The Ultimate North Carolina Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Scenic Spots In The State
There’s no denying North Carolinians love their waterfalls. The state is known for its lush natural beauty, and a series of thoroughly rural hiking trails shows 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.
But if you read that right – 200 and even 300 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 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. Best part, this can all be done with in an easy five-hour day trip. Who’s ready to explore?
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Your first stop is the ever popular and gorgeous Linville Falls. You'll find it located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.4. With 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.
Crabtree Falls 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.
Located near Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest - Looking Glass Falls is that perfect place to take a cool dip or even sit on the rocks and marvel in the beauty. You'll find it off U.S 276 along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. It's easily accessible with no major hiking involved!
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.
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.
Just a few miles away, your next stop guarantees a real rush of adrenaline! Enter the awesome Sliding Rock. 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!
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 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.
Last but not certainly least is the jaw dropping Whitewater Falls. Falling at 811 ft., Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies! 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 are mesmerizing! A great way to end the day after an adventurous waterfalls road trip!
How is that for a day trip?! To access the map with addresses, routes and all click here. You simply don’t want to miss a trip that will take you to the best waterfalls in North Carolina.
What did you think? What are your favorite waterfalls for an easy day trip 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, hey?
Address: Crabtree Falls, Grassy Creek, NC 28777, USA
Address: Looking Glass Falls, Brevard, NC 28768, USA
Address: Moore Cove Falls, Brevard, NC 28768, USA
Address: Brevard, NC 28712, USA
Address: Sliding Rock, Brevard, NC 28768, USA
Address: Dry Falls, Highlands, NC 28741, USA
Address: Upper Whitewater Falls, Hogback, NC 28717, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfalls In North Carolina
January 04, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What are the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina?
North Carolina is known for its stunning natural beauty, and it’s a beauty that takes you over the mountains, through the woods and straight to a handful of scenic waterfalls. Folks recommend Looking Glass Falls for its plunge pool, and Catawba Falls is great for a morning trek. If you’re looking for a modest hike through the state, North Carolina’s Mingo Falls is located in Cherokee and boasts an easier hike with still perfect views. The best spot for photographs however, is most likely Whitewater Falls.
What is the largest waterfall in North Carolina?
The largest waterfall in North Carolina is Upper Whitewater Falls, with an 811 foot plunge that makes it the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Located 60 miles from Asheville, Upper Whitewater Falls can be found in the Nantahala National Forest.
Are there any other scenic hikes in North Carolina?
The best scenic hikes in North Carolina are hard to pin down, since there are simply so many of them. Many folks find themselves drawn to Looking Glass Rock, though Sam Knob Trail and the Craggy Pinnacle are also popular spots. Clingmans Dome is shared with Tennessee, and it remains a popular scenic hike that straddle the line of two states. Paradise Falls makes for a beautiful view, and there’s truly nothing like catching a sunset on Green Knob.
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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