Posted in North Carolina Nature, Waterfalls April 09, 2020 by

Marvel At A 150-Foot Roadside Waterfall When You Take A Scenic Drive On White Oak Mountain Road In North Carolina

What could be an easier way to chase waterfalls than finding one that is literally only steps from the road? When you visit North Carolina’s extraordinary Shunkawauken Falls, you won’t even need to leave the car to gawk at its sheer size and magnificent beauty. Load up the car and prepare for a wild ride, because as easy as it is to SEE this waterfall, the twisting and winding road leading to the waterfall adds another level adventure to this day trip.

Shunkawauken Falls drops an astounding 150 feet in a steeply cascading spill down a rock ledge just outside of Columbus, North Carolina.
TripAdvisor/CochranMSHS
It's located on the winding and sometimes narrow White Oak Mountain Drive where...
YouTube/HD Carolina
The road was actually constructed on top of the waterfall.
Google Local/Pigmy and The Amazon
Of course, there's a huge pipe now underneath the pavement that allows Shunkawauken Falls to continue pouring down the mountain.
And pour it does! In some seasons, with your car window open you may feel a little more than a gentle mist as you pass over and next to this massive waterfall — especially after a recent rainfall!
YouTube/HD Carolina
By far, it's not the tallest waterfall in the state, but it is one of the most accessible.
And if you continue on White Oak Mountain Drive, it soon takes you to an overlook near the top of the mountain where you can turn around.
Google Local/Frankie Nolen
Most people take the opportunity to get out and appreciate the views.
From high up here, visitors can see the valley floor as well as the mountains off in the distance.
Google Local/Carlos Barraza
Have you ever seen and driven over Shunkawauken Falls? It's only about 45 minutes from Asheville, so you can easily add it to your agenda the next time you're in the area.
Google Maps

Want to see more? Watch this short video of Shunkawauken Falls from youtube user HD Carolina:

While Shunkawauken Falls isn’t nearly as tall as the tallest waterfall in North Carolina, it’s still worth a visit! Just be cautious on the narrow and winding road leading to the falls.

Address: 3516 E 52nd Ave, Columbus, NC 28722, USA