Chasing waterfalls is just a natural part of living in North Carolina. After all, we have so many of them – more than 250 – that we’re never too far from our next adventure, whether we want to visit an easy-access waterfall that requires little more than a few steps or we’re in the mood for a challenging trek. If you’re strapped for time or just want a laid-back adventure, you won’t find any better than the journey to this hidden gem waterfall in North Carolina.
While most hikers can complete the short and sweet Toms Creek Falls Trail in around 15 minutes, you might want to carve out a little more time, especially if you plan to spend time admiring and snapping photos of the breathtaking 80-foot cascade. Considered a hidden gem in Pisgah National Forest, the waterfall sits along a .07-mile out-and-back trail that’s accessible to everyone. The pretty path is wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, and kiddos will have an easy time navigating the winding path that also welcomes leashed pups.
Pick up the Toms Creek Falls trailhead from the small parking lot, which can fill up quickly. Some visitors prefer to park along the road if there is space. Despite its hidden gem status, the waterfall is known to locals, so the trail can get busy, especially on warm days. Don’t let that deter you, though. Because the trail is so short, the parking lot and the trail tend to empty as quickly as they fill up.
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If you’re not in a rush, take your time and soak up the scenery from one of the benches along the path. The tree-lined trail, which gets pretty muddy after it rains, passes patches of wildflowers and leads across a fairy-tale footbridge, but the highlight is Toms Creek Falls, a spectacular waterfall that’s framed by trees. While the waterfall is awe-inspiring any time of the year, try to visit during the peak of the fall foliage.
The trail leads to a platform that offers views of the lower part of the waterfall, or you can simply walk to the base of the cascade, which drops into a shallow pool. Little ones like splashing around in the water during the hot days of summer. You can also climb wooden stairs to the upper portion of Toms Creek Falls for another view of the hidden gem.
Learn more about Pisgah National Forest on the official website of the USDA Forest Service.
Have you been to this hidden gem waterfall in North Carolina? What did you think? Do you know of any other little-known waterfalls in North Carolina? Let us know in the comments! Up for more waterfall chasing? Add some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina to your bucket list. If it’s a waterfall hike you’re after, find a full list of hiking trails in North Carolina on All Trails.
North Carolina in August offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and coastal escapes. Experience scenic beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains; explore the Outer Banks' pristine beaches; attend cultural festivals, and savor the state's delicious cuisine under warm summer skies.
Avoid North Carolina during this month due to high humidity, hot temperatures, and occasional thunderstorms. Outdoor activities can be uncomfortable, and popular tourist destinations may be crowded. Consider visiting during milder months for a more pleasant experience.
In August, North Carolina experiences hot and humid weather. Average temperatures range from 70°F (21°C) in the mornings to 88°F (31°C) in the afternoons. Expect occasional thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons, while mornings and evenings offer more comfortable conditions.
As we enter another spectacular month for the Not Your Average Bucket List podcast, we're covering all the best things to do in August 2024. For anyone who hasn't yet heard of our podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List is an audio adventure by OnlyInYourState dedicated to unearthing hidden gems across the United States. For this monthly series, our two hosts will help you find the best things to do in North Carolina for August 2024!
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So, are you ready to dive into a month of exciting things in North Carolina? First, if you want to listen to the episode, make sure to check it out on Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
Or, if you prefer a more visual experience, watch our hosts Sara and Marisa break everything down on YouTube!
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Top North Carolina Attractions & Events in August
Looking for the best North Carolina attractions and events in August? We've rounded up the 10 best things to do in August 2024, from restaurants to outdoor fun.
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Whether it's exploring hidden gems, delving into history and culture, or uncovering off-the-beaten-path adventures, our writers are the experts within their state. Each list is curated and checked by our state writers to include local attractions, must-visit spots, and insider tips, making us the go-to authority for fellow adventurers seeking authentic experiences each month.So without further ado, in no particular order...
Hiking to Secret Falls in August in North Carolina offers a thrilling adventure through lush forests and rocky terrain. The moderate trail, approximately four miles round trip, leads to a mesmerizing hidden waterfall surrounded by nature's tranquility. The journey rewards hikers with a serene and picturesque oasis worth the effort.
Greenspot Farms in Swansboro, North Carolina, is a coastal gem offering unspoiled beauty. Accessible only by ferry, the park's pristine beaches, maritime forests, and tidal marshes provide a peaceful escape. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, camping, and exploring the secluded Bear Island, making it a nature lover's paradise.
Greenspot Farms in Washington, North Carolina, is a nature lover's haven. Nestled along the Pamlico River, it showcases diverse ecosystems, including swamps, wetlands, and hardwood forests. The park offers hiking trails, boating opportunities, and picnicking spots, providing a serene retreat where visitors can connect with the area's natural beauty.
4. Outer Banks Pirate Festival (Kitty Hawk): Aug. 7-8, 2024
Ahoy, mateys! Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure at Kitty Hawk Kites' Outer Banks Pirate Festival. We think it's one of the best things to do in August. Join Blackbeard's Crew for a history lesson on Outer Banks pirates and let your little ones try Scallywag School to become part of the crew. Don't miss the excitement at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head. Discover more on the Outer Banks Pirate Festival Facebook page.
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5. Historic Valdese Waldesian Festival (Valdese): Aug. 9-10, 2024
The Historic Valdese Waldesian Festival in Valdese, North Carolina, is a captivating cultural celebration. Honoring the town's Italian and Swiss heritage, the festival features live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, delicious food, and historical reenactments. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of the Waldensian settlers. Find out more on the Historic Valdese Waldesian Festival web page.
6. Sourwood Festival (Black Mountain): Aug. 10-11, 2024
Since its 1977 debut, it has been a beloved tradition. With around 150 vendors this year, it promises a vibrant and exciting celebration. Vendors are mostly focused on arts and crafts, such as jewelry, woodworking, glasswork, mosaics, fiber art, and more. Enjoy some delicious treats from the food court where visitors can buy eats in a centralized location. Check out the Sourwood Festival website for more details.
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7. NC State Bluegrass Festival (Marion): Aug. 15-17, 2024
In its 49th year, this celebration of awesome music takes place at Camping World in Marion. Bring a lawn chair, a camper, and dance to the tunes. This photo was snapped on Aug. 19, 2017, while the U.S. Navy Band Country Current bluegrass ensemble entertained a large crowd at this thrilling musical event. Discover more on the North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival Facebook page.
What could be more fun than three extraordinary nights of art, live music, camping, and love in the great outdoors during summer in North Carolina? The BIG What? - that's what! Enjoy the sounds of numerous bands at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center in Pittsboro. For further details, visit The BIG What? Facebook page.
9. Winterville Watermelon Festival (Winterville): Aug. 22-25, 2024
For some summer fun in North Carolina, the Watermelon Festival in Winterville offers activities for all ages. Dance to the beats of local and widely-known musicians, watch the exciting Watermelon Parade, participate in the watermelon-eating contest, eat some delicious food, and ride some of your favorite carnival rides. Read all about it on the Winterville Watermelon Festival website.
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10. Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (Cary): Aug. 24-25, 2024
The Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary, North Carolina, is a beloved event celebrating creativity and community. With over 300 talented artisans, it offers a diverse range of handmade crafts, art displays, live performances, and delicious food. This lively festival brings people together to appreciate art and enjoy a fun-filled day. Learn more on the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival Facebook page.
Best North Carolina Waterfalls to Visit in August
Looking Glass Falls
Soco Falls
Linville Falls
Sliding Rock
Crabtree Falls
North Carolina in August is full of surprises. As always, stay tuned next month when we cover the best things to do in North Carolina in September.
Skinny Dip Falls sounds more scandalous than it really is. We found this hidden gem along the Blue Ridge Parkway during one of our adventure days and were pleasantly surprised at what a fun little hike this was and a good addition to any trip along the most scenic road in North Carolina.
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As the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through North Carolina, there are a number of can't-miss sights. From overlooks that afford views down into deep gorges to passage through majestic tunnels cut through the earth, waterfalls galore, and even a look at the tallest mountain peak east of the Mississippi, it's no wonder this National Park Service unit is one of the top two visited national parks in America. That being said, it can be difficult to prioritize what you can fit into one parkway excursion. If there is one waterfall along the parkway that you should pull over for a dip in the natural swimming hole, it's Skinny Dip Falls.
The name may imply this is a clothing-optional swimming hole — but nothing could be farther from the truth.
The waterfall cascades down the side of a mountain in a skinny flow of water (thus the name) that drops into pool, after pool, after pool of crystal clear emerald water. Flanking each side of the water flow are smooth boulders and moss-covered rocks.
Editor's Note: After some flooding in the area the waterfall looks quite a bit different than it used to. If you haven't been in recent years you should still go and check it out. Now you will find a series of cascading falls.
Taking a dip in Skinny Dip Falls is almost a must, as long as the weather is warm.
Even in the summer, the water maintains what can only be described as a sobering cold temperature but that doesn't stop most people from being tempted to test it out.
The waterfall's many lagoons make it easy to find a spot to call your own...
Unless it's the height of summer! Then you can expect to share your little slice of paradise with many others who make the short hike along the parkway.
Getting to Skinny Dip Falls is a short, 0.9-mile journey with an overall elevation change of 187 feet.
You'll park at milepost 417 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's an overlook for Looking Glass Rock at this mile post and the trail to Skinny Dip Falls is located across the street. Be SURE to look both ways before crossing the road, as the Blue Ridge Parkway gets very busy with traffic. A helpful trick that we use while traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway is to plan our trip ahead of time. If you write down your hikes based on the milepost marker you have a helpful way of finding some of these hard-to-find places. We have passed this lookout many times without knowing that there was a trail across the street so putting in a little research can help you when you are driving and do not have cell service in the mountains.
Although the trail is rated as easy, we advise you to bring walking sticks for the climbing as well as the rock and root jumping you'll do on this trail.
Most people hike one way in about 30 minutes. It can probably be accomplished must faster but there are many things to see and admire on the way to the falls. Be sure to bring plenty of water.
The day we hiked this trail was a rather cold morning, so needless to say there was no swimming for us.
This map will show you the proximity of the unmarked trail to the Looking Glass Rock Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The trailhead is located across the street from the Looking Glass Rock Overlook at milepost 417. There is no marker for the trail, however it follows the Mountains To Sea Trail. Enter the trail, pass the big tree (you'll know it when you see it), and then continue straight. At the top of the first natural set of stairs, veer left. To learn more you can download the map from our friends over at AllTrails of the Skinny Dip Falls trail. Want to see what this trail looks like? Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see the trail and the waterfall.
Have you been to Skinny Dip Falls? Share your experience about this natural swimming hole in North Carolina with others in our comments — and we'd LOVE to see your photos posted in the thread!
