Accessibility – Easy

Height – 60′

Distance – 0.6 miles (out and back)

Beauty – 8

Photo rating – 8

Solitude – 7

GPS Info: LAT 35.2835 LONG -82.9435

Last updated – 04/01/2017

---

Home     Alphabetical Listing     Numerical Listing     Location Listing   NC215S Waterfalls

---

Dill Falls is one of two waterfalls on this segment of Tanasee Creek in the Nantahala National Forest. The waterfalls are on FR4663, which is accessed from NC215 South of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dill Falls and it’s lesser visited companion Upper Dill Falls are accessed from the same parking area but follow different trails. Dill Falls is impressive as is tumbles more than 60 feet down the rockface. The area around the falls is thick with vegetation so it adds to the tropical feel.

To get to Dill Falls, take US64 West out from Brevard to the intersection with NC215. Headwaters Outfitters is on the corner so you can use this as a reference point (it’s not too far past NC178). Make a right onto NC215 and head North for 14.2 miles and turn left on FR4663. Coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway FR4663 will be on your right and it comes up quickly. Be warned, when you’re turning onto FR4663, it looks like you’re pulling into someone’s driveway! There small house right at the intersection of NC215 and FR4663. The road is marked as FR4663. Like many Forest Roads, they are subject to closures in the winter time so do your research ahead of time to avoid a wasted trip. The road isn’t gated at NC215 but it is about a half a mile in. You could park there and walk, as long as you don’t block the gate or mind an extra two miles each way on foot.

I visited this one in July and October of 2015 and the road was in decent shape as far as gravel roads go. I drive a Nissan Xterra so good shape and easily passable to me might be different that it is for you. Follow FR4663 1.9 miles to the split with FR4663B. Bear left onto the lesser traveled FR4663B. The turn is easy to miss so pay attention. FR4663B is narrow and bumpy and even though you;re on it just over half a mile you’re going to feel like I’ve sent you on a fool’s errand. The road ends at an open area where you can park. There are room for several cars but I have yet to find anyone here, which is one of the reasons I like these waterfalls.

The trails to the waterfalls are on the right as you pull into the parking area. One goes up and the other down, to get to Dill Falls take the left branch, heading down. There is a small mound of dirt to prevent vehicle access but once that is cleared, it doesn’t get any easier. The hike is barely 0.25 of a mile downhill. When you get to the creek, look to the right, you have arrived. The hike is kid friendly to the extreme but getting a closer look at the falls can be tricky. There are some fallen trees collected below the base that I use as a foreground object in my photos. You can make your way up the river left side of the lower section to get closer to the primary drop you will have to cross to the river right to get a decent shot.

When you’re done hike back to where you started. When you’re ready, take the right branch of the trail up the hill if you want to see Upper Dill Falls, which you will. It requires a steep scramble to get down to it and it might not be for everyone. I’m partial to Upper Dill Falls since it is my favorite waterfall in the area.