About Big Falls
Big Falls is a named waterfall in Graham County, North Carolina, located about 9.1 miles northwest of Andrews. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Santeetlah Creek 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°15′56″ N, 83°57′58″ W (35.26564, -83.96602). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Mouse Knob Branch (stream, under 0.1 mi), Indiancamp Branch (stream, 0.5 mi), and Firescald Ridge (ridge, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Sassafras Falls, 0.7 miles to the south.
More Photos
3 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Big Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Big Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Big Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Big Falls holds a 5.0 average from 6 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Big Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Mouse Knob Branch — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Indiancamp Branch — stream, 0.5 mi
- Firescald Ridge — ridge, 0.8 mi
- Fall Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
- Mouse Knob — summit, 0.8 mi
- Deerlick Ridge — ridge, 0.8 mi
- Sassafras Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Deep Gap — gap, 0.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.26564, -83.96602. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Big Falls
- Lower Falls, NC13 mi north
- Leatherwood Falls, NC13 mi southeast
- Queens Falls, NC17 mi east
- Berties Falls, NC23 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Falls located?
Big Falls is in Graham County, North Carolina, about 9.1 miles northwest of Andrews. Its coordinates are 35.26564, -83.96602 (35°15′56″ N, 83°57′58″ W).
What town is closest to Big Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Andrews, NC, about 9.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Big Falls?
The closest is Sassafras Falls (0.7 mi south). Others within reach include Middle Falls (0.9 mi), Upper Falls (1.5 mi), and Bemis Camp Falls (5.6 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Big Falls?
Big Falls appears on the USGS Santeetlah Creek 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.