United States · North Carolina
Turtleback Falls
Turtleback Falls, also called Umbrella Falls, is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Rosman. The falls is located on the Horsepasture River in the Pisgah National Forest.
Facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia, compiled September 2026; season and access are our estimate, not a visit report. How we build these pages.
Turtleback Falls drops over a series of steps on the Horsepasture River. It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is North Carolina, United States. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0).
As a cascade waterfall, water tumbles down a series of rock steps rather than falling free.
What you can do here
Also good forHikingPhotography
When to go
Spring rains make March to May the full-flow months in the South-east; summer thunderstorms bring short surges.
Getting there
- Base town North Carolina, United States
- Country United States
- Region North Carolina, United States, North America
- Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
How it compares
Most similar
Agua Azul
Mexico
Height30 mWidth—
Also a cascade waterfall, with swimming and in Mexico
Largest curtain
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe · Zambia
Height108 mWidth1,708 m
Largest single sheet of falling water
Tallest on earth
Angel Falls
Venezuela
Height979 mWidth—
Widest on earth
Khone Phapheng Falls
Laos
Height21 mWidth10,783 m
Measured across the whole multi-channel system
We don't have a reliable crest width for Turtleback Falls yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.
On the map
35.0922, -82.9663
Quick answers
Where is Turtleback Falls?
Turtleback Falls is in United States (North Carolina). The nearest base is North Carolina, United States. Its coordinates are 35.0922, -82.9663.
When is the best time to visit Turtleback Falls?
Peak flow is March to May. Spring rains make March to May the full-flow months in the South-east; summer thunderstorms bring short surges.
What can you do at Turtleback Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
Can you swim at Turtleback Falls?
Yes — swimming is a normal part of a visit to Turtleback Falls, in the pools away from the falling water. Only swim where it is permitted on the day, stay clear of the base of the falls where currents recirculate, and skip it after heavy rain.
How do you get to Turtleback Falls?
The usual base is North Carolina, United States. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there.
Nearby
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