Otter Falls

Otter Falls features North American river otters in a mountain stream habitat with cascading waterfalls, underwater viewing windows, and rocky pools. These playful, charismatic animals are favorites with visitors as they slide, swim, and wrestle in the clear mountain water.

River otters were extirpated from much of western North Carolina by the mid-20th century due to water pollution and habitat loss. Successful reintroduction programs have restored otter populations to many Appalachian streams, a testament to improved water quality and the resilience of these adaptable predators.