Dry Falls and Cliffside Lake Trails - NC

This week's hike was on the short but spectacular Dry Falls trail. Then we hiked at nearby Cliffside Lake on the lake loop and Ranger Falls Trail

Trail information

We first stopped by and did the short hike to Dry Falls. Always a favorite stop to view one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the U.S. The trail is about a half mile round trip and allows you to walk behind the falls and feel the cool mist and hear the violent rush of water tumbling into the gorge below. Next, we traveled down the road a mile or so to Cliffside Lake Recreation area and hiked on a couple of trails there. We hiked the lake loop and the Ranger Falls - Skitty Creek Trail. The trails here are nice with lots of restroom facilities and picnic areas and a nice network of trails to choose from. Total hiking distance today - 4+ miles with some elevation change. We rate the hike difficulty as moderate

Directions

From downtown Highlands, take highway 64 toward Franklin. Dry falls is a couple of miles down the highway on the left. For Cliffside Lake continue another couple of miles and look for the sign. Turn to the right and drive to the pay station ($5 per car / $2.50 with senior pass) and continue to the parking area. Another great day for a hike! WILD

Conditions

Mostly to partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the upper 60's to the mid 70's F.