Updated July 2026
Glen Falls
A series of three major drops (roughly 70, 60, and 15 feet) on the East Fork of Overflow Creek in Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, totaling nearly 200 feet over a steep descent. The trail leads down past each tier with overlooks along the way.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Nantahala National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glen Falls drops about 70 feet. That makes it the 331st-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 53% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Glen Falls Trail reaches it about 2 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 430 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Highlands. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Nantahala National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More North Carolina waterfalls
- Bridal Veil Falls · 120 ft
- Catawba Falls · 100 ft
- Courthouse Falls · 45 ft
- Crabtree Falls · 70 ft
- Cullasaja Falls · 200 ft
- Daniel Ridge Falls · 150 ft
- Dill Falls · 50 ft
- Douglas Falls · 60 ft
Sources
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