Cullasaja Falls
North Carolina • 250 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls is a stunning 250-foot waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. It is part of the Cullasaja River and is one of the most picturesque waterfalls along the scenic U.S. Highway 64, also known as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.
The Setting
Cullasaja Falls sits at 2,461 feet within Nantahala National Forest, fed by the Little Tennessee River, in the hills of North Carolina. At 250 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in North Carolina.
Height: 250 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dry Falls (75 ft) lies 3.8 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Bridal Veil Falls (45 ft, 3.9 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Cullasaja Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no official trail to Cullasaja Falls. The waterfall is best viewed from the roadside along U.S. Highway 64. Visitors should be cautious as the road is narrow and winding, with limited visibility for oncoming traffic.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 250 feet.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cullasaja Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cullasaja Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Cullasaja Falls is during the spring and fall. In spring, the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall, while fall offers stunning foliage that enhances the scenery.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Nantahala National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise extreme caution when stopping along U.S. Highway 64 to view the falls. The road is narrow and winding, with limited visibility for oncoming traffic. Avoid venturing too close to the edge of the road.
Current Water Conditions
171 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 82 years of record
1.68 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE TENNESSEE RIVER NEAR PRENTISS, NC (11 km away).
Today
Low
185 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
169 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
159 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
185 cfs
4/10Sat
Moderate
197 cfs
4/10Sun
Moderate
192 cfs
4/10Mon
Moderate
191 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Highlands hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Cullasaja Falls is located along U.S. Highway 64 between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina. The waterfall is visible from the road, but there is no designated parking area or trailhead for direct access.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is extremely limited and can be hazardous as it is located on a narrow shoulder of the highway. Visitors should exercise caution when stopping to view the falls.
Elevation
2,461 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.116973° N, -83.269985° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the day to avoid traffic and secure a safe spot to view the falls. Be cautious of passing vehicles when stopping along the highway. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls, but avoid venturing too close to the edge of the road.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Chalet at Peek's Creek
Private Mtn Love Shack w/ fast wifi, BBQ & view
Red Top Tree House
Riverside Relaxer w/Hot Tub+Fire Pit +Wifi & view
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
West Fork Campground (Clayton, GA)
12.2 miles away · 5 sites
Overview All Campsites at West Fork Campground are reservation only, you must reserve through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777Visitors to this 5-site campground marvel over the picturesque bird's eye view of the world renowned Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. Situated along the west fork of the river, this area offers isolation and adventure all in one. Visitors often comment they feel as though they've been swept back in time and are looking out onto the great frontier of the past when
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the town of Highlands, NC are all located nearby and worth visiting.
Wildlife
The surrounding Nantahala National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Cullasaja Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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