High Falls

Jackson County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 98 ft (30 m)
Location: Jackson County, North Carolina
Access status: Built trail with stairs from Pines Recreation Area; flow depends on dam releases
The walk: About 1.5 miles return (3/4 mile each way) with many stone stairs
Ground & access: Steep descent of about 500 to 650 feet on stone stairs, with bridges and boulders at the base. The climb back is strenuous. Strong rapids on release days; do not get in the water.

RomanticAsheville: High Falls at Lake Glenville

High Falls, also called Cullowhee Falls, is on the West Fork Tuckasegee River just below the Lake Glenville dam. A built trail with many flights of stone stairs starts at the Pines Recreation Area lot, follows a gravel road along the lake for about 0.15 miles, then descends into the gorge to the base of the falls. Return the same way. Most days the flow is small because water is diverted for hydropower; it is much larger on scheduled whitewater release days.

Plan your visit

Pines Recreation Area parking on Pine Creek Road to the base of High Falls on the West Fork Tuckasegee River

RomanticAsheville gives a 3/4-mile trail; SmokyMountains.com lists 1.5 miles round trip. The return climbs about 500 to 650 feet.

Steep descent of about 500 to 650 feet on stone stairs, with bridges and boulders at the base. The climb back is strenuous. Strong rapids on release days; do not get in the water.

Where to start

Pines Recreation Area parking on Pine Creek Road, about half a mile past the bridge over the Glenville Dam, 2 miles from NC 107 in Glenville. RomanticAsheville gives the address 1966 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, and GPS 35.198262, -83.159715.

Timing & water

Open year round per the reviewed trail description. Flow depends on dam releases and rain. Current trail condition not verified.

Before you go

No fee or reservation is mentioned in the reviewed sources. Whitewater release dates change each year; check the current schedule before going.

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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