Waters and
Sapphire Valley Resort

Waterfalls!

Experience a world-class waterfall tour right in our backyard. While staying at Sapphire Valley Resort, you are perfectly positioned to witness the most spectacular cascades in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In less than 20 minutes, you can stand at the base of two breathtaking falls, but the adventure doesn't stop there. Just a short 25-minute drive brings you to the "granddaddy of them all"—Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies!

We’ve curated four incredible options for you to explore, ranging from hidden gems to iconic landmarks. Whether you're looking for a quick morning hike or a full day of mountain exploration, these natural wonders are all just moments away from your home base at Sapphire Valley Resort.

Ready to chase waterfalls?
Check out our interactive trail map below or stop by the concierge for a printed Waterfall Guide before you head out!

We will be adding Google Maps and much more info to our waterfalls page! We are in a constant state of improvements! Thanks for visiting our Sapphire Valley Resort websites!
dry falls near sapphire valley resort

DRY FALLS

Dry Falls near Highlands North Carolina is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit and the only one where you can walk behind the falls.
Access: Easy
[Directions / More Info]

DRY FALLS

DIRECTIONS:
Dry Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 north of Highlands, North Carolina. From downtown Highlands, take Highway 64 north toward Franklin for 3.1 miles. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls.

The Forest Service recently made improvements to the parking area, which included renovation and expansion and the addition of bathroom facilities. A new walkway and overlook were also constructed adjacent to the parking area.

Western North Carolina (WNC) is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, which are nestled within the region's lush forests and rolling mountains. These cascades range from gentle, multi-tiered flows to dramatic plunges over sheer rock faces, offering something for every nature enthusiast. Fed by the abundant rainfall and winding streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains, waterfalls such as Whitewater  Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Dry Falls are popular destinations for hikers, photographers, and travelers seeking natural beauty. Surrounded by vibrant greenery in the spring and summer, colorful foliage in the fall, and occasional icy formations in winter, WNC waterfalls provide year-round scenic splendor and a peaceful escape into nature.

whitewater falls near sapphire valley

Whitewater Falls

Witness the "Granddaddy" of Southern waterfalls, located just a breathtaking 25-minute drive from Sapphire Valley Resort.
Whitewater Falls is a true natural marvel, where the Whitewater River plunges 1,500 feet over a 3.5-mile course straddling the North and South Carolina border. This dramatic descent creates a series of cascades that are essential viewing for any guest at Sapphire Valley Resort.

The Tallest in the East: Upper Whitewater Falls
Standing at a staggering 411 feet, Upper Whitewater Falls holds the title of the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Located within the Nantahala National Forest, this thunderous plunge is easily accessible via a paved walkway to a upper lookout, offering a world-class vista that captivates every visitor.

The Hidden Gem: Lower Whitewater Falls
Continue your journey into the Sumter National Forest to discover Lower Whitewater Falls. While "shorter" at 200 feet, its serene beauty and rugged surroundings offer a peaceful escape for those looking to explore deeper into the Blue Ridge wilderness.


Explore the Trails
Both falls are connected by the legendary Foothills Trail, providing captivating hiking opportunities and designated lookouts for the perfect photo op.
WHITEWATER FALLS 

DIRECTIONS

Bad Creek Access to Upper Whitewater Falls is a 2.3-mile section of the trail. Much of it parallels the Whitewater River. It crosses back into North Carolina. There is net ascent of about 800 feet (200 m).
Upper Whitewater Falls to Sloan Bridge is a 5.5-mile section of the trail that crosses into North Carolina and back into South Carolina. It ends at SC Highway 107.

Bad Creek is the site of the largest hydroelectric station operated by Duke Power, a Duke Energy company. The Bad Creek site provides a trailhead for the 80-mile long Foothills Trail. Duke provides a parking area, with public phone and portajons, and a half-mile spur trail takes the hiker to the Foothills Trail. Set your navigation to Bad Creek for only a 32 minute drive from Sapphire Valley.

bridal veil falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Looking for the ultimate "drive-in" nature experience? Bridal Veil Falls is our unique roadside attraction where you can pull your car right up to the cascading water!

While it’s one of the more delicate falls in the region, it truly shines during rainy periods with a beautiful, steady flow. It is the perfect stop for Sapphire Valley Resort guests who want to experience the magic of a mountain waterfall without the hike. Whether you're on a scenic Sunday drive or just passing through, this is the easiest "must-see" on your list. 

Discover a piece of living history at Bridal Veil Falls, a roadside wonder located just a short, scenic drive from Sapphire Valley Resort.

What makes this waterfall truly unique is its past: it’s the only cascade in the region where you could once drive your car directly behind the falling water! The original route of US Hwy. 64 tucked right under the cliffside, offering travelers a one-of-a-kind mountain experience.
While winter ice and falling rock eventually led to the highway being rerouted in front of the falls, the "old road" remains a fascinating landmark. Though the loop behind the falls is currently closed to vehicles for safety—following a massive rockfall in 2003—it stands as a dramatic testament to the raw power of the Blue Ridge landscape.

Stop for a Photo
This iconic spot is a favorite "must-see" for guests of Sapphire Valley Resort exploring the Cullasaja Gorge. Pull over, stretch your legs, and capture a photo of this historic natural archway!


Directions

From the intersection of US Hwy. 64 and NC Hwy. 28 in Highlands, drive 2.6 miles West on 64 toward Franklin, NC  to the falls on the right.

Credits:

Dry Falls Foreground   Zhans33 - Own work CC BY-SA 3.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dry_Falls2.JPG

Dry Falls Background  Jsfouche - Own work CC BY-SA 3.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dry_Falls-heavy_flow.jpg

Whitewater Foreground  By Daniel Hass - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16690659 

Whitewater Background  By Drmies - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27296168

All images cropped slightly.

Dry Falls Content: wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_Falls_(North_Carolina)]

Whitewater: Content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater_Falls_(North_Carolina)

Bridal Veil Falls: Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States (CC BY-SA 3.0 US) https://www.wncwaterfalls.info/waterfall/7/Bridal_Veil_Falls Content updated, images adjusted.


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Since 2008, our family has been proud to share the latest news, events, and updates from Sapphire Valley Resort and our mountain community. As members of the resort’s founding family, we are dedicated to preserving the legacy and spirit of this special place.

Thank you for visiting—we look forward to helping you create your own mountain traditions!
'Sapphire Valley' - This name was created in 1954 by the Howerdd Family / High South Ventures, LLC
"Ski Sapphire" and " Ski Sapphire Valley" created in 1964 by Gene Howerdd, Jr
**The Sapphire Country: learn more about this at History of Sapphire Valley.org