Gorgeous Waterfalls Near Franklin, NC | EASY Day Trip

It’s a scorching, summer day and you’re looking to get wet. Or it may be the middle of the winter. Who knows! All we know is that you’re looking for some of the best waterfalls to visit near Franklin, North Carolina.

Home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Nantahala National Forest, Western North Carolina is home to dozens of falls you could explore. But we want to help you plan the ultimate day trip.

This guide will specifically break down the 5 best waterfalls you can hit in one drive as you adventure down highway U.S. 64 between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina.

Map of Franklin, NC Waterfalls

READ MORE: 8 Best Hiking Trails Near Franklin, NC

The Best Waterfalls Near Franklin, NC

1. Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls along Highway 64 in Highlands, NC

Distance from Franklin: 10.1 miles

Get Directions: Click here.

The first stop on this list, Cullasaja Falls, is about 16 minutes southeast of Franklin and easy to access from U.S. 64 as you make your way towards Highlands.

You can take in the view of this waterfall (also pictured at the top during the summer) by driving by, or there’s space along the side of the road fit for a few vehicles. However, be careful if you’re getting out of your car. This is a common area of the highway for truckers and visibility can be limited around the winding curves.

A small foot trail also provides a slightly better view of the falls, but we advise against taking that unless you’re an avid climber.

READ MORE: 5 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Saluda, North Carolina

2. Bust Your Butt Falls

Bust Your Butt Falls

Distance from Franklin: 12.3 miles

Get Directions: Click here.

You can stop by and take a slide down this next waterfall near Franklin, NC after you pass Cullasaja falls if you’re taking this trip from Franklin.

This swimming hole slash waterfall is a popular destination for locals around the area and even offers cliff jumping opportunities if you’re brave enough. Just check the depth of the water before you do and make sure others are around to make sure it’s safe!

There’s plenty of parking off the highway, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot when you visit.

READ MORE: Best Franklin, NC Campgrounds & RV Parks

3. Dry Falls

Dry Falls near Highlands, NC

Distance from Franklin: 15.5 miles

Get Directions: Click here.

While you can’t swim around this next waterfall along your trek down U.S. 64, it does offer some of the most gorgeous views you can find nearby. 

At the Google Maps location above, a marked trailhead will guide you towards Dry Falls. You can explore the falls after a quick walk from there where the trail (pictured above) allows you to walk behind the falls and hear the sounds of the water crashing down onto the rocks below you. You might even get wet if the water is high enough!

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Hendersonville, North Carolina 

4. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls near Franklin, NC

Distance from Franklin: 16.5 miles

Get Directions: Click here.

Also sitting along the Cullasaja River as you travel on this route towards Highlands is Bridal Veil Falls – another waterfall you can park your car and get to in just a few minutes.

The area around this popular waterfall allows you to walk around, behind, and underneath the falls if you want to catch some photos from different angles.

You used to be able to park directly under them, but issues with rocks falling were causing safety concerns and caused that area to be closed off.

READ MORE: 5 Best Caves and Caverns in North Carolina

5. Sequoyah Falls

Distance from Franklin:  17 miles.

Get Directions: Click here.

While technically a dam, Sequoyah Falls is the last (or first, depending on which way you travel) stop on this ultimate day trip near Franklin, North Carolina. 

Slightly off 64 about 2 miles from downtown is a gravel lot where you can walk above the falls and explore the refreshing area around it. It’s a beautiful spot for photos in the summer or fall!

READ MORE: 10 Beautiful Hiking Trails in Boone, NC

Explore More Western, NC Waterfalls & Trails

As we hinted at the up top, Western North Carolina is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Boone, Asheville, Highlands, and the other small towns throughout the area each have their own unique personality and host tons of adventures. 

Planning a trip to Boone anytime soon? We have the perfect next article for you if you are:

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