Cullasaja Falls, Nantahala National Forest

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Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls, also known as Lower Cullasaja Falls, tumbles 250 feet alongside U.S. 64 in the Cullasaja River Gorge west of Highlands. There is no turnout; there is room to stop on the shoulder and walk back for a view of the falls, though it’s not a great spot.

A closer look at the cascades above the Lower Cullasaja.

At the Upper Cullasaja Falls, closer to Highlands, there is a pull-off big enough for a few cars, and a boulder field below the falls that is fairly easy to climb down to for photos, fishing, swimming or simple bouldering.

Notice the guy fishing at left below.

The boulder field stretches just a little ways down river.

The Cullasaja River Gorge is in Macon County. The 7.5 miles of U.S. 64 between Highlands and Franklin through the Cullasaja River Gorge are a portion of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, which continues from Franklin to Almond for a total of 61 miles. Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls are in the gorge near Highlands.