Glen Falls - Nantahala National Forest

We continued our April 2018 exploration of western North Carolina with a hike to Glen Falls. The falls are located west of Highlands, NC. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of US 64 and NC 28 in town, drive northwest on Main Street (US 64) for 0.4 miles and turn left onto Dillard Road (NC 106). Drive 1.8 miles on Dillard Road to the intersection with the paved Holt Road on the left and the gravel Glen Falls Road also on the left. A brown Forest Service sign was easily visible when we visited. Veer left onto Glen Falls Road and drive 1.1 miles to the parking area at the end of the road.

The trail is ¾ mile one-way with a descent of about 400 feet. It is well maintained with numerous timber steps. The East Fork Overflow Creek descends in several steps to create the series of falls named Glen Falls. The creek flows through Blue Valley before emptying into the Chattooga River and miles downstream into the Savannah River.

Topographic map with GPS route

Trail profile

A note about the name of the waterfalls:
The US Board on Geological Names, a part of the US Geological Survey, has determined the official name is Glen Falls. However, the US Forest Service adds a second 'n' to make Glenn Falls.

Forest Service misspelling

Trailhead kiosk

Two signed trailheads, the falls is to the left

Well maintained trail

Timber stairs

More stairs lead down to the first overlook

East Fork Overflow Creek

Another view from the first overlook

View upstream

View downstream

Looking back at the first overlook

There is a trail junction about ¼ mile from the trailhead. Turn right and walk a short distance to the second overlook near the top of the upper waterfall.

Trail junction

Another view of the junction

Side trail

Steps down to the second overlook

Brink of the 100-foot upper falls from the overlook

Blue Valley

Stairs back up to the main trail

Back on the main trail

Duck under or climb over?

Third overlook at the base of the upper falls

Sturdy railings allow safe viewing of the falls

View from the third overlook

Another view

Continuing down the trail...

...and around another switchback

One more switchback for good measure

More timber stairs

Lower falls at the fourth overlook

Another cascade just downstream of the overlook

Closeup of the base of the falls

Glen 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 Glen Falls webpage is https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5188441.