Cullasaja Falls
A powerful 250-foot roadside waterfall in the Cullasaja Gorge, offering stunning views and an adventurous descent to its base.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Dodge the crowds
Cullasaja Falls
Best Time
Dodge the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful 250-foot roadside waterfall in the Cullasaja Gorge, offering stunning views and an adventurous descent to its base.
"The power from the waterfall is intense. I stayed at the bottom for about 45 minutes just in awe of the beauty."
🚗 Parking is Scarce
Only 2-3 spots available. Arrive early/late or be prepared to move on.
⚠️ Steep & Slippery Descent
The unofficial trail to the base is challenging. Assess your fitness and wear sturdy shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roadside Spectacle
Highway 64, Cullasaja Gorge
A powerful 250-foot waterfall roaring right off the scenic highway. No strenuous hike needed for a stunning view.
Base of the Falls
Bottom of the gorge (requires descent)
Experience the intense spray and raw power up close. A breathtaking, almost otherworldly encounter.
Multiple Levels
Guardrail viewpoint
Climb slightly above the road for a unique perspective on the waterfall's cascading tiers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking is Limited, Plan Accordingly
+1The Descent is for the Adventurous
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Scarce
Only 2-3 spots available. Arrive early/late or be prepared to move on. +1
⚠️ Steep & Slippery Descent
The unofficial trail to the base is challenging. Assess your fitness and wear sturdy shoes.
👀 Keep Eyes Peeled
No major signage. Drive slowly and be ready to pull over immediately.
🚗 No Easy Turnarounds
The road is narrow. If you miss it, you'll need to drive further to find a safe place to U-turn.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Scarce
Only 2-3 spots available. Arrive early/late or be prepared to move on. +1
⚠️ Steep & Slippery Descent
The unofficial trail to the base is challenging. Assess your fitness and wear sturdy shoes.
👀 Keep Eyes Peeled
No major signage. Drive slowly and be ready to pull over immediately.
🚗 No Easy Turnarounds
The road is narrow. If you miss it, you'll need to drive further to find a safe place to U-turn.
💧 Embrace the Spray
Get ready to get wet if you venture to the bottom! It's part of the immersive experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cullasaja Falls is a breathtaking roadside waterfall, lauded for its immense power and beauty, especially when viewed up close from the base. However, the experience is significantly hampered by extremely limited parking and a steep, unofficial, and potentially dangerous trail to the bottom, making it inaccessible for many.
"Such an amazing waterfall. The view from the top is nice but if you're adventurous and confident climber, I highly recommend a climb to the bottom. It is officially not a recommended hike because there is no real trail. There's lots of loose rocks and steep steps that you'll have to take by sitting down and looking for footing or holding a branch. Once you get down at the bottom, the wind is amazing, lots of spray from the fall. The power from the waterfall is intense. I stayed at the bottom for about 45 minutes just in awe of the beauty, it was like slipping into another time and place. Breathtaking!
*There is only a 2-3 car pull-off area. If you're going to take a hike to the bottom, I recommend putting a note in your car window so if you slip and fall, at least someone may come look for you after a few hours. We passed a memorial plaque on the way down, so yes, it's a dangerous climb."
Connie Martin
"Keep you eyes peeled. There's really no signage and not much room to pull off, but it's a cool view. Make sure you go up just past to guardrail up on the rocks for a great view of the multiple levels of fails. Be mindful of the traffic. The speed limit is not very high, but the road is narrow."
C W
"Beautiful waterfall. Be sure to drive slow and be ready to pull over. If you miss it, there’s nowhere to turn around. There’s only a few parking stalls available but other than that amazing waterfall."
BY (Flyinhawaiian)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cullasaja Falls is located along Highway 64 in the Cullasaja Gorge, between Highlands and Franklin, North Carolina. It's a roadside attraction, meaning you can see it directly from the highway.
Parking is extremely limited, with only about 2-3 spots available right on the side of the road. It's advisable to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to increase your chances of finding a spot. +1
No, the road is narrow and winding, with sheer cliffs. There are no easy turnarounds. If you miss the pull-off, you'll need to continue driving until you find a safe place to make a U-turn.
While the speed limit is not very high, the road is narrow, so it's crucial to drive slowly and be attentive to your surroundings, especially when looking for the pull-off.
Yes, Cullasaja Falls is one of several stunning roadside waterfalls along the scenic drive through the Cullasaja Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cullasaja Falls is a natural attraction accessible from the highway, and there are no entrance fees or tickets required.
As a natural roadside attraction, Cullasaja Falls is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee to view Cullasaja Falls from the roadside. Access to the base, however, is unofficial and at your own risk.
There isn't an official, maintained trail to the base of Cullasaja Falls. The descent involves scrambling over steep, loose rocks and is considered unofficial and potentially dangerous.
Yes, you can see and hear Cullasaja Falls from the road, making it a great spot for a quick photo opportunity if you can secure parking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The unofficial hike down is steep, rocky, and can be slippery. It requires careful footing, and some people use branches for support. It's not recommended for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights.
The climb down is officially not recommended due to the steep, rocky terrain and loose rocks. There have been accidents, and a memorial plaque is noted on the path. Proceed with extreme caution.
At the base, you'll experience intense spray, powerful wind, and the sheer force of the waterfall. It's an awe-inspiring and immersive natural experience.
Yes, Cullasaja Falls is part of a scenic route that includes other notable waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Bust Your Butt Falls.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, especially if you plan to attempt the descent. Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor exploration is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The roadside view offers a dramatic perspective. For a different angle, carefully climb up the rocks past the guardrail for a view of the multiple levels. The base offers an immersive, spray-filled shot.
Use a tripod for stability, especially in low light or if using a slower shutter speed to capture water movement. Consider a polarizing filter to manage reflections and enhance colors.
Experiment with shutter speeds: a faster speed freezes motion, while a slower speed creates a silky smooth water effect. Aperture will affect depth of field; a mid-range aperture (f/8-f/11) is often a good starting point.
Absolutely. If you go to the base, the spray is intense. Use a rain cover or a plastic bag to protect your camera and lens from moisture.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary and are often subject to national forest rules. It's best to check current FAA and Nantahala National Forest guidelines before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do manage to park, the descent to the base is steep and rocky, making it unsuitable for very young children or those who cannot navigate uneven terrain safely. For families looking for waterfall experiences with easier access, exploring other falls along the same scenic route, like Bridal Veil Falls or Dry Falls (which allows you to walk behind it), might be a better fit.
These alternatives often have more accessible paths and parking, ensuring a more enjoyable outing for everyone. Always prioritize safety and choose activities that match your children's abilities and your family's comfort level.🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
+1 The challenge, however, lies in the extremely limited parking, which can be a frustrating bottleneck for road trippers on a tight schedule. For those who are adventurous and manage to secure a parking spot, the unofficial scramble down to the base offers an exhilarating, albeit risky, experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Descent: Reaching the Base
For those who brave the climb, the reward is an immersive encounter with the waterfall's raw power. The intense spray, the roar of the water, and the sheer force create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Key Takeaways for the Descent:
* Unofficial Trail: No marked path, requires careful route-finding.
* Steep & Rocky: Expect challenging terrain with loose rocks and slippery sections.
* High Risk: Not recommended for everyone; assess your abilities carefully.
* Intense Experience: Powerful spray and sound at the base.
Navigating the Narrow Road and Limited Parking
Compounding the parking issue is the nature of Highway 64 itself. It's a narrow, winding road with sheer cliffs on either side, making it difficult to maneuver.
Practical Advice for Roadside Access:
* Patience is Key: Be prepared to wait or move on.
* Timing is Everything: Early mornings and late afternoons are best.
* Drive Slowly: Scan carefully for the pull-off.
* No U-Turns: Plan your route accordingly if you miss the spot.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit