High Falls Dam Release at Lake Glenville

by | Apr 27, 2025

High Falls Dam Release at Lake Glenville

TL;DR – Quick Glance at Our High Falls Dam Release Adventure

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Witnessing the High Falls Dam Release at Lake Glenville: Our Wild, Wet, and Totally Worth It Adventure!

Today, we’re spilling the beans on one of the coolest things you can experience in the North Carolina mountains: the High Falls Dam Release from Lake Glenville!

If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure that won’t drain your wallet, or you and your sweetie are on the hunt for a romantic-but-thrilling getaway, stick around because THIS is a show you don’t want to miss.

Why You Gotta Get There Early (Seriously, Set the Alarm!)

First one there – 0750

When I came back out from the waterfall

Our day started bright and early — and by early, we mean EARLY — rolling into the North Side Trail parking lot at 7:50 am. We know what you’re thinking: “8 AM? On vacation?” Trust us, it’s worth it. Parking is super limited, and you don’t want to be that person doing circles while waterfalls roar in the distance.

Click to ALSO READ: Tasty BBQ, Fresh Produce, and Happy Dogs at Cashiers Farmers Market

Coffee in hand, backpacks loaded, we hit the trail for a moderate 35-minute hike. We hike pretty quickly, but the average time for an out-and-back on the north trail is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The trail is beautiful, shady, and just challenging enough to make you feel like you earned that waterfall view.

Quick Note About Trail Options: We’ve hiked to High Falls using two different trails:

  • From Ralph J Andrews Recreation Park: It’s a 1.3-mile out-and-back trail. All downhill getting to the falls, which sounds great until you remember you have to come back up—600 feet of elevation gain waiting for you on the return! AllTrails Link
  • From the North Side Trailhead: It’s a 3.8-mile out-and-back with a 449-foot elevation gain, but it feels way easier with a mostly flat trail and a couple of small waterfalls (plus one bigger surprise) along the way. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/high-falls-via-north-trail

On normal days (without a dam release), you can explore both sides of High Falls and even swim in the bottom and upper pools. Super refreshing!
Well, you can also do this BEFORE the dam release, too. But make sure to get back to your side well before the heavy water rolls down, or you’ll be stuck on the opposite side from your car.

Setting Up Camp (aka: The Perfect Photo Spot)

By 9:00 am, we had found our little slice of “this-is-MY-view” heaven. Out came the tripod, snacks, and a solid hour of “Hey, was that a water ripple? No? Still waiting.”

The release is supposed to start at 10 am. Then—drumroll—around 10:20 am, the magic started.

When High Falls Goes Hulk Mode

Under normal conditions, High Falls is a chill, mellow beauty. But when Duke Energy releases the dam—whoa, Nelly! It’s like watching Clark Kent rip open his shirt and turn into Superman.

The water thundered down the rocks, and the once-gentle cascade became a roaring, misty monster. It’s powerful, breathtaking, and just a little bit “holy cow, nature is awesome!”

Experienced kayakers were there too, carrying their boats down the trail. (We waved and cheered—then firmly kept our dry feet on the shore.)

Important Safety Tip: Stay out of the water. It’s wild, crazy fast, and only meant for seasoned pros who know what they’re doing.

Additional Safety Tip: If you try to view the release from the opposite side of the falls from where you entered, you’ll get stuck there because of the high, rushing water! Stick to your original side for a safe and fun experience.

2025 High Falls Dam Release Dates You’ll Want to Circle on Your Calendar

Want to plan your own adventure? Here are the 2025 dates when Duke Energy will release the dam and High Falls will go full beast mode:

  • April 26-27
  • June 14
  • July 5 & 26
  • August 9 & 30

The water starts releasing at 10:00 am and wraps up around 4:00 pm.

A Few Quick Tips to Make Your Trip Awesome

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes. That trail might be short, but flip-flops are not your friend here.
  • Bring a picnic! Hanging out waiting for the big splash is half the fun.
  • Pack a rain jacket. Mist happens.
  • Don’t forget your camera. You’re gonna want receipts for the “OMG you won’t believe this” moments.
  • Use the bathroom before you hit the trail. Let’s just say the woods don’t come with plumbing.

Why This Adventure is Perfect for Families and Couples

This dam release is one of those “whoa” moments that both kids and adults will remember forever. It’s budget-friendly (basically free unless you count snacks) and you get a little hiking, a little “oohing and aahing,” and a whole lot of great memories.

And for couples? C’mon. Holding hands while a thundering waterfall rages just a few feet away? That’s pretty much straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel—but without the heartbreak.

Final Thoughts: 100% Worth It

We’re not saying this dam release was the highlight of our year… but we’re also not NOT saying that. 😉

So whether you’re wrangling the kids for an epic family day or planning a swoon-worthy date weekend, put the High Falls Dam Release at Lake Glenville on your must-do list for 2025!

And as always, stay safe around waterfalls! Respect the power of the water, watch your footing, and keep an eye on the kids.

Hey, the Smokies are calling. Answer the phone!

See ya on the trail!

  • Debra & Lee

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