Are there fees or permits required for Onion Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Onion Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Onion Falls.

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

Onion Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Onion Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Onion Falls.

North Carolina

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Onion Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

w_lemay CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About Onion Falls

Onion Falls is a tucked-away waterfall in North Carolina that rewards a short hike with a peaceful, forested setting. The route to the falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail (approx. 3.9 km round trip) that gains roughly 350 feet (about 107 m), making it a moderate outing well suited to hikers who want a quiet waterfall destination without a long backcountry commitment. The trail threads through lush woodland, and the relatively short distance means you can savor the scenery without an all-day push. Because Onion Falls is lesser-known, it tends to be a more tranquil stop than busier waterfalls in the region; bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for natural, sometimes uneven footing on the approach. No official managing agency or USFS trail number was provided with the available data, so visitors should consult local maps or land managers for access notes and seasonal conditions before setting out.

The Setting

Onion Falls sits at 3,389 feet along the Tuckasegee River, in the mountains of North Carolina.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

High Falls (125 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the northwest.

High Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Length: 2.4 miles round trip (3.9 km). Elevation gain: ~350 feet (107 m). Difficulty: Moderate. Trail type: Out-and-back. Surface/grade/class: No official USFS trail surface, grade, or classification data was provided; the route traverses forested terrain and can include natural, uneven sections (roots, rocks, and modest grades). No USFS trail number/name was available in the provided data—check local resources for formal trail designations and current conditions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in North Carolina.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Onion Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Onion Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow during these seasons due to rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven trail conditions. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour 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

6.3 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 (10 km away).

Moderate 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 256 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,411 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 62 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 168 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 Onion Falls near Glenville, North Carolina, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Onion Falls near Glenville, North Carolina, showing about 256 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: 3,411 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 256 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

Specific directions to Onion Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

3,389 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.197597° N, -83.152923° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for varying trail conditions.

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

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Nearby Campground

BALSAM LAKE LODGE

8.9 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