Status: Open · as far as we can tell, checked Oct 28, 2026

Glen Falls

70 ft · Nantahala NF, Highlands · North Carolina

Three cascades southwest of Highlands; downhill on the way in, uphill all the way back.

By The Waterfall Guide editorial team · Waterfall near Highlands · run by U.S. Forest Service

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One of the three cascades of Glen Falls, Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, NC — Glen Falls · Josh Hallett on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Right now

Right now as of Oct 28, 2026

Permit No permit needed. Fee: no fee listed.

Status note (Oct 28, 2026): Open. The National Forests in North Carolina alerts page listed no closure for Glen Falls Trail #8 when we checked on October 28, 2026. The Laurel Magazine (undated) warns that parts of the trail have washed away, so take care on the descent. What the status labels mean

Glen Falls is a set of three cascades southwest of Highlands in Nantahala National Forest. The upper falls drop about 70 feet, and the full out-and-back to the lowest falls is about 2 miles. The trail goes downhill first, so the walk back to your car is all uphill.

About Glen Falls

The Forest Service lists this route as Glen Falls Trail #8, leading to three separate waterfalls. According to the Highlands Chamber, the upper falls drop about 70 feet, the middle about 60 feet and a smaller lower section about 15 feet.

Observation decks sit along the way, so you can stop at the upper falls or keep heading down. You may also see the name spelled "Glenn Falls".

Don't mix this trail up with similar names. Glen Falls near Highlands is not the city of Glens Falls in New York, and it is not the Glen Falls trail on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee.

Glen Falls is one of several Forest Service waterfalls near Highlands in Macon County. Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are roadside stops on US-64, west of town.

Getting there and parking

The Glen Falls trailhead is a small lot at the end of Glen Falls Road (SR 1618), per the Highlands Chamber. It is a gravel road off NC-106 southwest of Highlands.

Directions from Highlands

From Highlands, head down NC-106 for about 1.7 miles, according to the Highlands Chamber. Turn left at the Glen Falls sign onto Glen Falls Road (SR 1618), a gravel road. It reaches the parking area after about 1 mile.

Drive the gravel stretch slowly, especially after rain.

Parking

The lot is small, so have a backup plan if it is full. Neither the Forest Service nor the Highlands Chamber lists a fee.

The Forest Service does not confirm restrooms at the trailhead. Plan a stop in Highlands before you drive out to the trail.

Toward Cashiers, Whitewater Falls is another Forest Service falls.

Map and nearby falls

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The hike

The Forest Service lists Glen Falls Trail #8 as 0.60 miles long, leading to three separate waterfalls. The Highlands Chamber puts the full out-and-back at about 2 miles round trip, though its own distance field shows 2.4 miles.

Upper, middle and lower falls

The first observation deck, at the upper falls, is about 0.5 miles from the parking area, according to the Highlands Chamber. Turning back here makes a hike of about 1 mile round trip.

The middle falls are about 1/3 mile farther down, per the Chamber. Trail guide Asheville Trails says the lowest viewpoint is reached by a right fork. The Forest Service says the third falls has a family-friendly swimming hole.

Going all the way to the lowest falls and back makes about 2 miles. You descend on the way in, and the return is uphill the whole way.

Difficulty

The Chamber rates the hike moderate, lists 784 feet of ascent for the full hike and estimates about 1.5 hours.

The tread is a natural surface, and the trail is not wheelchair accessible. Trail guides say leashed dogs are allowed, but the Forest Service page does not address pets.

When to visit

Glen Falls has no posted hours or seasonal closure. Sources don't name a best season, so check recent conditions with the Nantahala Ranger District if flow matters to you.

Nantahala National Forest began reopening Helene-closed areas on October 11, 2024. The Forest Service alerts page listed no closure for this trail on October 28, 2026. To check current conditions, call the Nantahala Ranger District at (828) 524-6441 on weekdays.

The Laurel Magazine's undated listing warns that parts of the trail have washed away and advises caution. The current Highlands Chamber page does not mention washouts.

Because the return climb is the hard part, start with plenty of daylight and water. Leaving extra time lets you climb back to the Glen Falls lot at an easy pace.

All visitor facts
Height	70 ftNote: upper falls about 70 ft, middle about 60 ft and lower about 15 ft per the Highlands Chamber
Trail	About 1 mi round trip to the upper-falls deck; about 2 mi round trip to the lowest falls (Highlands Chamber)
Difficulty	Moderate
Time needed	About 1.5 hours for the full hike (Highlands Chamber)
Entry fee	No fee listed by the Forest Service or the Highlands Chamber
Permit / reservation	None needed
Parking	Small lot at the end of gravel SR 1618
Dogs	Leashed dogs allowed, according to trail guides (not confirmed by the Forest Service)
Swimming	The Forest Service says the third falls has a family-friendly swimming hole, and it warns that the areas around the falls are very slippery.
Wheelchair / stroller	No
Walk behind the falls	No
Managed by	U.S. Forest Service, Nantahala Ranger District

Safety and swimming

The Forest Service warns that the areas around the falls are very slippery. Stay on the trail and the decks. Keep off the rock at the top of each drop.

The Forest Service says the third falls has a swimming hole that is family friendly. If you swim, stay in the pool below the falls, never in the water above a drop. Do not jump in, and watch for slick rock at the edge.

Any washed-out section adds risk, especially when wet. Wear shoes with good grip, and turn back if a section looks unstable. Save some energy for the uphill walk out.

For general tips, see our waterfall safety page.

Where to stay near Glen Falls

Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Highlands.

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Glen Falls FAQ

Where is Glen Falls in North Carolina?

In Nantahala National Forest in Macon County, about 3 miles southwest of Highlands by road. Take NC-106 about 1.7 miles, then gravel Glen Falls Road about 1 mile (Highlands Chamber). It is not Glens Falls, NY, or Glen Falls on Lookout Mountain, TN.

How long is the Glen Falls hike?

The Forest Service lists Trail #8 at 0.60 miles. The Highlands Chamber gives about 1 mile round trip to the upper-falls deck and about 2 miles round trip to the lowest falls.

Is the Glen Falls trail hard?

The Highlands Chamber rates it moderate. You descend to the falls, so the hike back is uphill. The Chamber lists 784 feet of ascent for the full hike and about 1.5 hours of walking.

How do you get to Glen Falls from Highlands?

Take NC-106 about 1.7 miles and turn left at the Glen Falls sign. Follow the gravel road (SR 1618) about 1 mile to the parking area at its end, the Highlands Chamber says.

Can you swim at Glen Falls?

Yes, at the third falls. The Forest Service says it has a family-friendly swimming hole. The rocks near all three falls are very slippery, so stay below the falls and never jump in.

Is Glen Falls open?

Yes. The National Forests in North Carolina alerts page listed no closure for Glen Falls Trail #8 on October 28, 2026. The Laurel Magazine (undated) says parts of the trail have washed away. For current conditions, call the Nantahala Ranger District in Franklin at (828) 524-6441 on weekdays. No Helene closure is listed for this trail.

Are dogs allowed on the Glen Falls Trail?

Trail guides say leashed dogs are allowed. The Forest Service page does not address dogs, so this is not confirmed. Keep yours on a leash.

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On these lists: Dog-friendly waterfalls · Waterfalls you can swim in

Sources

Last verified Oct 28, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with U.S. Forest Service, Nantahala Ranger District before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.

Photos: Josh Hallett on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo credits