WaterfallNear Me

Nantahala Falls

Swain County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Swain County, North Carolina
Access status
Short walk to a riverside view at an outfitter; main deck reserved
The walk
About 0.5 miles
Ground & access
Walk beside US 19 and through a busy outfitter area; rocks by the river are slippery.
Waterfall Hero: Nantahala Falls
Nantahala Falls, NC
Nantahala Falls, NC
Photo creditPhoto: Thomsonmg2000, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nantahala Falls, also called Lesser Wesser, is a Class III rapid on the Nantahala River at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. From the parking area, cross back over the main road and turn left on US 19. Walk past the restaurant and the take-out area to a viewpoint. The main viewing deck is reserved for professional photographers, but you can climb down to the river below to see the rapid.

Plan your visit

Appalachian Trail parking at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, walk along US 19 past the restaurant and take-out to the viewpoint

Waterfall Hero lists the hike as 0.5 miles. It does not say whether this is one way or return.

Walk beside US 19 and through a busy outfitter area; rocks by the river are slippery.

Where to start

Appalachian Trail parking area on the left of US 74/US 19 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, 12.7 miles west of Bryson City. Published coordinates: 35.33063, -83.59245.

Timing & water

No closure is stated. Crowds are high in paddling season.

Before you go

On the grounds of the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a private business. No fee is stated by the source.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Swain County, North Carolina.

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