Dry Falls, Highlands, NC If you love outdoor activities or hiking, you definitely shouldn’t miss this place. The waterfall and its surrounding scenery blend together naturally and beautifully, creating a breathtaking, almost fairy-tale-like landscape. I’ve even seen someone get engaged here before. The only downside is the distance. Other than that, there are basically no flaws. It takes at least a 3–4 hour drive to get here (and for some places, it can be even farther).
Dry Falls
1 photo
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
23m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Dry Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Dry Falls famous?
Dry Falls is famous for being one of the few waterfalls in the eastern United States where visitors can walk completely behind the waterfall and remain dry, thanks to a large natural rock overhang. Its roadside accessibility and unique behind-the-falls experience make it one of the most visited waterfalls in the North Carolina mountains.
Can you swim at Dry Falls?
No — Dry Falls is a roadside viewing waterfall with no safe swimming area at the base. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Dry Falls?
Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail and viewing area behind the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Dry Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free — no entrance fee or permit required to visit Dry Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Dry Falls?
Free paved parking area is available directly off US Highway 64 with space for approximately 10-15 vehicles. The waterfall viewing area is immediately accessible from the parking lot. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Dry Falls?
Roadside — no hike required. A short paved path of approximately 50 meters / 165 feet leads from the parking area to the viewing platform behind the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Dry Falls hike difficulty
Roadside (no hike) — wheelchair-accessible paved path leads to a sheltered viewing area where you can walk behind the waterfall curtain. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Dry Falls?
Spring and early summer (April–June) for highest water flow from snowmelt and spring rains, though the falls flow year-round. Fall foliage (October–November) is also spectacular. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Dry Falls
From the parking area on US-64, follow the short paved path downhill to the large rock overhang. The trail leads directly behind the 75-foot-wide waterfall curtain, allowing you to walk the full width behind the falls while staying dry. The viewing platform offers photo opportunities from behind the cascade.
Dry Falls official website
Attractions near Dry Falls
- •Bridal Veil Falls — another roadside waterfall where you can drive behind the cascade, 2 miles away
- •Cullasaja Falls — dramatic 250-ft roadside waterfall on US-64, 3 miles southwest
- •Highlands town — charming mountain town with shops, dining, and art galleries, 3 miles north
- •Glen Falls — three-tiered waterfall with swimming holes, moderate 1.6-mile hike near Highlands
- •Whiteside Mountain — sheer granite cliffs with 2-mile loop trail offering panoramic views, 8 miles east
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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