Cullasaja River
The Cullasaja runs between Highlands and Franklin on highway 64 west. It is a beautiful and scenic river full of waterfalls, deep pools, and slow glassy runs. The river is stocked with Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout, but Browns and Rainbows seem to be the majority of the stream born population. The area between Turtle Pond Bridge (approximately 5 miles from Highlands) and Gold Mine Bridge (approximately 8 miles from Highlands) offers numerous pull-offs with easy access to the river. Across the road from Turtle Pond Bridge is Cliffside Lake. Stocked trout can be taken by bait, spinner, or fly for a small usage fee. The Cullasaja should be waded in extreme caution around waterfalls and during high water times.
Directions: From Highlands take Highway 64 west toward Franklin which runs along the Cullasaja River Gorge.