Best river trails in Highlands, North Carolina

1,082 Reviews

Explore the most popular river trails near Highlands with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

Map of river trails in Highlands, North Carolina

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Top trails (17)

Dry Falls Trail

#1 - Dry Falls Trail

Nantahala National Forest

easy

(279)

Length: 0.3 mi • Est. 7 m

This trail goes behind a waterfall. You will get wet.Show more

Secret Falls Trail

#2 - Secret Falls Trail

Highlands, North Carolina

moderate

(176)

Length: 1.3 mi • Est. 42 m

Ranger Falls Loop Trail

#3 - Ranger Falls Loop Trail

Nantahala National Forest

moderate

(240)

Length: 2.4 mi • Est. 1 h 21 m

Please check in with park before leaving. Trails are sometimes closed after severely rainy conditions because of flooding, mud, or downed trees. Also, please read directions in the "Getting There" tab. Google Maps will not bring you to the second parking lot where the Ranger Falls Loop Trailhead is.Show more

Cullasaja Falls

#4 - Cullasaja Falls

Nantahala National Forest

moderate

(71)

Length: 0.2 mi • Est. 5 m

You can see Cullasaja Falls from a very small pullout on US-64. There is room for four cars; make sure you pull all the way off the road. You have to climb over the guardrail to get to the trail to the bottom, which is unofficial and extremely steep. The rocks are very slippery and this trail is not for the faint of heart. Someone has installed a rope, which helps a lot; consider wearing gloves. The trail is lined with poison ivy and heavily strewn with litter. All in all, the falls are spectacular but getting to them isn't very pleasant.Show more

Chinquapin Mountain Trail