Leatherwood Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About Leatherwood Falls
Leatherwood Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. It is a popular spot for visitors due to its easy accessibility and serene surroundings.
The Setting
Leatherwood Falls sits at 1,923 feet within Nantahala National Forest, in the hills of North Carolina.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Leatherwood Loop (#TR73), a 0.4-mile loop trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
LEATHERWOOD LOOP #TR73
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.49 miTrail Description
The trail to Leatherwood Falls is a short and easy loop that is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors. It passes through a forested area and leads directly to the waterfall, making it a great option for families or those looking for a quick nature outing.
What to Expect
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 Leatherwood Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Leatherwood Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall.
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
The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Valley River, 7.5 miles away, not on Leatherwood Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
58 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 117 years of record
1.71 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average 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 VALLEY RIVER AT TOMOTLA, NC (12 km away).
Today
Moderate
58 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
56 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
67 cfs
4/10Thu
Moderate
72 cfs
4/10Fri
Moderate
67 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
62 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
59 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid January 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 Hayesville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Leatherwood Falls Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Leatherwood Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 70°F to 52°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 56 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 206 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,921 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 88 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 56 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,921 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 206 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning 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
Leatherwood Falls is located near the Leatherwood Loop Picnic Area in the Nantahala National Forest. It can be accessed via Forest Service Road 143, which is off Highway 64 near the town of Hayesville, NC.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available at the Leatherwood Loop Picnic Area, which provides access to the trail leading to the falls.
Elevation
1,923 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.096518° N, -83.859381° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring bug spray during warmer months, as insects may be present. The trail may be slippery after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
Where to Stay
Stonebrook Lodge Murphy
Mistletoe Cabin- Private cabin w views, Hottub, pet friendly
Eagles Landing
Beautiful 4BR Mountain View Cabin A Retreat for Everyone
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
RATTLER FORD GROUP CAMPGROUND
18.5 miles away · 4 sites
Overview Rattler Ford Group Campground sits near the swift-moving Santeetlah Creek in the Nantahala National Forest. Groups of up to 25 guests can enjoy the creek, which is popular for fly fishing, as well as nearby Lake Santeetlah, which provides countless water sports and activities. Recreation The campground is located about 2.5 miles from the Avey Branch boat ramp at Lake Santeetlah, which provides visitors access to all types of water-related activities, including fishing, boating, and canoe
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Nantahala River for rafting and fishing, as well as other hiking trails in the Nantahala National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes during warmer months.
Cities near Leatherwood Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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