The Perfect Two Day Itinerary In North Carolina’s Land Of Waterfalls
If you’re located in the Transylvania County region of the Tar Heel State and wondering “What are some great waterfalls near me in North Carolina?” — read on. Deemed the “Land of Waterfalls,” Transylvania County is home over 250 gorgeous and stunning waterfalls. Yet, these magnificent natural structures aren’t the only thing this mountainous region has to offer, and the following two-day road trip will let you fully experience the splendor that is North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls.
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Start day one in Pisgah National Forest, a lush oasis that's known for its cascading waterfalls, mile-high peaks, and dense forests. Covering 500,000 acres of land, the forest encompasses some of the highest peaks on the east coast. With the park being so large, we're keeping this exploration in Transylvania County. For separate adventure the Pisgah National Forest spans into the Grandfather and Appalachian districts, Linville Gorge district, Wilson Creek, Toe and Cane River, Roan Mountain, and Big Ivy/Coleman Boundary.
To get your blood pumping, hike through the 'Pink Beds' area. Below Brevard, this lush and heavily forested area is named after its large amount of rhododendron and wildflowers. While offering great hiking, the trails remain relatively flat and are perfect for those looking to take in the scenery plus the hike. The elevation can range from 2,000 to 6,410 feet. A good way to see it all is doing the Pink Beds Loop Trail, one of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina.
While you've had a peaceful morning, it's now time for some action and a cool dip. Not far you'll find the famous Sliding Rock. This natural waterslide is a must for any North Carolina bucket list. The 60-foot waterfall flows into an eight-foot pool perfect for a *very* chilly mountain splash. Once you get dried off, you'll be ready to conquer more adventure.
For more info and directions about Sliding Rock click here.
After Sliding Rock, visit the majestic Looking Glass Falls. As one of the country's most popular waterfalls, the cascade spans 35 feet wide, dropping a total of 65 feet. While you'll be visiting in the summer, you might want to come back in winter as well. Its namesake derives from the fact during cold weather, a layer of ice forms on the waterfall resembling a looking glass.
You'll want to spend the rest of your afternoon and evening in the eclectic mountain town of Brevard. Known for its 'white squirrels,' Brevard has plenty to offer in terms of art galleries and small shops. Many visit The White Squirrel Shoppe, O.P. Taylors, Gravy, and Local Color in this enchanting small town.
The next day you'll want to wake up early, drink some coffee, and have a hearty breakfast, because you'll soon be exploring one of the most rugged and adventurous forests in North Carolina. Filled with 80 miles of hiking trails, surreal waterfalls, and lush forests, DuPont State Forest is a nature lover's dream. Home to the popular Triple Falls, High Falls, *and* Hooker Falls, you might even spot a waterfall from the Hunger Games here!
With so much to see and do here it can be certifiably overwhelming. A great starting point is the gated trail leading to Hooker Falls. During the three-mile waterfalls hike you'll pass Hooker Falls (also a popular swimming hole in the hotter months, so be sure to bring you bathing suit!) you'll walk through dense forests and take a left turn onto the Triple Falls Trail. Triple Falls (pictured above) features a picnic area and a small trail that will lead you to the base of the falls.
For a jaw-dropping experience, High Falls can be accessed with a two-mile hike from Triple Falls (by way of the High Falls Trail). This stunning waterfall towers at 150-feet tall, with smaller cascades tumbling down the rocks. If you decide to hike to this winsome waterfall, always use caution, and common sense. If you're craving more, you can hike from High Falls to Lake Dense.
For more information on the perfect morning in DuPont, read our comprehensive hiking guide here.
If you want to fit a little more adventure into your last day, stop by one of North Carolina's newest and most pristine state parks, Gorges State Park. At this criminally overlooked state park in North Carolina, you'll find Rainbow Falls, which is named after the rainbow mist produced from the 80-foot fall visible during sunny afternoons. It's positively enchanting!
For more information on what to see and do at Gorges, read our comprehensive guide here.
For the cherry on top to an amazing weekend road trip in North Carolina, not far from Gorges you'll find Whitewater Falls. With the upper and lower portions spanning a total of 811 feet from North Carolina to South Carolina, it's the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, and it will blow you away. Talk about a grand finale to this epic weekend waterfall road trip!
So what did you think of our epic, two-day tour de force of the Transylvania County region in North Carolina? Had you visited any of these waterfalls before? Did you know this country was home to so many glorious waterfalls? Did we miss any of our favorite places in the area? Please share your thoughts on this North Carolina waterfall road trip comments section below!
Are you still wondering about waterfalls near me in North Carolina? It’s okay — we thought you might be. Check out our Ultimate North Carolina Waterfall Road Trip and experience eight magnificent waterfalls located all across the state!
Address: Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina 28714, USA
Address: Looking Glass Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Address: Brevard, NC, USA
Address: DuPont State Recreational Forest, Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USA
Address: Hooker Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Address: High Falls Trail, North Carolina 28768, USA
Address: Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA
Address: Upper Whitewater Falls, North Carolina 28717, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me in North Carolina
August 01, 2021
Sarah
Where can I learn more about waterfalls near me in North Carolina?
At Only In North Carolina, that’s where! Here in the Tar Heel State, there is perhaps nothing we enjoy more than some good, old-fashioned waterfall chasing. We’ve devised numerous trips that allow you to explore some of the state’s best cascades. This Ultimate North Carolina Waterfall Road Trip journeys to eight of the state’s most glorious waterfalls; each of the nine falls in this list is easy-to-access, and absolutely sublime; and this two-day adventure will take you to 11 of North Carolina’s best waterfalls. Enjoy!
What’s the tallest waterfall in North Carolina?
That distinction belongs to Upper Whitewater Falls. With a 411-foot plunge, not only is Upper Whitewater Falls the tallest waterfall in North Carolina, it is also the highest waterfall east of the Rockies! Known colloquially as North Carolina’s Niagara Falls, Upper Whitewater Falls is actually higher than the iconic New York cascade. (Yep, you read that right – higher!) It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina, and absolutely worth a visit next time you feel like doing some waterfall chasing in the Jocasse Gorges area of North Carolina. Despite the sheer magnitude of the waterfall, it’s quite accessible to view, and a bucket list item for any North Carolinians! Read more about this magnificent cascade here.
What are some must-visit waterfalls in North Carolina?
We happen to think *all* North Carolina waterfalls are worthy of a visit, because they each dazzle in their own way! Of course, Upper Whitewater Falls is perhaps the most iconic North Carolina fall, but you’ll also want to check out this epic road trip and visit each of the waterfalls featured there, too.
Address: Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina 28714, USA
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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