Glen Falls

Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, USA

About Glen Falls

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Glen Falls was really a series of three main waterfalls all on the same creek (Overflow Creek).

The first two big drops were probably the most photogenic of the ensemble.

Glen_Falls_016_20121016 - Glen Falls
Glen Falls

There was also a third drop, but it’s debatable whether that one was worth the effort.

I’m sure if there was an imaginary viewing point looking down at this falls from its front, it would’ve been quite an impressive display of a three-tiered cascade dropping 70ft, 60ft, and 15ft, respectively.

Instead, we pretty much treated this excursion like it was three separate waterfalls with a very nice view from the top of the first waterfall.

Unlike its neighbors Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls, Glen Falls was not on a main highway.

Glen_Falls_012_20121016 - Looking up at the first of the Glen Falls
Looking up at the first of the Glen Falls

So it certainly wasn’t anywhere near as busy though it did get quite a bit of foot (and paw) traffic nonetheless.

During our visit, we were greeted by the sounds of barking from several territorial dogs yelping at one another.

Therefore, I’d imagine this must be pretty popular place for locals to bring their pets.

The Glen Falls Hike

The trail began at the end of a sort of cul-de-sac where people parked on the shoulders just off the flow of traffic (see directions below).

The path meandered as it passed by a pretty nice panoramic view before veering away from it.

Glen_Falls_006_20121016 - Looking out at the colorful forest from the brink of Glen Falls
Looking out at the colorful forest from the brink of Glen Falls

Then, the trail descended in earnest towards and alongside the creek responsible for the Glen Falls ensemble.

The first main spur to the right (towards the creek) led to the top of the first waterfall.

At this vantage point, we enjoyed a nice view of the falls dropping into the shadowy gorge below while it was surrounded by pretty trees with Fall colors against the afternoon sun.

Back at the main trail, it continued to descend and switchback away from the creek then back towards it.

When it got close to the creek again, there were some wooden guard railings where we got to see angled views of the first waterfall.

Glen_Falls_026_20121016 - Context of the second cascade of the Glen Falls ensemble with railings from the trail
Context of the second cascade of the Glen Falls ensemble with railings from the trail

There was quite a bit of foliage preventing us from getting totally clean looks, but we did get to see the whole first drop from here nonetheless.

The trail then continued descending along more switchbacks within earshot of the creek eventually reaching another area with wooden guard rails.

This was where we got pretty nice and open views of the second cascade, which we thought was the prettiest of the three (see photo at the top of this page).

When we had our fill of this second Glen Falls, the trail continued descending along the creek even more as it traversed an eroded section (exposing tree roots).

Glen_Falls_022_20121016 - The third waterfall of the Glen Falls ensemble and its plunge pool
The third waterfall of the Glen Falls ensemble and its plunge pool

It veered away from the creek before reaching what appeared to be a junction.

Turning right at the junction (not sure where going left would’ve taken us), we returned to the creek where there was a wide pool and a distant view of the third and smallest of the Glen Falls.

We didn’t feel like getting our boots drenched so we didn’t wade into the pool for a closer and more direct look at that waterfall.

There were also lots of fallen trees jumbled up at its base making this 15ft waterfall appear even smaller than it really was.

Even though this last tier was on the disappointing side, I’d imagine it might be an inviting place for a soak or swim on a hot Summer’s day.

Glen_Falls_025_20121016 - Looking up at the context of the steep descent between the second and third of the Glen Falls
Looking up at the context of the steep descent between the second and third of the Glen Falls

Returning to the trailhead meant it was an all uphill climb (as this was an upside down hike).

My trip logs indicated that we spent a little over an hour away from the car.

I believe the round trip distance covering all three waterfalls was on the order of 2 miles (possibly less).

However, if you wanted to save the trouble of going down to the third waterfall, it might be as little as a mile round trip or so.

Authorities

Glen Falls resides in the Nantahala National Forest near Highlands in Macon County, North Carolina. It is administered by the USDA Forest Service. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website or Facebook page.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: nantahala, national forest, macon county, highlands, north carolina, waterfall, brevard, asheville, autumn



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Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
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