There’s no denying that we North Carolinians love our waterfalls. The state is known for its lush natural beauty, and a series of thoroughly rural hiking trails show off the best waterfalls in North Carolina with aplomb. Transylvania County alone has over 200 waterfalls! So naturally, being from the land of waterfalls – we find ourselves continuously drawn to the beauty of rushing water amidst breathtaking mountains. There’s no better place to fall in love with nature all over again than the Tar Heel State. So let’s take a NC waterfalls tour, shall we?

But if you read that right – 200 and even 300 waterfalls can seem beyond daunting. How do you even begin to set up a strategy to see three or even ten? Well, the folks here at OnlyInYourState are here to help. This North Carolina waterfalls road trip takes you from north to south…stopping along the way at some of the most breathtaking waterfalls North Carolina has to offer. And the best part? This can all be done within an easy five-hour day trip. Who’s ready to explore?

Looking to feed your wanderlust? Be sure to sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter for a weekly peek at the best destinations throughout the country to inspire your next adventures.

GoogleMaps
Feel free to use this NC waterfalls map to guide your way or help plan your trip. You can also add your own stops along the way to make it your own for a more personalized experience!

1. Linville Falls

Linville Falls, NC 28752, USA
Zach Frailey/Flickr
Your first stop on this beautiful North Carolina waterfalls road trip is the ever-popular and gorgeous Linville Falls, one of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina. You'll find it located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.4. After an easy four-mile hike, you can see five different lookouts and five unique views of the beautiful Linville Falls. If you're pressed for time, take the Erwin's View Trail - a 1.6-mile hike from the visitor center.

2. Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
Matthew Paulson/Flickr
Crabtree Falls in North Carolina is spectacularly beautiful and not too far from Linville. You'll find it at milepost 339.5 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A brisk, 3-mile hike takes you down to the well-worth-it view.
Looking Glass Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Kim Seng/Flickr

4. Moore Cove Falls

Moore Cove Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Fred Dunn/Flickr
Your next stop is the incredibly elegant Moore Cove Falls. The gentle fall makes it the perfect 'walk-behind waterfall.' It's located right by Looking Glass and accessed from a small parking area VIA Stone Bridge off U.S 276. It's only a mile from Looking Glass. There are no signs - but there is an information board near the parking lot to lead you to this hidden gem.

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5. Cove Creek Falls

Cove Creek Falls, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
agilityfoot/Flickr
Nestled away amidst rocks and greenery you'll find the beautiful Cove Creek Falls. A real two-in-one is that it's only a short hike from the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Perfect for the kiddos and adults too.

6. Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock, North Carolina 28768, USA
Leslie/Flickr
Just a few miles away, your next stop guarantees a real rush of adrenaline! Enter the awesome Sliding Rock, one of the best natural waterslides in North Carolina. It's the perfect mountain waterfall to slip down and feel the rush of cool mountain water. You'll find it off U.S. 276 just past Cove Creek Falls. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

7. Dry Falls

Dry Falls, North Carolina 28741, USA
Jim Leistman/Flickr
Seeing that you'll certainly be soaked after Sliding Rock...it's time for an amazing view without the splish or splash. Dry Falls is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall in North Carolina you can walk right underneath! Perfect for a moment to relax and take in the beauty of everything that surrounds you. You'll find the majestic 80-ft. fall off US 64/28 W in Highlands.

8. Upper Whitewater Falls

Matt Barnett/Flickr
Upper Whitewater Falls, North Carolina 28717, USA
QtrFlash/Flickr
Last but not certainly least is the jaw-dropping Whitewater Falls. Falling at 811 ft., Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The upper portion falls in North Carolina while the lower portion falls in South Carolina. To access an amazing view of the Upper Falls, take a short 1/4-mile hike from the walkway to the paved overlook. It's like something simply majestic, the power of the falls is mesmerizing! A great way to end the day after an adventurous waterfalls road trip!

With so many North Carolina waterfalls we can’t experience them all in one day. So that just means we have to come back again and again. What did you think, are you ready for a North Carolina waterfalls road trip? Check out our list of best road trip snacks to ensure you have plenty of energy for the journey.

What are your favorite waterfalls in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments! If you have any tips and tricks, too, you’ll want to leave them below. Help a fellow North Carolinian out!

And if you’d like to continue exploring North Carolina, check out these 11 hiking trails that rival any others on Earth.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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North Carolina Waterfalls Road Trip & Related Info

Meghan Kraft | January 04, 2020

Are there any good swimming holes in North Carolina?

Finding a secluded swimming hole in North Carolina to splash around in can be one of the most memorable parts of summer. Here are a few of the best swimming holes in North Carolina:

  • White Lake
  • Hooker Falls
  • Carova Beach
  • Midnight Hole

 

For some of the clearest water in the Tar Heel State, head over to White Lake. The lake reaches a depth of about 15 feet, but since the water is so clear, you can always see the bottom. For those that prefer the symphony of sounds from rushing water, you can’t beat Hooker Falls Waterfall in North Carolina. There’s even a rope swing for added fun!

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in North Carolina?

North Carolina is a nature lover’s paradise, and one of the best ways to see the Tar Heel State is on foot! Some of the most picturesque hiking trails in North Carolina include:

  • Crabtree Falls
  • Harper Creek Falls
  • Stone Mountain Loop Trail

 

Crabtree Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina. The 2.5-mile trail is fairly strenuous, but you’ll be rewarded when you reach the falls and see this impressive 70-foot waterfall. Harper Creek Falls is another beautiful waterfall hike in North Carolina, this one is slightly more challenging and much longer (8.5 miles). Since it’s a longer trek, you’ll find fewer crowds. In fact, you might just have the trail to yourself!

What are the best beaches in North Carolina?

There’s nothing better than spending a day on the beach, and North Carolina’s beaches are some of the best. Here are a few of the best beaches in North Carolina:

  • Oak Island
  • Corolla Beach
  • Shackleford Banks

 

If you’re up for a ferry ride, Shackleford Banks is one of the most unique beaches in North Carolina. The island may not have any running water or electricity but it does have white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and wild horses that love to roam along the shore.

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