Adventure Out – Autumn Waterfall Tour

By Peter McIntosh

I always want to do a leaf tour of sorts every October, so on this adventure we’re taking a little road trip to see drive up waterfalls, Mud Creek Falls in Georgia and Dry Falls, Cullasaga Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in North Carolina. You can do a little hiking at two of them, Mud Creek and Dry Falls, but I still call then drive ups.

Starting from the intersection of Hwy 441 and Hwy 246 in Dillard, turn right on Hwy 246 and go for 4.2 miles to Bald Mountain Rd. Turn right on Bald Mountain Rd and go 0.9 miles and turn right into Sky Valley, on Sky Valley Way and go 1/2 mile and turn right on Tahoe Lane. Follow Tahoe Lane road 3/4 mile to dead end at the base of the falls. There’s a trail here following Mud Creek that will end near the Dillard Overlook on Hwy 246 if you feel like hiking. It’s not a well maintained trail so keep that in mind.

Now back to Hwy 246, which is now NC Hwy 106 (it changes at the state line) and turn right, heading towards Highlands. At the intersection of Hwy 106 and Hwy 64 in Highlands, turn left, heading west on Hwy 64, 2 miles to Dry Falls and a well marked parking area on left. There are viewing spots that are handicap accessible and there are restrooms here. But if you don’t know, the big selling point of Dry Falls is being able to walk behind the roaring cascade. I suggest bringing a rain jacket as the mist from the falls is, well, very misty!

So onward and downward we go...following along the Cullasaga River Gorge, to Cullasaga Falls. This waterfall is 5.5 miles past Dry Falls on Hwy 64 and is also on the left. The best thing to do is drive past the falls a short way down Hwy 64 and turn around. Returning towards Highlands, pull off to right, completely off road. Be careful here as this is a high traffic area. Now heading back towards Highlands you can drive under Bridal Veil Falls if you’re so inclined. Happy hiking!

It’s month number ten so let my October poem begin: Let’s head up the road when the leaves changing, For a waterfall tour that I’ve been arranging. It’s the perfect time of year I do believes, To see falling water and falling leaves.

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Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com