Walk behind Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, then find Glen Falls and Silver Run
The roads around Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina are lined with waterfalls, and several of the best need little or no hiking. In one August day we stopped at Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Glen Falls and Silver Run Falls, all in the Nantahala National Forest.
🥾 Dry Falls
Dry Falls is a 75-foot waterfall on US-64 about 2 miles west of Highlands, in the Cullasaja Gorge. A short paved walk and stairs lead down, and the trail goes right behind the curtain of water. It is called “dry” because you can walk behind it, but on a day like ours you still get misted. The Forest Service charges $3 per vehicle per day.
🥾 Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is right beside US-64 west of Highlands. The old road used to run behind the falls, which made it famous as the waterfall you could drive behind. That loop is closed to cars now, but you can still walk it. No hike and no fee.
🥾 Glen Falls
We also stopped at the Glen Falls Scenic Area, where a trail drops through the forest past a series of cascades.
🥾 Silver Run Falls
Silver Run Falls is on NC-107 about 5.3 miles south of Cashiers. From the pullout it is only about 0.12 mile on an easy trail and a footbridge to a pool and a small sandy beach at the base.
🥾 Trail facts
- Dry Falls: 75 ft, walk behind it, $3 per vehicle (USFS)
- Bridal Veil Falls: Roadside on US-64, walk behind on the old road loop
- Silver Run Falls: 0.12 mile from NC-107 (USFS)
- Managed by: USFS, Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District
Trail facts checked October 2026. Sources: USFS: Dry Falls, USFS: Cullasaja Gorge, USFS: Silver Run Falls Trail. Trails and roads change, so check with the park before you go.
