Dill Falls
North Carolina • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
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 easy hike follows Mst Pisgah Rd (#TR440-P), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
MST - PISGAH RD #TR440-P
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
3.67 miTrail 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 short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
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 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
Water temperature is currently 43°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
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
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West F Pigeon River, 7.7 miles away, not on Dill Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
29 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 72 years of record
0.95 ft
Water depth at gauge
43°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 43 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 W F PIGEON R ABOVE LAKE LOGAN NR HAZELWOOD, NC (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
27 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid April, peaking in March.
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 Brevard hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Dill Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Dill Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 61°F to 45°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 29 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 217 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 50 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,164 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 75 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 87 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,164 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 217 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
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 MapsParking
Limited parking is available near the trailhead on Forest Service Road 4663. Parking is free but may be challenging during peak seasons.
Elevation
4,170 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.283992° N, -82.943467° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Check road conditions before heading out, as the unpaved access road can become difficult to navigate after rain.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Brevard
Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North
Holiday Inn Express - Brevard by IHG
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley
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
BALSAM LAKE LODGE
4.4 miles away · 1 sites
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.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Cashiers, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Cashiers, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional 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
Nearby Waterfalls
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