The mountains of western North Carolina host a number of waterfalls in relatively close proximity. One of those is the 25-foot high Silver Run Falls in Nantahala National Forest. The nearest community to the falls is Cashiers. The parking area for the falls is located on the east side of NC-107, 4.1 miles south of its intersection with US-64 in Cashiers. The gravel road side pullout has space for about a half-dozen vehicles or more depending on the creativity of the drivers. The easy 650 foot trail starts at the south end of the parking area near the forest service sign.
There is another waterfall upstream of Silver Run Falls, but the "trail" to reach it begins with a scramble up a root covered rock face that we weren't prepared to climb. We'll save that adventure for another visit.
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| Parking area |
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| Trail head |
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| Typical trail conditions |
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| Footbridge over Whitewater River |
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| Whitewater River from the bridge |
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| Looking back at the bridge |
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| A few timber stair treads reduce erosion |
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| A few steps to the right of the trail reveals this obstructed view of the waterfall |
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| Another view of the falls and pool from a rock outctrop |
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| The trail continues on toward the base of the falls |
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| Timber and stone stairs lead down to the plunge pool |
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| Silver Run Falls |
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| Plunge pool and swimming hole |
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| Side view |
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| Another perspective |
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| "Trail" to Upper Silver Run Falls |
Entrance to Nantahala National Forest is free. The few areas that require a fee are well marked and usually worth it.
The Nantahala National Forest website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48634.
The Silver Run Falls webpage is https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5188438.
