Nantahala Falls

Nantahala Falls, also called Lesser Wesser Falls, is a small waterfall on Nantahala River in Swain County, North Carolina.  It's more of a class III rapid than a waterfall.  The waterfall is located in the Nantahala River Gorge on the grounds of Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Hike Length: 0.5 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Location: Nantahala Outdoor Center

Trail Users: Whitewater paddling
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.33063,-83.59245
Waterfall GPS: 35.33255,-83.59557

Directions:

From Bryson City, get on US-74 and head west for 12.7 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and turn left into the Appalachian Trail parking area.

Map:

Hike Description:

Cross back across the main road and turn left on US-19.  Hike past the restaurant and take-out area to a viewpoint of the falls.  The main viewing deck is reserved for professional photographers, but you can climb down to the river below to see the waterfall.

It's more of a rapid than a waterfall and much more fun to paddle over than to view from land.

Blog Entries:

15-Sep-2024: Drive through Nantahala Gorge

26-May-2013: Paddling Nantahala