WaterfallNear Me

Hatcher Falls

Jackson County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
33 ft (10 m)
Location
Jackson County, North Carolina
Access status
Partial guide: distant view only from an unofficial trail on private land; the falls are on private property
The walk
About 3.3 miles return to the viewpoint (1.65 miles one way)
Ground & access
Gravel road, then a distinct footpath descending into the river gorge; the view is across the river from a short side path.
Hiking the Appalachians: High Falls (Lower) Trail North, Cashiers

Hatcher Falls is the USGS-named Thurston Hatcher Falls on Rough Run, a tributary of the West Fork Tuckasegee River below Lake Glenville. Hiking the Appalachians reports that the unofficial trail to High Falls from Shoal Creek Mountain Road passes a side path at 1.65 miles leading 100 feet right to a distant view of this roughly 40-foot sliding falls, which it calls Rough Run Falls and identifies as Thurston Hatcher Falls. The falls are on private property across the river, so they can only be viewed from a distance, and foliage can hide them. The trail itself crosses private land that the owners have opened to the public with posted rules.

Plan your visit

Shoal Creek Mountain Road trail toward High Falls to a distant view of Thurston Hatcher Falls (Rough Run Falls)

Hiking the Appalachians gives 1.65 miles from Shoal Creek Mountain Road to the side path for Rough Run Falls, and 1.95 miles to High Falls; the return figure to the Rough Run viewpoint doubles 1.65 miles.

Gravel road, then a distinct footpath descending into the river gorge; the view is across the river from a short side path.

Where to start

Hiking the Appalachians: from Cashiers take NC 107 north 8.2 miles, very sharp left onto Shoal Creek Mountain Road (SR 1158); in 300 feet the trail starts behind an orange gate on the right. Park along the road shoulder. Current permission and shoulder space are not confirmed by the landowner.

Timing & water

Best with high flow and leaves down. Duke Energy water releases swell High Falls on scheduled dates.

Before you go

Private land opened to public foot access with posted rules: no motorized vehicles, no littering, no camping, no campfires, no fishing or hunting. The falls themselves are on private land with no access.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Jackson County, North Carolina.

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