Fuller Waterfalls

Description

Fuller Falls is one of those magical spots that’ll make you forget you’re just steps away from civilization. The cascading waters tumble down roughly 50 feet through several tiers of dark granite, creating a mesmerizing display that’s absolutely worth the trek. I gotta say, after visiting dozens of waterfalls across the region, this one has a special charm that keeps drawing me back.

The falls are surrounded by a thick canopy of hardwood trees that put on an incredible show during autumn – trust me, I’ve seen it myself and the colors are unreal. The water flow varies throughout the year, but even during drier spells, there’s usually enough coming down to make your visit worthwhile. And when it’s really flowing after a good rain? That’s when you’ll get those Instagram-worthy shots everyone’s after.

Key Features

• Multi-tiered waterfall with approximately 50 feet of total drop
• Natural swimming pool at the base (though it’s pretty chilly!)
• Several observation points along the trail
• Dense forest surroundings with diverse plant life
• Rock formations perfect for photography
• Natural wading areas during low water periods
• Seasonal wildflower displays in spring
• Fall foliage viewing opportunities
• Multiple cascading levels creating unique water patterns
• Natural stone steps alongside the falls

Best Time to Visit

Lemme tell you something – timing is everything at Fuller Falls. Spring is arguably the sweet spot, especially late April through May. That’s when the winter melt-off creates the most dramatic water flow, and the emerging spring wildflowers add splashes of color to the scene. Plus, the temperatures are just right for hiking without getting too sweaty.

Summer can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends, but if you show up early (like, before 9 AM), you’ll practically have the place to yourself. Fall is another fantastic time – the changing leaves create an incredible backdrop for photos, and the moderate rainfall usually keeps the falls flowing nicely.

Winter visits are possible too, but I’d only recommend it for experienced hikers. The frozen falls can be spectacular, but the trails get pretty slippery, and some sections might be closed off for safety.

How to Get There

Getting to Fuller Falls isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but that’s part of what keeps it special. From the main parking area, you’ll follow a well-marked trail that starts off pretty easy but gets more challenging as you get closer to the falls. The whole hike takes about 20 minutes if you’re moving at a decent pace.

You’ll want to keep an eye out for the blue trail markers – they’ll guide you right to the falls. There’s one tricky spot where the trail splits, but just remember to stay left and follow the sound of rushing water. The final approach involves some stone steps that can be slippery when wet, so watch your step!

Tips for Visiting

After countless visits to Fuller Falls (and yeah, I’ve made pretty much every rookie mistake possible), here are some real-talk tips to make your visit awesome:

Wear proper footwear – those flip-flops ain’t gonna cut it. The rocks get super slippery, and you’ll want good grip for the trail.

Bring a camera with a polarizing filter if you’re into photography – it’ll help cut through the glare on the water and make those shots pop.

Pack some bug spray during summer months – the mosquitoes can be pretty fierce, especially near dusk.

Time your visit for mid-week if possible – weekends can get pretty packed, especially during peak season.

Consider bringing walking poles if you’re not super steady on your feet – some parts of the trail are pretty uneven.

Watch the weather forecast – the falls are actually more impressive a day or two after rainfall, but the trail can be treacherous during heavy rain.

If you’re bringing kids, keep ’em close – some areas near the falls don’t have guardrails, and the rocks can be slippery.

Pack some snacks and water – there aren’t any facilities at the falls, and you might want to hang out longer than you planned.

The best photos are usually in the morning when the light hits the falls just right – I’ve gotten some of my favorite shots around 9-10 AM.

And hey, don’t forget to pack out what you pack in – let’s keep this beautiful spot pristine for everyone to enjoy!

Location

Places to Stay Near Fuller Waterfalls

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