Waterfall Stunner

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: April 2023

Thousands of people – locals and visitors alike – drive the curvy stretch of U.S. Highway 64 (Highlands Road) through the Cullasaja River Gorge in Nantahala National Forest to view dramatic Cullasaja and Dry Falls. Yet, fewer people have experienced the powerful flow of water cascading 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 (visit lakes.duke-energy.com for dates and times). Typically, however, the flow of the waterfall is based on rain amounts. 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, with built-in log or stone stairs along much of it, the descent is steep. In fact, the 3/4-mile trail descends 650 feet in elevation – which, of course, means that it ascends the same amount during the climb back out of the gorge. But, the sights, sounds, and views are well worth the 1.5-mile round-trip hike. A hiking stick is recommended to assist and steady hikers going down and back up the trail. Moss-covered boulders, rocks, and logs, as well as ancient Cherokee tree markers (limbs bent to indicate direction and locales), sheer stone cliffs, and sundry smaller waterfalls are viewable while meandering the trail. At one point, a stone cliff runs beside the trail and features cave-like pockets that could very well house creatures, large and small. Water from rain and springs flows down areas of the cliff gorge, so that natural hues range from light and dark browns to light and dark grays; native seedling plants also grow on slight ledges along the massive stone face. The Duke Energy-owned trail includes well-built bridges and benches – besides the painstakingly constructed stairways. While the descent to High Fall is intimidating, knowing that one must climb back up to the trailhead, seeing the actual waterfall is worth any concerns. The backdrop to the powerful flow is a forest-topped sheer rock cliff. And the sound of the river below is soothing and meditative. Kayaking signs indicate the opportunities for the recreation when the dam is released, but the trailhead warning offers: “The whitewater opportunity is recommended for expert/advanced paddlers skilled for Class IV and V rapids.” Yet, the trail can be traversed year-round, and the picturesque waterfall at the trail’s end rivals other – more popular waterfalls – available for viewing around the Plateau. For a video of the dam released and flowing over High Falls, scan code below. by Deena Bouknight