Darrell Duke
Magic Morning Mist
This is going to sound corny, but it is true. This is that special time of morning, that is now becoming more and more fleeting in todays fast paced tourist world. That time of morning before the tourist show up in their bright orange or pink shirts and selfie sticks. This is the golden time when the fog hangs low in the gorge, the mist from the falls slaps you in the face like a wake-up call, and the sun has made enough of an appearance to make decent photographs. This is that special time when you have the waterfall and nature all to yourself if only for a few minutes.
Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located a few miles outside of Highlands, gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. This 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (hence the name). During rainy spells when the water volume is higher, the spray will prevent you from staying totally dry.
Located roadside on US Highway 64, everyone can enjoy the view from a fully accessible observation area adjacent to the parking area.
If are able to walk up and down the steps, take the short path that leads under the falls. Best angles for shooting the falls are at the end of this trail.
Directions:
Coming from Highlands: Take Hwy 64 west for just over 3 miles from its intersection with Hwy 106. Pass or stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then look for a brown and white forest service sign for Dry Falls and turn left into the parking area. If you are coming from Franklin, Dry Falls is about 16.5 miles east on U.S. Hwy 64.
Magic Morning Mist
This is going to sound corny, but it is true. This is that special time of morning, that is now becoming more and more fleeting in todays fast paced tourist world. That time of morning before the tourist show up in their bright orange or pink shirts and selfie sticks. This is the golden time when the fog hangs low in the gorge, the mist from the falls slaps you in the face like a wake-up call, and the sun has made enough of an appearance to make decent photographs. This is that special time when you have the waterfall and nature all to yourself if only for a few minutes.
Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located a few miles outside of Highlands, gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. This 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (hence the name). During rainy spells when the water volume is higher, the spray will prevent you from staying totally dry.
Located roadside on US Highway 64, everyone can enjoy the view from a fully accessible observation area adjacent to the parking area.
If are able to walk up and down the steps, take the short path that leads under the falls. Best angles for shooting the falls are at the end of this trail.
Directions:
Coming from Highlands: Take Hwy 64 west for just over 3 miles from its intersection with Hwy 106. Pass or stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then look for a brown and white forest service sign for Dry Falls and turn left into the parking area. If you are coming from Franklin, Dry Falls is about 16.5 miles east on U.S. Hwy 64.