Ranger Falls

Macon County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Macon County, North Carolina
Access status: National forest trail in a fee recreation area
The walk: About 2.4 miles return
Ground & access: Moderate. Creek crossing below the falls. Rocks are slippery. The creek is small, so flow is best after heavy rain.

Waterfall Hero: Ranger Falls (Cliffside Lake)

Ranger Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on Skitty Creek in Nantahala National Forest between Highlands and Franklin. In Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, park at the Clifftop Vista trailhead and take Ranger Falls Trail from the upper end of the lot. It climbs gently for 0.4 miles to a split; go left and descend toward Skitty Creek. In about another half mile the trail crosses the creek just below the falls.

Plan your visit

Clifftop Vista trailhead in Cliffside Lake Recreation Area on Ranger Falls Trail to the base of Ranger Falls

Waterfall Hero lists 2.4 miles for the hike. Same trail both ways.

Moderate. Creek crossing below the falls. Rocks are slippery. The creek is small, so flow is best after heavy rain.

Where to start

Clifftop Vista trailhead parking inside Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, off US 64 about 4.5 to 4.6 miles west of Highlands. Pay at the entrance station.

Timing & water

Forest Service lists the season of use as April 1 to October 31, open dawn to dusk. Winter road and gate status was not confirmed.

Before you go

Forest Service lists day use at $5 per vehicle or a $25 annual pass. It says no fee is charged in winter.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Macon County, North Carolina.

Open location map