LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Sassafras Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sassafras Falls
Sassafras Falls is a quietly beautiful waterfall tucked into the US Forest Service–managed Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. The cascade sits amid lush, mossy rock and dense hardwoods, offering a peaceful escape for hikers who prefer less-trafficked reaches of the forest. Access is via the USFS-maintained SASSAFRAS CREEK Trail (Trail #TR65), making the falls an easy-to-locate destination on Forest Service maps and signage. The hike to the falls is a moderate out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain, and the USFS records the trail segment as 0.97 GIS miles for the mapped portion of TR-65. Managed by the USFS within the Nantahala National Forest, the trail leads you along native-surface tread through green, shaded forest to a small, scenic drop framed by moss-covered boulders—an inviting spot for a picnic or a quiet break before returning to the trailhead.
The Setting
Sassafras Falls sits at 3,386 feet within Nantahala National Forest, fed by the Valley River, in the mountains of North Carolina.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Sassafras Creek (#TR65), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
SASSAFRAS CREEK #TR65
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.97 miTrail Description
Trail name/number: SASSAFRAS CREEK (Trail #TR65). Trail type: out-and-back. Total length: 2.4 miles. USFS GIS miles (mapped segment): 0.97. Elevation gain: 350 ft. Difficulty: moderate. Surface: NATIVE MATERIAL. Class: 2. The route follows native-surface tread through forested terrain with modest elevation change; expect typical single-track conditions and some short, steeper pitches given the moderate rating. Follow USFS signs for TR-65 to reach the waterfall.
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 Sassafras Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sassafras Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically more robust due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience.
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, so caution is advised. Watch for roots and rocks that could pose tripping hazards. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
112 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 116 years of record
1.97 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 (13 km away).
Today
Low
112 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
114 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
123 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
117 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
118 cfs
4/10Sat
Moderate
127 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
124 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 170 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,388 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 223 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 87 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls 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
- 3,388 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 170 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
Sassafras Falls is located in the Nantahala National Forest, near the town of Franklin, North Carolina. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead followed by a short hike.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
3,386 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.255641° N, -83.967687° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.
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
7.5 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
Nearby attractions include the town of Franklin, the Nantahala River for rafting, and other waterfalls in the Nantahala National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes during warmer months.
Cities near Sassafras Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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