This route is a short but really nice 19-mile drive through the Smoky Mountains. You'll be traveling along a beautiful river gorge carved through some of the Smoky Mountains. The route will also take you through over ten gorgeous waterfalls which explains why it is known as the "Waterfall Byway". You'll have a chance to see the Cullasaja Falls that drop over 300 feet in elevation in about half of a mile of river. There's an amazing view of the Cullasaja River, the gorge, Lake Sequoyah and the Smoky Mountains.
Towns/Cities You'll Pass By/Through
The route starts in Franklin, NC and ends in Highlands, NC. There's nothing in between except breathtaking scenery and some fun curves!
Attractions & Points-of-Interests Along the Way
The town of Franklin, NC, calls itself the "Gem Capital of the World" because of the ruby, garnet and sapphire mines. The highlight of this route is Dry Falls. Here you can take a trail under the 75 foot waterfall. At Bridal Veil Falls dive 120 feet. Even though US 64 has recently been rerouted to go around the falls, a section of the old US 64 still travels under the falls. The town of Highlands North Carolina is the route's end point. Sitting at 4,118 ft. in extremely lush and green surroundings, it's the highest town in North Carolina and also the wettest town in NC. Highlands is a popular tourism center with plenty of restaurants, B&Bs, shops and art galleries available for visitors.
Reviewed by Guest on December 17, 2010 (2 out of 2 members found this review useful.)
Comments: Best during week with less tourist travelers and center line crowders. Take your time and stop to enjoy the views and falls. Better yet travel Hwy 28 from Walhalla SC all the way to the Dragon for a fantastic ride which includes this route.