About Upper Vernal Falls
Upper Vernal Falls is a named waterfall in Jackson County, North Carolina, located about 12 miles east of Cullowhee. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Sam Knob 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°15′48″ N, 82°58′20″ W (35.26333, -82.97222). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Cold Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Charley Knob (summit, 0.4 mi), and Balsam Lake (reservoir, 0.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Lower Vernal Falls, under 0.1 miles to the southeast.
USGS gazetteer description: 35 ft. high; in Nantahala National Forest on an unnamed tributary of Wolf Creek, 2.85 mi. W of Pinhook Gap
Name history: Named for spring plant growth around the falls.
Weather at Upper Vernal 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 Upper Vernal 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 Upper Vernal Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Upper Vernal Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Cold Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Charley Knob — summit, 0.4 mi
- Balsam Lake — reservoir, 0.4 mi
- Cub Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
- Gage Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Bryson Knob — summit, 1.1 mi
- Cathey Gap — gap, 1.2 mi
- Charley Creek — stream, 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 35.26333, -82.97222. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Upper Vernal Falls
- Upper Falls, NC7.0 mi northeast
- Schoolhouse Falls, NC7.2 mi south
- Second Falls, NC8.2 mi northeast
- Yellowstone Falls, NC8.5 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Vernal Falls located?
Upper Vernal Falls is in Jackson County, North Carolina, about 12 miles east of Cullowhee. Its coordinates are 35.26333, -82.97222 (35°15′48″ N, 82°58′20″ W).
What town is closest to Upper Vernal Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Cullowhee, NC, about 12 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Upper Vernal Falls?
The closest is Lower Vernal Falls (under 0.1 mi southeast). Others within reach include Dill Falls (2.2 mi), Courthouse Falls (4.4 mi), and Dismal Falls (5.6 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Upper Vernal Falls?
Upper Vernal Falls appears on the USGS Sam Knob 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.