Glen Falls
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Glen Falls, a triple waterfall system offering scenic hikes and stunning natural vistas in Nantahala National Fore...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Glen Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Glen Falls, a triple waterfall system offering scenic hikes and stunning natural vistas in Nantahala National Forest.
"The falls are beautiful, but the trail to get there is a little challenging."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Wear good hiking shoes; the trail has roots and uneven stairs.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the uphill return hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Cascades
First observation deck
Witness the impressive 70-foot drop of the upper section, offering a breathtaking view.
Middle Cascades
1/3 mile from upper section
Marvel at the 60-foot middle falls cascading down a wide rock face.
Bird's-Eye View
Side trail past upper section
Gain a unique perspective from the top of the upper falls, overlooking the mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & Return Climb
Best Viewing & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Wear good hiking shoes; the trail has roots and uneven stairs.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the uphill return hike.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the scenic overlooks for stunning waterfall photos.
⬆️ Prepare for Uphill Return
The hike back is all uphill, so pace yourself.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Wear good hiking shoes; the trail has roots and uneven stairs.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the uphill return hike.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the scenic overlooks for stunning waterfall photos.
⬆️ Prepare for Uphill Return
The hike back is all uphill, so pace yourself.
📍 Check Trail Conditions
Parts of the trail can be impassable after rain; check ahead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Glen Falls is a highly recommended natural attraction, praised for its beautiful triple waterfall system and scenic overlooks. Visitors appreciate the moderate hike, though many note the strenuous uphill return. Some find parts of the trail challenging due to roots and uneven stairs, and accessibility can be an issue after heavy rain.
"Path leading to parking lot is concrete and dirt mixed. Decent size parking lot. Trail to the left towards the waterfalls is an easy trail to follow. Trail to the right is unmarked in a little more difficult to know where the trail actually is. This is a fairly easy trail to the left and would be great to take your dog. Wonderful views of the waterfall."
Burnzone A.L.
"Great easy to moderate hike. Saw lots of multigenerational families hiking. Lots of dads with hiking backpacks with little kids. And lots of kids 4 or 5 and up making the hike! Great spots for pics—2 are perfect with the waterfall behind. About a 2 mile hike, some steps, some areas just have paths. It’s a really beautiful walk and the colors were amazing mid October."
Monica Toomey
"This is a really beautiful place. I recommend everyone visit it!! We went down to three locations, but didn't go any further because we arrived after lunch. We spent about 1.5 hours there."
Никонова Виктория
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glen Falls is located near Highlands, NC. The trailhead is accessible from the parking area. For a less crowded experience, consider the 'secret' Lookout Mountain Conservancy Trailhead in St. Elmo, which offers a hike up to the falls.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead. However, parking can be disorganized due to the lack of striping, so be mindful of how you park.
The starting elevation at the trailhead is around 3500 feet, with the trail descending significantly.
Yes, locals suggest using the 'secret' Lookout Mountain Conservancy Trailhead in St. Elmo for a different approach to the falls.
Glen Falls is only about 3 miles from Downtown Highlands, NC, making it a convenient natural attraction to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee to enter Glen Falls. It's a free natural attraction for visitors to enjoy.
Glen Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit during daylight for safety and the best viewing experience.
No advance booking is required for Glen Falls as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
The trail to Glen Falls has many stairs and roots, making it challenging. However, some visitors with slight disabilities have been able to reach the top viewpoint, which is strenuous but beautiful.
Information about restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail is limited. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or be prepared for primitive conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Glen Falls is approximately 2 miles round-trip. Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the hike and enjoy the waterfalls.
The hike is considered moderate. It's all downhill on the way to the falls and all uphill on the way back, with a significant elevation change.
Glen Falls features three main waterfalls: the upper, middle, and a third section. The upper and middle cascades are often highlighted as the most beautiful.
Yes, there are several great scenic overlooks along the trail, including observation decks for the upper and middle falls, and a unique bird's-eye view from the top of the upper section.
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Layers are recommended as mountain weather can change. Bring water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation decks for the upper and middle cascades offer excellent photo opportunities. The bird's-eye view from the top of the upper falls also provides a unique perspective.
Yes, Glen Falls can be incredibly dramatic during storms, with the water flow increasing and the mountain scenery coming alive.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, the afternoon sun can also highlight the water and rock formations beautifully.
There are observation decks for safe viewing and photography of the upper and middle falls. Avoid venturing off-trail for closer shots, as it can be dangerous.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfalls and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the upper and middle falls, which are more easily accessible and offer stunning views. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, and bring plenty of water and snacks. The observation decks provide safe viewing areas, but always supervise children closely near the water and on uneven terrain. Consider the 'secret' Lookout Mountain Conservancy Trailhead as a potentially less crowded alternative approach.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers
Be prepared for the uphill return, which can be a good workout. The opportunity to witness the falls during different weather conditions, even storms, adds to the allure for those who appreciate dramatic natural scenery.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting in the morning for softer light, or during or after a storm for dramatic, powerful waterfall imagery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Glen Falls Hike: What to Expect
Along the path, you'll encounter a moderate level of difficulty due to roots and uneven stairs. While there are observation decks for safe viewing, some sections of the trail can be challenging, especially after rain. Visitors recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes and bringing plenty of water to stay hydrated for the entire trek.
Despite the challenging return, the beauty of the three distinct waterfalls makes the effort worthwhile. The upper and middle cascades are particularly stunning, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to connect with nature.
Discovering the Waterfalls of Glen Falls
Continuing further down the trail, you'll reach the middle section, a 60-foot waterfall that flows gracefully over a wide rock face. This area is equally captivating and offers another excellent vantage point. For a truly unique perspective, a side trail near the upper falls leads to an observation deck atop the upper section, providing a bird's-eye view of the falls and the surrounding mountain landscape.
While the upper and middle falls are the most frequently visited, the trail continues to a third section. However, accessibility to this part can vary, and some visitors have reported trail sections being impassable. Always check current conditions before planning to visit all three.
Community Tips for Visiting Glen Falls
Parking can be a point of discussion, with some noting the absence of clear striping leading to potential disorganization. A 'secret' trailhead via the Lookout Mountain Conservancy Trail in St. Elmo is suggested by some locals as an alternative route.
When it comes to enjoying the falls, the upper and middle cascades are highlighted as the most beautiful. Visitors also emphasize the importance of sturdy footwear due to the trail's roots and uneven stairs, and the need to stay hydrated.
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