Waterfall · Jackson County, North Carolina

Betsy Falls

Waterfall about 7.1 miles south of Cullowhee, NC.

Photo of High Falls, a waterfall 1.8 miles from Betsy Falls
Pictured: nearby High Falls (1.8 mi)

About Betsy Falls

Betsy Falls is a named waterfall in Jackson County, North Carolina, located about 7.1 miles south of Cullowhee. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Glenville 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°13′04″ N, 83°07′58″ W (35.21788, -83.13264). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Betsy Branch (stream, 0.1 mi), Pilot Mountain (summit, 0.4 mi), and Trout Creek (stream, 0.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Onion Cliff Falls, 0.7 miles to the east.

Weather at Betsy Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Betsy Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Betsy Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Betsy Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Betsy Branch — stream, 0.1 mi
  • Pilot Mountain — summit, 0.4 mi
  • Trout Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
  • Onion Cliff — cliff, 0.6 mi
  • Little Trout Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
  • Little Pilot Mountain — summit, 0.9 mi
  • Raven Fork — stream, 0.9 mi
  • Hunter Jim Creek — stream, 1.0 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.21788, -83.13264. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Betsy Falls

Photo of High Falls, a waterfall 2.4 miles from Onion Cliff Falls
Pictured: nearby High Falls (2.4 mi)

Onion Cliff Falls

Cullowhee, NC · 0.7 mi east
Photo of High Falls, a waterfall 0.6 miles from Onion Falls
Pictured: nearby High Falls (0.6 mi)

Onion Falls

Cullowhee, NC · 1.8 mi southwest
Photo of High Falls near Cullowhee, NC

High Falls

Cullowhee, NC · 1.8 mi southwest
4.6 (24)
Photo of Dismal Falls, a waterfall 4.9 miles from Slatten Falls
Pictured: nearby Dismal Falls (4.9 mi)

Slatten Falls

Cullowhee, NC · 4.5 mi east
Photo of Dismal Falls, a waterfall 4.9 miles from Maidenhair Falls
Pictured: nearby Dismal Falls (4.9 mi)

Maidenhair Falls

Cullowhee, NC · 7.4 mi southeast

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Betsy Falls located?

Betsy Falls is in Jackson County, North Carolina, about 7.1 miles south of Cullowhee. Its coordinates are 35.21788, -83.13264 (35°13′04″ N, 83°07′58″ W).

What town is closest to Betsy Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Cullowhee, NC, about 7.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Betsy Falls?

The closest is Onion Cliff Falls (0.7 mi east). Others within reach include Onion Falls (1.8 mi), High Falls (1.8 mi), and Thurston Hatcher Falls (2.0 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Betsy Falls?

Betsy Falls appears on the USGS Glenville 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.