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Waking sticks help for this walk as the steps are uneven in places. Good hike to second lookout looking down on falls.
Easy to find and a good amount of parking, this waterfall hiking trail is moderately steep (going down to the bottom of the falls and back up to the parking area), so plan on taking 30 mins (or more) each way and make sure you can handle the steep climb back up. There are wooden steps along the way, but the trip back can be exhaustive, especially if you are short of time and trying to hike quickly. There are 4 platforms areas to view the falls, and they are definitely beautiful and worth the effort.
Beautiful falls situated not far from downtown Highlands NC. Easy trek and well maintained trail part of the Nantahala National Forest. Lots of rocks and tree roots along the trail so be careful cos on the way to falls it slopes down and the way back slopes up so it can be hard both ways but lots of switch backs and stops along the path to view the falls which are great.
Nice views of waterfalls and rapids with leaves not on trees yet. One overlook had a good view of mountains in the distance at top of falls. The trail is a bit rugged in places so it is some work going down and back up. If you're young and or in shape you should be good. A lot of tree roots along the paths.
First time hiking here. Very enjoyable. Clean and very well maintained trails with built in wooden steps. Parking was easy along the edge of the lot and road. Several safe built lookout areas to see waterfall at different levels from top to bottom.
Many families with kids of all ages. Some seem at the bottom where there is a cute little sandy Beach area and a small pool of water. Very safe and comfortable with some shade and sun spots. Logs and rock to sit on.
As you know, when you walk all the way down, you have to walk back up. It's a steep climb and while it's not too long, it definitely can be challenging for those who aren't used to it. There are many side cut trails to cut through that help to quicken and shorten the hike. Small kids and adult kids find this fun and you can rest waiting for your peeps to join up from the main trail. 😁
