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Cullasaja Falls facts for kids

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Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja.jpg
Cullasaja Falls in the fall
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Location Macon County, North Carolina
Coordinates 35°06′59″N 83°16′10″W / 35.116397°N 83.269527°W / 35.116397; -83.269527
Type Cascade
Total height 200 ft (61.0 m) - Disputed (see Geology Section)

Cullasaja Falls is a beautiful waterfall found in the mountains of western North Carolina. It's located on the Cullasaja River within the huge Nantahala National Forest. This amazing spot is also part of the scenic Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. The name Cullasaja comes from the Cherokee language, meaning "honey locust place".

Discovering Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls is the last big waterfall you'll see on the Cullasaja River. It's not just one big drop, but a long, flowing cascade. This means the water tumbles down a rocky slope for about 0.2 miles (0.3 kilometers).

How Tall is the Waterfall?

The exact height of Cullasaja Falls is a bit of a mystery! Some books say it's about 200 feet (61 meters) tall. Other sources claim it's even taller, around 250 feet (77.1 meters). No matter the exact number, it's a very impressive sight!

Visiting Cullasaja Falls Safely

It's pretty easy to see Cullasaja Falls from the road as you drive by. The waterfall is right next to U.S. Highway 64. However, getting a closer look can be tricky and even a bit dangerous.

Finding a Good Viewpoint

The road near the falls has sharp turns and steep rock cliffs. There's only one small pull-off where you can stop your car. Walking along the road is not safe because of passing vehicles. Always be careful if you decide to stop and look!

Fun Things to Do at the Falls

Even though it's a bit hard to reach, some people enjoy different activities at Cullasaja Falls.

  • Swimming: Below the main falls, there's a pool where some brave visitors like to go swimming.
  • Rappelling: For those who love adventure, rappelling down the cliffs near the falls is another activity. This involves using ropes to descend a rock face.
Cullasaja Falls 2
Cullasaja Falls during a period of very high flow

Other Waterfalls Nearby

The area around Cullasaja Falls is full of other amazing waterfalls to explore. If you enjoy nature, you might want to visit these:

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