About Dismal Falls
Dismal Falls is a named waterfall in Transylvania County, North Carolina, located about 14 miles west of Brevard. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Lake Toxaway 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°10′56″ N, 82°58′22″ W (35.18232, -82.97292). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Dismal Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), Big Pisgah Mountain (summit, 0.7 mi), and Owens Gap (gap, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Schoolhouse Falls, 2.3 miles to the southwest.
More Photos
31 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Dismal 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 Dismal 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 Dismal 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
Dismal Falls holds a 4.8 average from 10 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Dismal Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Dismal Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- Big Pisgah Mountain — summit, 0.7 mi
- Owens Gap — gap, 0.7 mi
- Shelton Pisgah Mountain — summit, 1.0 mi
- Panthertail Mountain — summit, 1.2 mi
- Round Mountain — summit, 1.2 mi
- Mill Branch — stream, 1.3 mi
- Cold Mountain — summit, 1.3 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 35.18232, -82.97292. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Dismal Falls
- Lower Vernal Falls, NC5.6 mi north
- Upper Vernal Falls, NC5.6 mi north
- Rainbow Falls, NC6.3 mi south
- Bird Rock Falls, NC6.9 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dismal Falls located?
Dismal Falls is in Transylvania County, North Carolina, about 14 miles west of Brevard. Its coordinates are 35.18232, -82.97292 (35°10′56″ N, 82°58′22″ W).
What town is closest to Dismal Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Brevard, NC, about 14 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Dismal Falls?
The closest is Schoolhouse Falls (2.3 mi southwest). Others within reach include Toxaway Falls (4.7 mi), Maidenhair Falls (4.9 mi), and Slatten Falls (4.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Dismal Falls?
Dismal Falls appears on the USGS Lake Toxaway 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.