About this spot
Big Laurel Falls is a 25-35 ft cascade in Nantahala National Forest's Standing Indian Basin, reached via a bumpy ~7-mile drive on Forest Road 67 followed by an easy half-mile trail. The plunge pool at its base is a well-known local swimming hole, popular with hikers and dogs on warm days, per multiple independent trail guides. Access is free and informal — there are no lifeguards, depth markers, or posted rules, so conditions shift with rainfall and are never monitored. The main hazard is unseen underwater rocks and logs; never jump or dive without wading in and checking depth first. The forest road closes seasonally (Dec 31-Apr 1), cutting off vehicle access in winter. Respect posted signage and closures.
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.