Best Waterfalls in North Carolina: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
By Chris Dodge|Published April 28, 2024
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Not only do we have the best waterfalls in North Carolina, but we also have some of the best waterfalls in the world in The Tarheel State. The mountains are just teeming with glorious falls just waiting to be discovered. So if you fancy yourself a waterfall chaser prepare to step into paradise in the vast wilderness of North Carolina. So I present you with some of our top picks for those hoping to see the best of the best when it comes to pretty impressive waterfalls.
We want to start with the biggest waterfalls in North Carolina. What better way to start this off with a splash (pun intended) than to showcase the tallest and most impressive of these North Carolina waterfalls? These are some incredible falls to feast your eyes upon so get ready to add to your bucket list if these aren’t already on your list.
1. Upper Whitewater Falls, Nantahala National Forest
Location: Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: This is the tallest waterfall in the state.
Upper Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall in North Carolina but that is only half the story. If you follow the flowing water down the mountain you will find that there is a lower part of the falls which goes all the way into South Carolina. This waterfall is so big that it spans into another state! The upper falls alone will cascade down 411 feet and the lower falls drops down 200 feet. Despite this being such a rugged waterfall the trail getting there is not difficult. A simple 1.2-mile out-and-back hike with 216 feet of elevation gain is an easy price to pay for such an incredible waterfall.
Need To Know: You will need to pay the entry fee to the state park to see this waterfall.
Hickory Nut Falls is another one of those natural wonders that is a must-see in the North Carolina mountains. Located in Chimney Rock State Park you will have to pay an entrance fee, but once inside you will be free to roam the many wonderful natural attractions inside the park. Chimney Rock itself is the draw for most people but this park also houses one of the biggest waterfalls in North Carolina. Hickory Nut Falls cascades down the rock face an impressive 404 feet. The trail getting there is just under 2 miles but will take you to a viewing platform right at the base of this tall natural beauty.
Location: Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Popularity: Not very popular
Need To Know: The trail has 3 water crossings.
Flat Creek Falls is another amazing waterfall with several cascading sections and a true spectacle to see. Unlike the other two waterfalls so far this one is a bit more tricky to get to, however, with some preparation, you too can stand at the base of this glorious waterfall. The trail will take you on a nearly 6-mile out-and-back hike with over 1000 feet of elevation. There are 3 water crossings you will have to traverse through so you might want to make sure you have some watershoes handy in your backpack. Take your time and enjoy the trail and after your adventurous trek you will arrive at this incredible cascade and it will all feel worth it.
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Best Waterfall Hikes In North Carolina
For me, I love when the journey is just as good as the destination and that is the case with these next waterfall hikes in North Carolina. Everyone loves the feeling of arriving at a waterfall and even sitting underneath its cool mist on a warm day, but getting there can be just as fun. So if you love hiking then these are some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina.
Need To Know: Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 316.
When we went to go hike to see Linville Falls I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were multiple ways to view the falls. With so many choices we decided to do the hardest trail first while we were fresh and excited. After all, we are avid hikers so we figured it would be fun, we were right about that. When you get to the visitor center there is a very helpful map that tells you where each trail leads. The hardest trail ended up being our favorite out of all of them and we were determined to see all of the views so I can tell you from experience that the hardest trail is the best. We traversed a steep cliffside hike following narrow paths, climbing down rocks, and maneuvering over downed trees. We finally concluded the hike by getting a view of Linville Falls right from the base and it was a fantastic experience. Other short hikes will take you to the top of the falls, the upper falls, and overlooks to get a grand view. These were all fun additions to the hike and allowed for a greater scope of the area, if you are short on time these are all great options and they were very easy to hike so know that when you want to see Linville Falls you have lots of options.
Need To Know: Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 339.
Crabtree Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in North Carolina. These types of cascading falls are the most visually appealing as the water flows down in tendrils and contrasts with the dark rockface. The hike getting there is a loop trail with Crabtree Falls being right in the middle of the trail. The best way to hike it is to go clockwise that way you will descend the very steep switchbacks leading down to the waterfall and hike the gradual incline on the way out. There is a bridge right at the base of the waterfall and you can climb on the rocks for a closer look. This waterfall is so pretty it is worth stopping for a little bit and enjoying the peaceful flow of this tranquil waterfall. If you like to pair hiking trails on a trip then another western North Carolina spot you should check out is Graveyard Fields off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
6. Moore Cove Falls, Pisgah National Forest
Moore Cove Falls Trail, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Moore Cove Falls is simply a magical waterfall. There is something about a waterfall you can walk behind that just gets me super excited. This cliffside plunge fall fits perfectly in its Blue Ridge Mountain setting nestled into the Pisgah National Forest and is a must if you are traveling on the Parkway. The little over a mile round trip hike itself is a fairly flat hike through a beautiful lush green forest with massive rock formations and elevated boardwalks. Once you arrive at the falls you will witness this spectacle of nature and yes you will get the chance to walk behind it. Climbing the rocks, traversing the cave, and listening to the falling water just made this a very memorable experience for my family and me. Just down the road, you will also find the parking lot for Sliding Rock, which is a natural waterslide and popular swimming hole so make sure you bring your bathing suits.
Accessible Waterfalls In STATE (No Hiking Required)
As much as I love a good waterfall hike these next ones won’t require any equipment or long trails. You can drive right up to these beauties and witness the awesome power of these waterfalls. I picked these next waterfalls because they are all distinctly unique and have a lot to offer without any hiking required, these should be some great quick stops on your next waterfall road trip in North Carolina.
7. Looking Glass Falls, Brevard
Looking Glass Falls, US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Need To Know: The parking is limited on the side of the road, but if you drive by a few times you should get a spot fairly quickly.
Looking Glass Falls is the perfect example of how you don’t need to do a long hike to enjoy a marvelous waterfall. You can even see it from your car as you drive by. Parking can be found along the side of the road and this area can be very busy, especially on the weekends. That being said you may have a hard time parking at first but most people see the falls and then leave so give it a few minutes and you should be able to find a spot in the parking area as it opens up. There are viewing platforms if you want a higher-up view but I would recommend getting right down to the base of the falls. With a few quick flights of stairs, you will find yourself on the rocks and then you can stand in front of the powerful gushing water flowing down to the pool below. The wind and mist will pelt you and you can really feel the might of this raging waterfall. This was my favorite place to be when we visited and stood witness to this beautiful waterfall.
When most people think of the best waterfalls in North Carolina that you don’t need to hike to, Dry Falls is high on that list, and for good reason. This 65-foot-tall waterfall flows down from a ledge above and a pathway was made to walk behind a curtain of flowing water. The setting for this scene is absolutely perfect with lush green overgrowth and a wooded fence railing making the whole place feel like a hidden waterfall in North Carolina or a treasure tucked deep in a jungle. There is always something magical about walking behind a waterfall and if you love that feeling like I do then this is a special place that deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Need To Know: You can no longer drive behind the falls.
Bridal Veil Falls has to be one of the most unique roadside waterfalls in the country. Not only that but it also has a very interesting history. If you are driving on the famous Highway 64 in North Carolina, known for alot of amazing waterfalls (Like Dry Falls, Cullasaja Falls, and Silver Run Falls) you can not miss Bridal Veil Falls. You will quite literally drive by it and you will notice the road splits with one section going behind the falls and the other in front. The original highway only went behind the falls creating a unique drive experience but due to icing issues, the traffic was later routed to the front of the waterfall. Although they have closed the road to vehicular traffic, you can still walk up behind it. For many years you could see cars slowly driving behind the falls, even though it is closed today that does not diminish the experience. This is still a fascinating waterfall and a great quick stop while you continue down the road to see more waterfalls on this trip through the Highlands.
Best Waterfalls Near Major Cities
If you have been looking for “Waterfalls near me” and you live close to Asheville then you are in luck. The mountains are filled with hundreds of waterfalls and all of the best ones are found on the western side of North Carolina. Less than an hour away is the town of Brevard which is also known as “The Land of Waterfalls” so you know you’re in the right place to find the best of the best in North Carolina. Other suggested NC waterfalls to check out in the area are Rainbow Falls, Catawba Falls, and Schoolhouse Falls.
10. Soco Falls, Maggie Valley
Soco Falls, U.S. Hwy 19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, USA
Need To Know: There is a viewing platform that is very easy to get to if you don’t want to make the steep descent to the base of the falls.
In less than an hour’s drive, you can get to Soco Falls from Asheville. This is also an easy waterfall to find if you are driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We visited this waterfall as a detour one day while exploring the Parkway. There isn’t an official trailhead but just a small pull-out from the windy mountain road and a guardrail. Head into the woods and in just a short walk you can get to the viewing platform to see this beautiful waterfall. What makes this waterfall unique is that it is actually two waterfalls pouring in and pooling together at its base. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous then take the steep and slippery trail down to the base of the falls. There are ropes tied to help you as you traverse the path but if you have good hiking shoes then you shouldn’t have any trouble getting down to the base.
Need To Know: Plan to be in this forest for a good part of the day, as there are plenty of waterfalls close by.
Triple Falls is less than an hour south of Asheville and is found in the DuPont State Forest. This area is perfect for those looking to chase waterfalls because you can find three impressive waterfalls all in one place. Pair this trip to Triple Falls with other popular places like High Falls and Hooker Falls for an epic adventure. Although all of these waterfalls are well worth the trip I like Triple Falls due to its three-tiered cascades. This impressive waterfall flows down the rock stairs for a total of 125 feet making this a massive and beautiful waterfall.
12. Mingo Falls, Cherokee
Mingo Falls, Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Need To Know: There is a viewing bridge right in front of Mingo Falls.
Mingo Falls is the furthest away from Asheville on this list with an hour and twenty-minute drive, but the trip is well worth it. Trust me, I have been to this waterfall twice and it has totally blown me away both times. The trail is an easy hike with the worst part being the long staircase right in the beginning. After that, the trail is a fairly flat but rocky climb up to the bridge. My favorite part about this bridge is that you don’t really get to see Mingo Falls until you get a few steps in and then prepare to get your breath stolen. The wow factor of this waterfall is in both its size (120 feet) and the cascading water flow. This waterfall type is my absolute favorite and I found myself just lost for words standing in awe as the water continuously flowed. This waterfall is very close the The Great Smoky Mountain National Park so it can be easily paired with this amazing natural wonderland of the Appalachian region for nature lovers.
What do you think of this list of the best waterfalls in North Carolina? Which ones are your favorite? With hundreds of waterfalls hidden all throughout the mountains, we couldn’t possibly name them all but each one still holds a special place in our hearts as we continue to explore and see more that our beautiful state has to offer. While you are out searching for the best of the best waterfalls make sure you bring along some downloaded maps from your AllTrails+ app. This is a must-have tool I use on every hike I ever do so be sure to check it out. Time to lace up those hiking boots and get ready to chase some wonderful waterfalls in North Carolina.
While traveling all over this mountainous terrain you can easily plan a road trip and make several stops each day to see these glorious falls. If you want to plan a couple of days to do some waterfall chasing then you will want to make sure you have a few places to stay along the way. A great resource for that would be to visit our friends over at Booking.com to find the nearest location to you. If you plan on doing some camping along the way and don’t have the proper equipment then our friends at RV Share can hook you up with that as well.
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