About Toxaway Falls
Toxaway Falls is a long, multi-level cascade on the Toxaway River, right below the US-64 and NC-281 bridge at Lake Toxaway in Transylvania County, North Carolina. You view it from the roadside, not from a trail. It is far from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so no parking tag applies. Published heights vary widely, from roughly 150 feet to over 300, because the water drops in a series of ledges and slides.
The view
A pull-off on the east side of the bridge gives quick access. For a look, cross the road with care and walk the catwalks on both sides of the bridge, where you can see the falls fanning down the rock. The river here forms part of the property line between Gorges State Park and private land, and the water is for viewing only. Keep to the catwalk; wet rock is slippery, and you should not cross the river when the flow is high.
Getting there
Toxaway Falls is on US-64 east of Cashiers and west of Brevard, near Lake Toxaway. From Gatlinburg, plan on about 2.5 to 3 hours. Parking is limited to the pull-off, and traffic on US-64 moves quickly, so use caution crossing the road. Lake Toxaway has limited services; Cashiers and Brevard have more.
When to go
- Spring: The fullest and loudest.
- Summer: Still strong; the mist keeps the bridge cool.
- Fall: Pleasant color above the falls.
- Winter: The edges can ice, and US-64 can be slick.
Photography
An overcast day or early morning gives even light. A polarizing filter cuts glare off the wet rock. Do not set a tripod on the road or in the travel lanes.
Pair it with
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Gorges State Park, and Whitewater Falls, are within about 30 minutes. Together they make a full waterfall day in the escarpment country.
Good to know
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
