About Lower Falls
Lower Falls is a named waterfall in Graham County, North Carolina, located about 13 miles northwest of Robbinsville. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Tapoco 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°27′16″ N, 83°58′19″ W (35.45455, -83.97189). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Little Slickrock Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), Yellowhammer Gap (gap, 0.7 mi), and Nichols Cove Branch (stream, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Bemis Camp Falls, 8.0 miles to the south.
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Weather at Lower 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 Lower 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 Lower 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 Lower Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Little Slickrock Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Yellowhammer Gap — gap, 0.7 mi
- Nichols Cove Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
- Lowdown Branch — stream, 0.8 mi
- Slickrock Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- State Line Branch — stream, 1.2 mi
- Ike Branch — stream, 1.2 mi
- Stillhouse Branch — 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 35.45455, -83.97189. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Lower Falls
- Bald River Falls, TN15 mi southwest
- Kennedy Falls, NC21 mi southeast
- Queens Falls, NC22 mi southeast
- Leatherwood Falls, NC26 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lower Falls located?
Lower Falls is in Graham County, North Carolina, about 13 miles northwest of Robbinsville. Its coordinates are 35.45455, -83.97189 (35°27′16″ N, 83°58′19″ W).
What town is closest to Lower Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Robbinsville, NC, about 13 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Lower Falls?
The closest is Bemis Camp Falls (8.0 mi south). Others within reach include Abrams Falls (12 mi), Upper Falls (13 mi), and Big Falls (13 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Lower Falls?
Lower Falls appears on the USGS Tapoco 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.