Western North Carolina is laced with some of the greatest scenic byways in America. The state offers a great diversity of beautiful sights and inspiring scenery to enjoy right from the seat of your car or motorcycle. One of the most interesting is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. This route embodies the diverse beauty, culture, history and geography while providing travelers with a less-hectic route. The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is a 61.3 mile drive/ridge that winds through south Appalachian hardwood forest, two river gorges and rural countryside. Traveling form Robbinsville to Highlands, the Byway follows US 19, SR 1310 (Wayah Road), old US 64, and US 64.
The northern portion of the winding Waterfall Byway starts west along US 64 at the intersection with SR 215, north of Rosman in Transylvania Country. Crossing the French Broad River, whose Cherokee name means “racing waters”, near Rosman. It is about seven miles to the curve where US 64 crosses the Toxaway River with Toxaway Falls on the left and Lake Toxaway on the right.
From Toxaway, it is about three miles into Sapphire Valley, passing by Lakes Fairfield and Sapphire before crossing the Horse Pasture River. The town of Cashiers, located at the intersection with SR 107, is about ten miles from Toxaway Falls.
From Cashiers it is about four miles to Cowee Gap. From the gap, at the headwaters of the Cullasaja River, it is eight miles to the town of Highlands. This is the highest incorporated community on the east coast. Follow US 64 through town, which was founded in 1875. Highlands lies at the intersection of the lines formed from Baltimore to New Orleans and Chicago to Savannah.
The 120-foot drop of Bridal Veil Falls is two miles west of Highlands. So named because you can walk underneath the roaring water without getting wet. Dry Falls, located about mile west of Bridal Veil, is on the left. The water from this fall flows into the Cullasaja River to the south. Enter the Cullasaja Gorge, six miles west of Dry Falls. The gorge is formed by the Cullasaja River as it flows west into the Little Tennessee River
About four miles from Dry Falls are the Cullasaja Falls. This cascade drops 310-feet in one half mile. There are also amazing views of the Smoky Mountains as well as the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests
From the Cullasaja Falls, it is two miles to Gneiss, which is named for the metamorphic rock that is abundant in the area. From Gneiss, it is about five miles to the US 23/441 interchange with US 64 in Franklin
Follow US 23/441 South and US 64 about seven miles to Cartoogechaye. The nearby mountains are part of the Nantahala National Forest. About four miles west, cross Winding Stair Gap, one of the early western passages along the Appalachian Trail. From there it is about two miles to Rainbow Springs and another two miles to Black Gap
While driving the ten miles along the crest of the Chunky Gal Mountains, enjoy the scenic overlooks. It is about eight miles to the town of Hayesville. Located in Hayesville is the site of Fort Hembree, a gathering place for the Cherokee
About seven miles west of Hayesville, turn left onto Settawig Rd. (SR 1135) and follow it for two and half miles towards Brasstown. The John C. Campbell Folk School, where craftsmen learn trades such as pottery, weaving and blacksmithing, is located. From Settawig Rd. turn right onto Phillips Rd. (SR 1100) for about a tenth of a mile to Brasstown Rd. (SR 1134). Turn left and follow Brasstown Rd. for three-tenths of a mile then turn right onto Cheringhelli Rd. (SR 1558). Follow Cheringhelli Rd. for about six and half miles where the route ends in Murphy at the intersection with US 19/129 Bypass and then take US 19/129 back to Robbinsville.