Capturing a Midnight Waterfall At a Glance Waterfall Guide

Highlands

Bridal Veil Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64. Waterfall GPS: N35.07180

W-83.22910

Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet.

Dry Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left. Waterfall GPS: N35.06884 W-83.23869

Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls.

Bust Your Butt Falls

From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left. Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573

Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself!

Glen Falls

From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829

Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.

Upper Middle Creek Falls

With some precautions and the correct equipment, waterfalls at night can boost your portfolio with stunning images.

Photographing waterfalls at night may not be your cup of tea but, although challenging, it can be quite rewarding. Without a doubt, hiking to waterfalls at night can be very hazardous for obvious reasons. We would not attempt to hike to a waterfall in the dark without first scouting it out during the day.

Most waterfalls can be shot at night but we prefer a setting that includes a clear night sky with visible stars to make the scene more interesting. We also prefer a night with no moonlight, although it’s possible to have success with some moonlight.

Appropriate gear is important – include an SLR camera, wide angle lens, a sturdy tripod, and a good LED flashlight with an adjustable beam.

About five years ago there was a TV series that included an episode on photographing waterfalls at night that explains the techniques quite thoroughly. It can be viewed by going online and entering

“Night Photography Waterfalls-Wild Photo Adventures” in the address bar. The waterfall shown here is Silver Run Falls which is located close to Cashiers. The shot was taken during a dry spell, so the water was flowing lighter than normal. Ironically, it’s the same waterfall shown in the TV series mentioned above.

There are two viewpoints at the falls. The first is short, a few hundred yards, and easy. The second, where our photo was taken, is a short distance further down the trail. It is more difficult due to the many roots encountered. Caution is advised here during the day or night.

Trailhead Directions

From the intersection of US 64 and NC 107 in Cashiers, go south on NC 107 for about four miles. Look for the small parking area on the left.

by Ed and Cindy Boos

Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven.

Cashiers Sliding Rock

Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to.

From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge.

Difficulty: A piece of cake.

Spoonauger Falls

From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail.

Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky.

Schoolhouse Falls

From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916

Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing.

CASHIERS

Silver Run Falls

From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 from 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558

Difficulty: No difficulty.

Whitewater Falls

From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area.

From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 mile and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 mile. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 mile to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 mile ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674

Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging.