Cullasaja Falls is located in southwestern North Carolina in the Nantahala National Forest. Cullasaja Falls is on the Cullasaja River and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. The waterfall is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja River. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning “honey locust place”.
The height for this impressive waterfall has been disputed with ranges from 137 feet to 250 feet. Google Earth lists the height at 137 feet, based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls. I, like most people, included the cascade height with the waterfall height to give the height of 250 feet since the cascades look like they are part of the waterfall.
You can see Cullasaja Falls at a distance from US 64 while driving by. The waterfall is located beside of a series of blind curves, with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road.
You usually pass it before you realize where it is and drive past the small pull-off (can only fit 2-3 cars) and wind up turning around or parking and walking back alongside of the road. Sometimes the pull-off is full and you have to go to the next one and walk back any way. Please use extreme caution when walking back since this road is very busy and there is not much space next to the road to walk in.
Cullasaja Falls are best viewed in the winter and early spring to avoid the bottom part of the waterfall being obscured by tree growth in front of the waterfall.
There are several waterfalls nearby that you may want to check out while you are in the area including Dry Falls, Quarry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
I’ve been in this area before and never realized this waterfall was there. Now that I know where it is thanks to your directions. I’ll look for it next time I’m out there.