorge, cascading nearly 250 feet over massive rock tiers down into the river canyon. It can be viewed from a small roadside pullout along US-64 as you descend into Franklin.
A popular roadside natural swimming hole and boulder scramble where locals and summer visitors go to swim, splash, and slide down smooth natural rock chutes into deep river pools.
Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Franklin near Wayah Road, this peaceful 1-mile loop trail winds through lush mountain hemlocks and rhododendrons to a tranquil 70-foot cascade.
Located just outside the gorge, this 2-mile round-trip trail in the Nantahala National Forest switchbacks down to three distinct, towering waterfall tiers offering scenic valley views.
Drive east from Franklin along US-64 East toward Highlands to experience the full scenic gorge.
Rocks near waterfalls are extremely slick. Always stay on designated trails and paved overlooks, and avoid climbing on rocks above or near drop-offs.
Dry Falls features an upgraded parking area with rest facilities ($3 daily vehicle pass, payable via Recreation.gov or cash box on-site). Pullouts for Bridal Veil and Cullasaja Falls are free roadside stops.