Waterfall · Macon County, North Carolina

Dry Falls

Waterfall about 11 miles southeast of Franklin, NC.

4.9 · 1,145 Google reviews

Photo of Dry Falls near Franklin, NC

About Dry Falls

Dry Falls is a named waterfall in Macon County, North Carolina, located about 11 miles southeast of Franklin. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Highlands 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°04′07″ N, 83°14′21″ W (35.06853, -83.23904). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Skitty Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Big Dog Mountain (summit, 0.6 mi), and Long Branch (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Bridal Veil Falls, 0.6 miles to the northeast.

Picturesque cascade with a path under the rocks that offers a unique, reverse view of the waterfall.

More Photos

4,066 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at Dry Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Loading the forecast...

Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Dry Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

Sunrise
—
Sunset
—
Daylight
—
Golden hour
—

Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

—

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 Dry 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

Dry Falls holds a 4.9 average from 1,145 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★1,071
4★61
3★9
2★1
1★3

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Dry Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Skitty Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
  • Big Dog Mountain — summit, 0.6 mi
  • Long Branch — stream, 0.7 mi
  • Cliffside Lake — reservoir, 0.8 mi
  • South Skitty Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
  • Chestnut Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
  • Turtle Pond Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
  • Dog Mountain — summit, 1.1 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 35.06853, -83.23904. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Dry Falls

Photo of Quarry Falls near Franklin, NC

Quarry Falls

Franklin, NC · 2.3 mi northwest
4.5 (14)
Photo of Glen Falls near Franklin, NC

Glen Falls

Franklin, NC · 2.6 mi south
4.9 (126)
Photo of Satulah Falls near Franklin, NC

Satulah Falls

Franklin, NC · 3.5 mi southeast
3.7 (10)
Photo of Satulah Falls, a waterfall 3.0 miles from Highlands Falls
Pictured: nearby Satulah Falls (3.0 mi)

Highlands Falls

Franklin, NC · 3.7 mi east
3.7 (3)
Photo of Cullasaja Falls near Franklin, NC

Cullasaja Falls

Franklin, NC · 3.8 mi northwest
4.7 (170)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dry Falls located?

Dry Falls is in Macon County, North Carolina, about 11 miles southeast of Franklin. Its coordinates are 35.06853, -83.23904 (35°04′07″ N, 83°14′21″ W).

What town is closest to Dry Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Franklin, NC, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Dry Falls?

The closest is Bridal Veil Falls (0.6 mi northeast). Others within reach include Quarry Falls (2.3 mi), Glen Falls (2.6 mi), and Satulah Falls (3.5 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Dry Falls?

Dry Falls appears on the USGS Highlands 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.