Middle Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
400 ft
About Middle Falls
Middle Falls is a picturesque waterfall tucked into Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls offer a peaceful waterside destination framed by forested slopes, making it a rewarding stop for hikers and photographers exploring the area. Access to Middle Falls is typically made as part of a 4.5-mile loop that climbs roughly 400 feet and is rated moderate in difficulty. The U.S. Forest Service maintains a short alternate approach — MIDDLE FALLS ALT., Trail #TR64B — which provides direct access to the falls. That alternate is a brief 0.16-mile native-material segment (Class 2), so you can easily add the viewpoint to your hike without a long detour.
The Setting
Middle Falls sits at 3,524 feet within Nantahala National Forest, fed by the Valley River, in the mountains of North Carolina.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Middle Falls Alt. (#TR64B), a 4.5-mile loop trail over natural surface. Expect 400 feet of elevation gain. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
MIDDLE FALLS ALT. #TR64B
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.16 miTrail Description
Trail type: 4.5-mile loop; difficulty: moderate; elevation gain: ~400 ft. The route is designed as a loop trail and is suitable for most hikers prepared for moderate climbs. USFS-specific info: the falls are served by MIDDLE FALLS ALT., Trail #TR64B (GIS length 0.16 miles). That segment is classified as Class 2 and has a native-material surface, providing a short, unpaved approach to the waterfall. Expect typical singletrack tread and natural substrate on the TR64B spur; the overall outing remains a moderate loop with roughly 400 feet of total gain.
What to Expect
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 Middle Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Middle Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild, and the foliage adds to the scenic beauty. Summer is also popular but can be more crowded.
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
Be cautious near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make trails hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
73 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
1.76 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge VALLEY RIVER AT TOMOTLA, NC (14 km away).
Today
Low
83 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Moderate
84 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
78 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
77 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
73 cfs
6/10Sun
Barely Flowing
74 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
73 cfs
5/10Best window: Sat — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Marble 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 101 feet of drop through Middle Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 3,525 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 123 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 124 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south 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
- 3,525 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 101 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- 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 south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Middle Falls is accessible via the High Falls Loop Trail in Dupont State Recreational Forest. The trailhead is located near the Hooker Falls parking area, which is well-marked and easy to find.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Hooker Falls parking area. It can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
3,524 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.262307° N, -83.981020° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as some sections of the trail may be uneven or slippery. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
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With 4.5 miles and 400 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
The Junction
Mistletoe Cabin- Private cabin w views, Hottub, pet friendly
Quality Inn & Suites Robbinsville
Stonebrook Lodge Murphy
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
SWAN CABIN
6.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Nestled in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest, this primitive log cabin was built in 1931 by Frank Swan in a different location, then later it was moved to its current location near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. The cabin and the surrounding meadows are named for the Swan Family, who came to the area from Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. Swan Cabin offers a peaceful, quiet retreat where visitors can relax on the front porch and enjoy birdsong and views of the surro
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
High Falls, Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are all located within Dupont State Recreational Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Middle Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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Other waterfalls named Middle Falls
8 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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