Nantahala Cascades

Nantahala Cascades are a small but scenic waterfall on Nantahala River in Macon County, North Carolina.  The waterfall is located in the Nantahala River Gorge in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: < 0.1 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Location: Nantahala River Gorge (Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest)

Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.24803,-83.63942
Waterfall GPS: 35.24822,-83.63941

Directions:

From Bryson City, head west on US-74 for about 20 miles and turn left on Wayah Road.  Go 4.1 miles and turn right on Old River Road which becomes gravel.  Drive 0.3 miles to a parking area on the right.

Map:

Hike Description:

The parking area is right near the top of the waterfall.

A steep path leads down from the road to the base, it looked like the stairs had been washed out on my last visit.

Blog Entries:

15-Sep-2024: Drive through Nantahala Gorge

26-May-2013: Paddling Nantahala