With Jon’s new job and all of the animals it is hard for us to take a long vacation right now. Over our 3 day Fourth of July weekend we took a trip about 4 hours away to the mountains in Franklin, NC. We had a short stay which included a fair amount of rain and not a lot of time to do everything in the area, but we still had a great time. The first thing we did after arriving and settling in was drive a short distance to see Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in Highlands, NC.

The parking lot at Dry Falls was full when we arrived. It is on a winding mountain road and there is no other place to park on the side except in actual parking spaces. We did have to wait a few minutes and circle the parking lot once to get an open spot. There is a port-a-john, but no formal bathroom with water. Fortunately, we didn’t need the use of the port-a-john.  It was July 3rd and I can presume it is not normally quite so crowded. However, even if it is always crowded, it is still worth it.

It had rained a lot before and during our weekend trip. This helped the falls to be nice and full. The walkway to Dry Falls is well made and wide with rails. Although the parking lot was full the walkway did not feel over crowded. The main walkway is an easy short distance where you can walk all the way behind Dry Falls and beyond to the other side for a different vantage point. There is also a wheelchair accessible view.

View of Dry Falls, Highlands NC Approaching the Side

View of Dry Falls, Highlands NC from Behind

View of Dry Falls, Highlands NC from Behind

Although it is named Dry Falls because you can walk behind it and stay mostly dry, don’t be fooled. You and your camera may get a little wet. There is pleasant gentle mist from the sides and back of the fall. You can walk all the way behind it through to the other side.

Water Spots on the Camera from the Mist of the Fall

View of Dry Falls, Highlands NC from the Other Side After Walking Behind

View of Dry Falls, Highlands NC from the Other Side After Walking Behind

We also enjoyed a quick pull off at Bridal Veil Falls also nearby in Highlands, NC. It is a small waterfall, but who can resist a neat little fall that you can drive your car under? There is a very small pull off for possible 3 or 4 cars if you want to park and get out as well.

About to Drive Under Bridal Veil Falls, Highlands NC

If you ever get the opportunity to visit the western mountains of North Carolina, you should check them out!