Cullasaja Gorge

Cullasaja Gorge is a scenic gorge along US-64 between Franklin and Highlands in Macon County.  The 7.5-mile long gorge is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and runs through the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest.  The narrow, winding highway parallels Cullasaja River and provides outstanding views.  Several scenic waterfalls are located right along road.

Points of Interest:

Bridal Veil Falls:

Bridal Veil Falls is a waterfall on a tributary of Cullasaja River that is unique in that you can drive behind it.

Cullasaja Falls:

Cullasaja Falls is the last waterfall on the gorge and the largest at over 200 feet.

Dry Falls:

Dry Falls is an 80-foot waterfall on Cullasaja River, accessed from a Forest Service Day Use Area.

Kalakaleskies Falls:

Kalakaleskies Falls is just downstream of the dam on Lake Sequoyah, but there is no trail and it's very difficult to get a view.

Quarry Falls:

Quarry Falls is a small waterfall on Cullasaja River that makes a popular swimhole in the summer.

Scadin Falls:

Scadin Falls is a beautiful waterfall on Cullasaja River in multiple sections.

Blog Entries:

02-Jul-2022: Middle Creek Waterfalls

03-Jan-2022: Elk in the Snow

03-Jan-2021: White Cliffs and Falls

30-Dec-2020: Highlands Waterfalls

20-Oct-2014: Highlands Waterfalls

26-Jul-2013: Highlands Waterfalls

External Links:

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recreation/scenicdrivinginfo/recarea/?recid=48678