Glen Falls is a triple waterfall in Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, North Carolina. The hike is about 2 miles round-trip. Four overlooks give visitors excellent views of the falls. The trail goes steadily downhill, so some people find it easiest to start with the last overlook and make their way back toward the car. This way you can rest as you stop at the overlooks on the way up.
The Glen Falls trailhead is at the back-right of a gravel lot. Immediately after the trailhead, there is a trail leading up Chinquapin Mountain immediately to the right. Pass this spur trail and continue straight to hike the waterfall trail. All the overlooks are to the right of the dirt path, toward the creek. Many areas of the trail have prominent roots and rocks, so watch your step.
First Overlook – Overflow Creek
Glen Falls is on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the Blue Valley area. The spur trail for the first overlook, 0.2 miles into the hike, is a short and easy walk. It sits beside the creek and gives you views of the surrounding forest and a peak at the valley.
Second Overlook – Brink of Upper Falls
This spur trail is also short but a little rough. Its overlook has spectacular views of distant mountains in addition to the sheer 70-foot drop of Upper Glen Falls. The best spot to enjoy your surroundings is from the higher section of the fenced overlook. From that angle, you get a clear look down the rock face and of the creek flowing downstream below.
For the best photographs from this spot, you’ll need a wide-angle lens; however, you can get most of the scene from your phone’s camera as well.
Third Overlook – Upper Falls
Half a mile from the parking area, you’ll find the overlook located next to upper falls. There were several steps on the trail to this platform. This is a larger overlook with a long section of fencing along the creek.
Upper Glen Falls is a split waterfall with the heavier flow on the right, closest to the overlook. When sunlight hits it at the right angle, you can see a small rainbow. I was lucky to catch a glimpse on a sunny day.
Fourth Overlook – Middle Falls
Next, approximately a third of a mile from the upper falls is the middle falls. This part of the trail has a steeper slope and there are several switchbacks.
Middle falls is a 60-foot drop. I like the view slightly down the path beyond the fenced platform best. There you get a direct look of the waterfall rather than seeing it from the side.
There is not much room here. To get clear photos of the middle falls, it is best to visit at less popular times or seasons. I went in mid-January and basically had the trail to myself.
The trail continues downstream for another quarter mile to the 15-foot lower falls. As the two other waterfalls are much larger and prettier than the lower falls, you’ll have to decide if it is worth the effort to venture there. Sadly, there is no viewing point from the bottom where you can see all three cascades.
There are many more waterfalls in the Highlands area, especially along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. What is your favorite? Comment below!