Waterfall Wednesday: Dry Falls, Highlands, NC
Several weeks ago I missed the final Waterfall Wednesday of August when I came down with a serious cold. I said I owed you one, and here it is! This week's Waterfall Wednesday is brought to you by The Girls; my nana, my mom, and me!
The Girls have been a three-generation, traveling trio since 1995. One of our most iconic trips was several years ago to Highlands, North Carolina, complete with one of my all-time favorite activities; waterfalling. We had the best time! We hiked, we shopped, we enjoyed good food and fresh mountain air! We said we would make the trip every year. However, time slipped by and before we knew it, eighteen years had passed before we finally made it back! Aside from the fact that I no longer had to be carried on this waterfall adventure, nothing had really changed. The mountains were firmly planted where we left them, the leaves rich with gem tones, and the car ride was filled with just as much laughter.
Highlands, North Carolina is straight out of a storybook. Winding roads, between emerald and amber colored leaves with occasional pops of ruby red, give way to breath taking views. The ever-turning, curvy Highway 64 looks down on the Cullasaja River. So long as you are not the driver (these roads are seriously narrow and twisty), you should be on the edge of your seat, peering out the passenger windows. You never know which swing around the bend is going to take your breath away.
The area is bursting with nature and waterfalls to be explored, Dry Falls being one of them. As you can see above and to the right, the falls are far from being dried up. The name "Dry Falls" come from its wide over hang, which allows hikers to walk under the falls without getting wet (for the most part anyway).
The hike to the falls is relatively short and decently easy. It is a bit steep in places, but you can see this view (to the right) practically from the parking lot. The path down to the falls is well maintained and the parking lot marking the trailhead is immediately on the west side of 64. If you're not up for venturing out of the car, Bridal Veil Falls is just up the road and so close you can nearly drive right under.
Dry Falls is around five hours southeast of Nashville. It's more of a quick weekend getaway than a day trip. It's just about two hours outside of Asheville. Or a mere ten minutes outside of Highlands. However you get to Dry Falls, wherever you decide to stay, here's what you'll need for your adventure:
Easy walking shoes
A Jacket - Autumn can be chilly and while it is called "Dry Falls," it's a bit misty behind the falls!
Time - You won't want to rush through the mountains, the view are endless.