Backyard Adventurer: the Waterfalls of Highlands, North Carolina

While this location is a little further than the usual 2-hour limit for the Backyard Adventurer series, I couldn't help but share. I don't remember how I ended up in Highlands for the first time, but I've lost count of how many times I've been since. It's an amazing spot just about 2 and a half hours away from North Atlanta in the mountains in North Carolina, with waterfalls, hikes, scenic drives, and cute small-town culture.

Highlands is a quaint mountain town with great places to eat, shop, and explore. The people are incredibly friendly, and it seems there's always something going on.

But that's for a different post.

There's something about waterfalls that make them one of my favorite things to see. They never get old, no matter how many I visit. Like snowflakes, each is unique and unlike any other. The ones along the road to Highlands are some of my favorites.

Bridal Veil Falls

Though sometimes not the strongest waterfall, it's the only one I know of in the southeast that you can drive under. It's often closed in the winter because the ice that accumulates on the small road underneath it, but walking underneath it is just as fun.

Dry Falls

This has to be one of my all-time favorite falls. It was on my bucket list for a long time to walk underneath a waterfall, and now I can say that I've crossed that off. A staircase path leads down to the falls, where a paved path leads underneath the waterfall and around to the other side. Standing underneath and looking out at the forest through the veil of water is a pretty unbeatable sight.

While not often crowded, I have been there once during a 1920s Model T meet-up, which made parking a little scarce. Parking is free! The only thing you need are shoes with good traction; the stairs can be slippery when wet.

There's a wall on the opposite side of the falls that, to those who are willing, offers a nice seat from which to view the falls. 

Others

I've certainly not explored every waterfall US-64 has to offer. I know there are some that require a short hike; I have yet to do those. There are also others that are visible from the road, but I'm unsure of their names.

It's a great area with tons to offer. I've been in winter, summer, and fall, and it's amazing every time. The forest tends to get foggy in the winter, and ice can be frequent because of the elevation, but the trip is still wonderful. 

Note: Technically, these waterfalls are north of Highlands, but if you take US-23 up to just south of Franklin and then turn onto US-64, you'll be on a straight shot down into Highlands, passing the waterfalls on your way.

(Backyard Adventurer, Part 2)