These 19 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding In North Carolina
With North Carolina being home to over 250 waterfalls, it’s a little hard to pick just twenty, thirty, or even fifty to explore. No matter the season, there are few things as rewarding as admiring North Carolina’s waterfalls. From epic falls to meandering cascades, the following list of some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina will expand your appreciation for our great state.
Without further ado, here are 19 of the best waterfalls in North Carolina that are waiting to be explored.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Our list of some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina begins with none other than Looking Glass Falls. It's one that the whole family, including the grandparents and little ones, can enjoy. Looking Glass Falls is beautiful and easily accessed from roadside parking off of US 276.
High falls is very much a "look but don't touch" type of deal. As one of the most powerful waterfalls in North Carolina, these roaring falls make for some ridiculously beautiful slow shutter pictures.
Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades is nestled between two larger falls, Wildcat, and Sunburst, off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike a few miles and this really becomes a three-for-one type deal.
This gentle 25-foot waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest cascades into a calm pool. After a quick hike, relax and dip your toes in the cool mountain water.
As one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Hickory Nut was a filming location for the Last Of The Mohicans. It is reached from an easy hike up a trail, and sources say, it is even more impressive after a good rain.
This 200-ft. waterfall in Cherokee is a sight to see! Nestled deep in the mountains, it's a short hike up a staircase to access this breathtaking beauty.
A popular pit stop for tubers, Tom Branch Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great rest stop for opening a cold beer and enjoying the beautiful view.
Speaking of staying dry, Bridal Veil Falls in Highlands is another waterfall in North Carolina that you can walk behind. In fact, it was once possible to drive behind the falls, but this is no longer permitted.
Hidden past the popular Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls is a secluded, and beautiful waterfall. A 1.5-mile hike takes you to Moore Cove. It is perfect for a picnic, and you can get behind the fall and take some great pictures!
With no clear signs, this one is easy to miss! Near Maggie Valley and Cherokee, this twin waterfall is a quick hike from a parking area. There is an observation deck and you can also hike down to the falls and take some amazing pictures!
Daredevils will take a jump off the cliffs into the water below. A small beach and easy entranceway into the falls makes this a great swimming hole.
What are your thoughts on our list of some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina? Have you experienced some of these gorgeous gems already? Share in the comments and make sure to include your favorite NC waterfalls!
Address: Looking Glass Falls, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Address: High Falls, Little River, NC 28739, USA
Address: Bubbling Spring Branch, Cecil, NC 28716, USA
Address: 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, USA
Address: 902-912, Gaylors Branch Rd, Balsam Grove, NC 28708, USA
Address: Lake Logan Rd, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Address: Silver Run Falls Trailhead, 35°04'00.9"N 83°04'01.1"W, Cashiers, NC 28717, USA
Address: Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
Address: Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
Address: Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
Address: Dry Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Address: Bridal Veil Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Address: Sunburst Falls, Lake Logan Rd, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Address: Moore Cove Falls Trail, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Address: Soco Falls, US-19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Schoolhouse Falls, Canada, NC 28747, USA
Address: Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best waterfalls in North Carolina
October 19, 2020
Beth C.
What is the tallest waterfall in North Carolina?
Few people realize that the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains is located right here in North Carolina. Whitewater Falls is situated in the Nantahala National Forest along the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge. In total, this massive cascade falls a staggering 811 feet, with the Upper Falls plummeting 411 feet. You can enjoy a beautiful view of Upper Whitewater Falls by following a short paved walkway to the upper overlook. This particular walkway is also accessible to wheelchairs. There’s also another overlook that offers a more expansive view and requires visitors to walk down 154 steps. Curious to learn more about the tallest waterfall in North Carolina as well as other amazing spots? Check out this article about North Carolina’s most impressive falls.
Where can I find North Carolina’s hidden waterfalls?
North Carolina features hundreds upon hundreds of waterfalls, and no two are the same. There are of course plenty of popular waterfalls to visit in North Carolina, but if you’re looking for more hidden gems, there are certain destinations you’ll want to add to your outdoor itinerary. Some of the best hidden waterfalls in North Carolina include Soco Falls, Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, Triple Falls at Dupont State Forest, Mingo Falls, Moore Cove Falls, High Shoals Falls, Dry Falls, and Whitewater Falls in the Jocassee Gorge.
What are the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina?
Waterfall hikes bring together the best of both worlds: North Carolina’s famous waterfalls and its breathtaking trails. If you’re curious to explore some of the state’s best waterfall trails, you might start with any of the following: Catawba Falls Trail in Old Fort, Crabtree Falls Trail in Marion, Grassy Creek Falls Trail in Spruce Pine, Elk River Falls in Elk Park, Douglas Falls Trail in Barnardsville, Boone Fork Creek in Banner Elk, High Shoals Falls in Connelly Springs, Looking Glass Falls in Brevard, and Dry Falls in Highlands.
Address: Looking Glass Falls, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Address: High Falls, Little River, NC 28739, USA
Address: Bubbling Spring Branch, Cecil, NC 28716, USA
Address: 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747, USA
Address: 902-912, Gaylors Branch Rd, Balsam Grove, NC 28708, USA
Address: Lake Logan Rd, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Address: Silver Run Falls Trailhead, 35°04'00.9"N 83°04'01.1"W, Cashiers, NC 28717, USA
Address: Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA
Address: Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
Address: Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
Address: Dry Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Address: Bridal Veil Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Address: Sunburst Falls, Lake Logan Rd, Canton, NC 28716, USA
Address: Moore Cove Falls Trail, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Address: Soco Falls, US-19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Address: Schoolhouse Falls, Canada, NC 28747, USA
Address: Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA
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Emory was born and raised in North Carolina. She enjoys writing, photography, filmmaking, travel, wine and cheese. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com
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