Rufus Morgan Falls

Rufus Morgan Falls is a graceful 60-foot sliding cascade in the Nantahala National Forest, named after Albert Rufus Morgan, a pioneer of the Appalachian Trail in the southern mountains. The water slides down a broad rock face lined with lush rhododendron on the right side and surrounded by a diverse forest of hardwoods and hemlocks. The intimate setting feels like a hidden woodland sanctuary.

The trail is a gentle one-mile loop that passes through a beautiful mixed forest before arriving at the base of the falls. The hike is family-friendly and one of the easier waterfall trails in the Nantahala area. The forest along the trail features towering tulip poplars and thick understory vegetation that makes the approach feel like walking through a green tunnel.

Late May through July is the best time for wildflowers and rhododendron blooms along the trail. The road to the trailhead is closed seasonally from January through April, so plan accordingly. This is a perfect short hike for families or anyone looking for a peaceful waterfall experience away from the more crowded destinations.