Waterfall Safety

Rainbow Falls

Western North Carolina is home to some of the nation's most spectacular hydro-displays. Waterfalls, whitewater rapids, bubbling brooks, and wild mountain streams abound throughout the area. For the outdoor enthusiast there is nothing so exhilarating as getting up-close and personal with these incredible natural wonders, and while we encourage you to do so, we also encourage you to be safe. Here are a few tips for avoiding injury (or worse) when exploring the wild water in and around The Land of Waterfalls.

Wear Appropriate Footwear - Rivers and waterfalls are inherently dangerous. The spray areas around waterfalls, and the banks of the rivers which produce them, typically remain wet throughout the year creating an environment in which mosses, algae, and molds thrive. These areas can be extremely slippery! A good pair of hiking boots or river shoes can improve traction and protect the feet from inadvertent injury.

Lower Your Center of Gravity - In addition to wearing proper footwear, lowering your center of gravity and using both your hands and your feet to negotiate wet, steep, or uneven surfaces greatly reduces the risk of falling. This is particularly useful for scrabbling over the large boulders which are common around waterfalls and mountain streams. A low center of gravity not only increases balance, it also shortens the distance of the fall should one occur.

Never Enter a River Above a Waterfall - This should be a no-brainer. Entering a river can be a dangerous proposition under any circumstance, attempting to cross a river near a waterfall increases the danger exponentially. Currents can increase dramatically as a river approaches a waterfall and even shallow water can sweep an individual off their feet and over the falls. Hiking 101: Never put yourself in a position where you can be seriously injured in a fall.

Do Not Attempt to Climb a Waterfall - Hello! Even experienced climbers would not attempt to climb a waterfall without proper gear and safety equipment. Did I mention that waterfalls are inherently dangerous?

Carry a Big Stick - Clear mountain waters are often much deeper than they appear, and rocks and river beds that appear level or stable may not be so. Many of the rock deposits in river beds are comprised of loose rocks which have migrated with the current. What appears to be a natural ford of stationary stepping stones across a running stream may in fact, be loose rocks that can shift dangerously underfoot. Carrying a walking stick into the water with you allows you to determine depth and test the stability of surfaces in front of you.

Respect the Current - River currents vary with depth, degree of descent, water volume, size and shape of obstructions, and the natural contours of the river bed. Discerning rate and course of currents can be difficult at best. Be aware that deeper water produces stronger currents. Stepping off an underwater shelf can cause you to lose contact with the river bed and send you swiftly downstream. If you do get swept up in the current, do not struggle against it. Put your feet in front of you and raise your head, letting the river carry you until the current weakens and you can make your way toward shore. If you are carrying a pack, unbuckle it at the waist before entering the water so you can discard it if necessary.

Be Vigilant - Keep in mind that you are in an extreme environment, one that is likely far outside your realm of experience. Nature is indifferent to your well-being. Exercise common-sense and don't put yourself in dangerous situations.

Hike On!