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The Awesome Power of Water
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: June 2023 | Photograph By: Brian O'Shea
The High Falls Dam Release defines the word “Awesome.
All one must do is look online and on social media for various footage of a Lake Glenville High Falls Dam release to get a glimpse of the awesome power of water.
However, individuals can also hike to a safe spot to experience the event up close and in person.
In fact, a multitude of people annually, visitors and residents alike, have put on their bucket lists – or even annual to-do’s – the viewing of the powerful flow of water as it cascades down West Fork Tuckasegee River in the Tuckasegee Gorge. Referred to as High Falls or Cullowhee Falls, the 150-foot waterfall truly presents a spectacular flow when extra water is released periodically from the dam above.
While the flow of the waterfall is based on rain amounts, no one is ever disappointed when the dam is released.
The dam was already released a few times in April, but the remaining summertime release dates (visit lakes.duke-energy.com to verify exact dates and times) are supposed to be June 10, July 8, July 29, August 12, and August 19. Release times typically are 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Access to the High Falls trailhead is at 1966 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee; GPS coordinates 35.198262, -83.159715. The parking lot with informational signage is across the street from restrooms and a Lake Glenville beach/park.
While the trail is wide, the descent is steep. In fact, the 3/4-mile trail descends 650 feet in elevation, but the sights, sounds, and views are well worth the 1.5-mile round-trip hike. Seeing the actual waterfall overrides any concerns or challenges. The backdrop to the powerful flow is a forest-topped sheer rock cliff. A hiking stick is recommended to assist and steady hikers going down and back up the trail.
The Duke Energy-owned trail includes well-built bridges and benches – besides the quality constructed stairways.
Duke Energy does post a warning that behooves dam release viewers to take the activity seriously: Warning: High flows and the natural environment where such flows occur can create dangerous conditions in the bypassed reach. Duke Energy releases these flows solely to comply with its license requirements. Duke Energy neither encourages nor discourages recreational use of high flows by the public. Any recreational use by the public during high flows should be limited to experienced boaters.
