Dry Falls

This spectacular 65-foot waterfall creates one of the most accessible and photographed cascades in the North Carolina mountains. Located along the Cullasaja River Gorge scenic route, the falls plunge dramatically over a granite cliff face, creating a powerful display that's visible year-round. The relatively short trail winds through a beautiful hardwood forest with rhododendron and mountain laurel, making it particularly stunning during spring blooms and fall foliage seasons.

The well-maintained path features wooden steps and railings in steeper sections, though it does involve some rocky terrain and can be slippery when wet. Multiple viewing platforms provide excellent vantage points for photography, with the lower platform offering the most dramatic perspective of the full drop.

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting conditions, and bring a camera with a polarizing filter to capture the water's movement. The nearby Cullasaja Falls and Bridal Veil Falls make this area perfect for waterfall hopping, while the close proximity to Highlands provides convenient dining and lodging options for those wanting to explore the region further.