About this spot
Also known as Ranger Falls, this roughly 30-foot cascade sits on Skitty Creek in Nantahala National Forest's Cliffside Lake Recreation Area near Highlands. It's reached via an easy, roughly 2.5-mile interpretive loop trail from the recreation area, which charges a modest self-service day-use fee. It's documented as a scenic, family-friendly stop rather than a swimming or jumping spot; no source mentions a base pool suited for jumping.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.