Dill Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 24 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Dill Falls

North Carolina 50 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Nantahala National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (4)
1.
Jim Liestman CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
2.
Jim Liestman CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
3.
4.
@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Dill Falls

Dill Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. It is known for its serene setting and relatively easy access, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Setting

Dill Falls sits at 4,170 feet within Nantahala National Forest, in the mountains of North Carolina. The falls drop 50 feet.

Height: 50 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Second Falls (50 ft) lies 6.1 miles to the east. Also nearby: Courthouse Falls (45 ft, 2.9 mi).

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Mst Pisgah Rd (#TR440-P), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

MST - PISGAH RD #TR440-P

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

3.67 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Dill Falls is a short and easy hike through a forested area. The path is well-defined but may be muddy or slippery after rain. The trail leads directly to the base of the falls, offering excellent views and photo opportunities.

What to Expect

The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Dill Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Dill Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Dill Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience, though road access may be limited.

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 caution on the trail, especially after rain, as it can be slippery. The unpaved access road may require a high-clearance vehicle. Always let someone know your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

24 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 72 years of record

0.90 ft

Water depth at gauge

60°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 60 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 03455500
7.7 mi from waterfall
Drainage: 28 sq mi
Altitude: 2,976 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Brevard hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Dill Falls is located off Forest Service Road 4663 in the Nantahala National Forest. The road is unpaved and may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially after heavy rains. Visitors typically park near the trailhead and hike a short distance to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Limited parking is available near the trailhead on Forest Service Road 4663. Parking is free but may be challenging during peak seasons.

Elevation

4170 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.283992° N, -82.943467° W

Land Management

Nantahala National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Where to Stay

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Nearby Campground

BALSAM LAKE LODGE

4.4 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Balsam Lake Lodge is nestled in the center of the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest within the Nantahala National Forest. The lodge overlooks Balsam Lake and offers spectacular mountain views.The lodge opened its doors to the public when the Forest Service acquired the dwelling and lake in 1982. Since then groups have rented the lodge for meetings, recreation and environmental activities. NOTE: Balsam Lake Lodge is not a campground and has no campsites available for sewer, water, or electric

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Courthouse Falls, another beautiful waterfall in the area, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers stunning scenic drives.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.

Cities near Dill Falls

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