Cullasaja River Gorge

The Cullasaja River is located between the picturesque towns of Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina, and offers a spectacular 19 mile, scenic drive, along part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.  Highway 28/64 clings to the north bank of the Cullasaja River. The road is narrow and the curves are frequent and sharp, making this a fun motorcycle road. There are many places to pull off, get out and soak up the views of this beautiful river.

I recommend driving up route 28/64 from Franklin towards Highlands because you really feel like you're picking your way into this beautiful gorge. Besides, the majority of the pull-offs are on the right if you go this route, and Highlands is a wonderful destination. 

From Franklin, the drive starts out leisurely and pastoral, past farms and grazing land. Soon enough though, it begins to wind upwards.

First is Cullasaja Falls, which doesn't have an official overlook or pull off, though many try. There's room for about 3 cars, if that, and Cullasaja Falls is worth the strain and stumble of a short steep hike down, if you're in physical shape. If parking on a precipice, twisting your ankle and worrying about how you're gonna get back up isn't in your future, drive on to the next falls which has an asphalt walkway and is just as beautiful.

Next is Dry Falls. There is a pull-off and official parking lot on your right.  Walk down the asphalt pathway about a quarter- mile.  Once you turn the switchback, you'll see that Dry Falls is anything but dry. A thunderous amount of water shoots over a ledge and, you  can stroll under the falls itself! Unless it's unseasonably dry, you will get misted.      

After winding a bit more next to the Cullasaja river, you'll see Jackson Hole Mine. If you want to have some fun,  you can mine for minerals in a heated/cooled area, and check out  the beautiful gems and jewelry work.  

Farther up the hill is Bridal Falls. While not an immense amount of water tumbles down, it falls quite a distance. Once there, you can take the old road under this 120 foot waterfall. The waterfall passes over a rock outcropping, creating a dry place beneath. 

The ride ends in Highlands which boasts a 4118 ft. elevation. The Eastern Continental Divide runs through the town of Highlands. In many places the waters run eastward to the Atlantic only a few feet from waters headed westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. The water from the Cullasaja River flows to the west.  In this town you will find lots of little shops and restaurants. There are several other waterfalls in the area, and are showen on this map.  There is also the waterfall scenic byway, which includes this route and more.

Located in Nantahala National Forest, the Cullasaja Gorge is an exciting and wild ride.  Consider checking it out on your next ride to North Carolina. The entire area surrounding this road is a motorcyclist's paradise.  Once you try this road, you'll easily find more unbelievable motorcycle roads in the area. 

 

Leah Lind