Highlands and the Waterfalls of US 64

January 02, 2026

Highlands and the Waterfalls of US 64

There are many scenic drives and viewpoints in Western North Carolina's mountains. Drives that highlight rapid rivers, scenic vistas, and various outdoor activities. Then there are the waterfalls; Western North Carolina is home to over 300 waterfalls. The Waterfall Scenic Byway is a 98-mile adventure from Rosman to Murphy through Transylvania, Jackson, Macon, Clay, and Cherokee Counties.

For this feature, we'll take a look at US 64's ride through Macon County from Highlands to the Cullasaja Gorge.

US 64 through Macon County - Highlands and the Waterfalls along US 64 are marked. (Adam Prince)

Highlands:

Downtown Highlands on a busy October Saturday.

We'll start our trip in Highlands. At over 3,800 feet, Highlands is a mountain retreat for many Southerners during the hot and humid summer months. Home to seven golf courses and located near many hiking and fishing spots, Highlands can serve as a base for a weekend or week-long adventure.

Shops along Main Street, Highlands, NC.

Downtown Highlands is a mix of upscale boutiques, restaurants, and lodging. Weekends year-round will find Main Street filled with visitors from throughout the Southeast. For more of my photos from Highlands, click here.

Sequoyah Falls:

The first waterfall on US 64, west of Highlands, is Sequoyah Falls. While it is a manmade waterfall - the dam dates to 1926 - it is a spectacular cascade that can be viewed from different perspectives. Many photos are taken from a vantage point just above the dam - see the top picture. However, if you are willing to journey a bit further, you get a great view from below the dam.

For those willing and able, the view from below the dam is worth it.

Parking to access the dam is along the shoulder of the eastbound side of Highway 64. To view the falls, you will have to walk a short distance - the more apt you are at navigating the rocks on your own, the more unobstructed shots.

Bridal Veil Falls:

For years, vehicles could drive under Bridal Veil Falls. The road is closed now.

The next stop is possibly the most unique of the falls along 64, Bridal Veil Falls. For years, motorists were able to drive underneath the 60-foot waterfall. For safety reasons, drivers can't do that today. However, the old oxbow of US 64 allows for parking on either side of the falls, and the old pavement provides visitors with safe access to walk under the falls for a fun picture.

Dry Falls:

Another popular and easily accessible waterfall is Dry Falls. Located on the eastbound side of US 64, a US Forest Service Parking Lot provides easy access. The cost to park is $3.00 via an electronic payment kiosk. Also, be aware that this is a very popular spot; you may have to wait on Highway 64 to turn into the parking lot.

Dry Falls gets its name because you can walk underneath the 80-foot waterfall and not get wet. A paved trail provides easy access to and underneath the falls.

Quarry or Bust Your Butt Falls:

Even in Early October, Quarry Falls is a popular attraction.

If you enjoy a good natural waterslide, then the next stop, Quarry Falls, is a must. It is not marked, but if you are traveling east on US 64, you can't miss it. If you are going west on US 64, you'll probably notice a few cars pulled over on the narrow shoulder. Quarry Falls is a popular swimming hole. The smooth rocks create a natural slide into a deep pool. (Always check the pool depth and surroundings before swimming, sliding, or jumping!)

Cullasaja Falls:

It is difficult to get an optimal view of Cullasaja Falls - it is best photographed when the leaves have fallen.

The final stop is the most difficult to view and access of the five waterfalls listed. Cullasaja Falls sits within the Cullasaja Gorge. The drive along US 64 West through the Cullasaja Gorge can be harrowing. It is narrow, twisty, and built into the cliffs of the gorge. There is little to no room to maneuver through the highly scenic gorge. The falls are not marked - and are only accessible by a narrow pull-off on the shoulder of US 64 East. If you are driving on US 64 West, it is best to drive through the gorge until the next intersection, where you can turn around.

Cullasaja Falls is an approximately 250-foot cascade within the gorge. The falls are best viewed from the road or just off the road before the entrance to an unmarked and challenging path to the base of the falls.

All photos taken by the post author - October 4, 2025.

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