Posted in North Carolina October 14, 2020 by Emory Rakestraw

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.

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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!

Looking for more outdoor adventure? Check out these 11 amazing hiking trails in North Carolina.

Address: 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: 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, Chimney Rock, NC 28746, USA

Address: Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

Address: Crabtree Falls, Grassy Creek, NC 28777, USA

Address: Dry Falls, Highlands, NC 28741, USA

Address: Bridal Veil Falls, Highlands, NC 28741, USA

Address: Lake Logan Rd, Canton, NC 28716, USA

Address: US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA

Address: US-19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA

Address: Schoolhouse Falls, Canada, NC 28747, USA

Address: 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: 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: 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, Chimney Rock, NC 28746, USA

Address: Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

Address: Crabtree Falls, Grassy Creek, NC 28777, USA