Posted in North Carolina October 14, 2020 by

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.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Looking Glass Falls
Jim Liestman / flickr
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.
2. High Falls
Frank Decot / Google
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.
3. Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
Brittany Hedges / AllTrails
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.
4. Turtleback Falls
Nicholas Bowers / Google
Turtleback Falls is a waterfall that inspires adventure. Located in Pisgah National Forest, it's accessible via a hike from Gorges State Park.
5. Cathedral Falls
Justin P. / AllTrails
Located behind Living Water Ministry along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this beautiful, quaint waterfall is accessed with an easy hike from Highway 215.
6. Wildcat Falls
Addie Dills / AllTrails
Right on the border of Tennessee, Wildcat Falls meanders below an old logging road. Needless to say, it's quite picturesque!
7. Silver Run Falls
Flickr / Matt Barnett
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.
8. Upper Catawba Falls
Flickr / Angi English
For those seeking a challenging hike with a rewarding end, Upper Falls is just for you!
9. Hickory Nut Falls
Víctor Manuel Ramos / flickr
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.
10. Mingo Falls
Ashley Howell / Google
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.
11. Tom Branch Falls
Todd Martin / flickr
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.
12. Crabtree Falls
Flickr / Jim Dollar
For an absolutely beautiful view, take a quick two-mile loop near the popular Linville Falls to find your own little hideaway.
13. Dry Falls
Flickr / Scott
An incredibly popular waterfall, Dry Falls got its name from the fact you can walk behind this impressive 75-ft. fall and stay dry!
14. Bridal Veil Falls
Flickr / Leslie Looper
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.
15. Sunburst Falls
Brandon Byrd / Google
Nestled beneath a historic stone archway, Sunburst Falls is off of HWY 215 about four miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
16. Moore Cove Falls
Flickr / Fred Dunn
Flickr / Angi English
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!
17. Soco Falls
Flickr / Vijay_SRV
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!
18. Schoolhouse Falls
Flickr / Alistair Nicol
Somewhat hidden, Schoolhouse Falls is a great little gem to explore on a hike.
19. Elk Falls
Flickr / Alistair Nicol
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!

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
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