About Onion Falls
Onion Falls is a named waterfall in Jackson County, North Carolina, located about 8.1 miles south of Cullowhee. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Glenville 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°11′51″ N, 83°09′11″ W (35.19760, -83.15292). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Pine Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), Shoal Mountain (summit, 0.6 mi), and Mill Creek (stream, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is High Falls, 0.6 miles to the northwest.
Weather at Onion Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast 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 Onion Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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- Golden hour
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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 Onion 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 Onion Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Pine Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- Shoal Mountain — summit, 0.6 mi
- Mill Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Rough Run — stream, 0.9 mi
- Shoal Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Coggins Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Pilot Mountain — summit, 1.4 mi
- Little Pilot Mountain — summit, 1.4 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 35.19760, -83.15292. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Onion Falls
- Twin Falls, NC7.4 mi southeast
- Fairfield Falls, NC7.6 mi southeast
- Schoolhouse Falls, NC8.6 mi east
- Cullasaja Falls, NC8.6 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Onion Falls located?
Onion Falls is in Jackson County, North Carolina, about 8.1 miles south of Cullowhee. Its coordinates are 35.19760, -83.15292 (35°11′51″ N, 83°09′11″ W).
What town is closest to Onion Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Cullowhee, NC, about 8.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Onion Falls?
The closest is High Falls (0.6 mi northwest). Others within reach include Thurston Hatcher Falls (0.9 mi), Betsy Falls (1.8 mi), and Onion Cliff Falls (2.2 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Onion Falls?
Onion 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.