Are there fees or permits required for High Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit High Falls.

Is swimming allowed at High Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at High Falls.

Live Conditions · 40 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

High Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at High Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at High Falls.

North Carolina • 125 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 31 other waterfalls also named High Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

gary riley CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Captain Kimo CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Captain Kimo CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

KansasScanner CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About High Falls

High Falls plunges about 125 feet through a wide, picturesque cascade in DuPont State Recreational Forest, making it one of the forest’s most photographed and popular scenic highlights. The falls’ broad sheet of water and forested amphitheater create dramatic views from several vantage points, and a well-placed viewing area near the base gives visitors a chance to feel the spray and frame great photos. An optional side trail leads up to a charming covered bridge that spans the river above the falls, adding a classic touch to the setting. The hike to High Falls is approachable and family-friendly, drawing day hikers and photographers alike who want an easy outdoor escape. Nestled in the shaded woods of DuPont State Recreational Forest, the site rewards a short walk with big scenery — perfect for a relaxed half-day outing or as part of a longer waterfall loop in the area.

The Setting

High Falls sits at 2,979 feet along the Tuckasegee River, in the hills of North Carolina. At 125 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in North Carolina.

Height: 125 feet

Trail & Hike Details

1.2 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is a short, well-maintained out-and-back trail of roughly 1.2 miles round-trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain; it’s rated easy and features a gentle incline that’s accessible for most visitors. The path is clearly marked and commonly busy during peak times, so expect other hikers and plenty of photo stops along the way. Near the end of the trail you’ll find a designated viewing area at the base of High Falls, plus an optional side spur that climbs to a covered bridge above the cascade for an alternate perspective. No USFS trail number or specific surface/grade/class data is provided for this route; the route’s short distance and mild gain make it a good option for families and casual hikers.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 125 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 High Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at High Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and fall are particularly beautiful due to blooming wildflowers and vibrant foliage, but the waterfall is impressive year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall, as they can be slippery. Be cautious of strong currents and avoid entering the water.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

40 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

93 115 569 2.2k

Based on 22 years of record

3.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

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.

About This Gauge

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

TUCKASEGEE RIVER AT SR 1172 NR CULLOWHEE, NC

USGS 03508050

5.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 147 sq mi

Altitude: 2,111 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge TUCKASEGEE RIVER AT SR 1172 NR CULLOWHEE, NC (9 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

40 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

40 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

40 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

36 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

29 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

30 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

35 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

39 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late December to late January, peaking in January.

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 Glenville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 326 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 125 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 3,011 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 233 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 99 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around High Falls near Glenville, North Carolina, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around High Falls near Glenville, North Carolina, showing about 326 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 3,011 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 326 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

High Falls is located within DuPont State Recreational Forest, near Brevard, North Carolina. The main access point is the High Falls Access Area, which is well-marked and easily reachable by car.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the High Falls Access Area. The lot is spacious but can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

2,979 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.203709° N, -83.160145° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy after rain. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

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This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

BALSAM LAKE LODGE

9.1 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