My 15 Best Waterfalls in North Carolina to Visit in 2026

There’s a few reasons why North Carolina is known for it’s waterfalls. Firstly the sheer number of waterfalls on offer, secondly the amazing amount of hiking to reach them, and lastly they come in all shapes and sizes. Either way, I can verify that when it comes to waterfalls, North Carolina is winning on every level.

In my North Carolina Road trip itinerary you’ll see that I recently spent a lot of time in the mountains. I completed a road trip from Charlotte covering 3 main towns; Morganton, Asheville and Brevard. You can see most of these waterfalls from there and I recommend checking out all of the other things to do in that article.

You’ll also find my North Carolina YouTube video here or by scrolling down to it below.

Either way, let’s get stuck in. Here are my top 15 waterfalls in North Carolina, in no particular order.

Why North Carolina Is a Great Spot for Visiting Waterfalls

There are waterfalls all over North Carolina, especially in the west part. You can drive for an hour and find a bunch in one day. Most are close to small mountain towns and easy to get to, and some require a bit of a hike.

I booked my North Carolina trip, flights and car hire with America As You Like It and you too can also create a very similar itinerary.

How Many Waterfalls are There in North Carolina?

It’s hard to pin down an exact number, but there are hundreds of waterfalls in North Carolina. Some lists say 250 or more, but you’ll probably hear different numbers depending on who you ask.

Most of the big-name falls are easy to find, but there are still some that only locals know about (if I find out about any, I’ll update this list!). You probably won’t run out of new ones to see, even if you live here for years.

Are Waterfalls in North Carolina Hard to Hike?

Not really. You don’t have to be a pro hiker to see waterfalls in North Carolina. Plus, a lot of them are easy to reach.

For instance, Looking Glass Falls is right by the road, and you just park and walk down to it. Some need a short hike, and a few take longer or are a little rocky. But most people can get to at least a few good ones without too much trouble.

You can find easy walks for families or tougher treks if you want a challenge. We’ll go through both categories in the complete list below.

What are the Most Popular Waterfalls in North Carolina?

Some names pop up again and again: Looking Glass Falls, Dry Falls, and Linville Falls are all pretty famous and easy to reach. Triple Falls and Hooker Falls are close to each other and make a good double stop.

These places show up in travel guides and postcards for a reason. You’ll find both locals and visitors from out of state stopping for a look, especially on weekends and during holidays.

Where to Stay in Asheville

Asheville has everything. Riverside cabins, boutique hotels and walkable flats in the city centre. If you want city access with a cosy feel, go for spots near the River Arts District or South Slope.

It’s worth booking early in peak season. Stay two or three nights here, since it’s the best spot to visit waterfalls in North Carolina. Here are the best places to stay for all budgets.

If you’d rather pick your own place to stay, you can browse all the hotels on Booking or Expedia and choose the one that suits you best.

Luxury: The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa (Rated 9.2/10)

Mid-Range: Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins (Rated 10/10)

I really loved staying at Wrong Way, cosy lodges with parking underneath. Great coffee, a kitchenette and a lovely riverside location. You are a little out of town but that doesn’t matter too much when you have a car.

Budget: Downtown Inn (Rated 8.2/10)

15 Best Waterfalls to Visit in North Carolina

North Carolina’s full of waterfalls: big, small, and everything in between. Some are right off the main road and don’t take much effort, while others are deep in the woods and give you a reason to stretch your legs.

Here below is a mix of both. Some of these are local favourites, others pop up in every travel guide for a reason. Grab some good shoes, maybe a snack, and see how many you can tick off on your North Carolina itinerary.

READ THE GUIDE NOW: Complete North Carolina Road Trip

McGalliard Falls

• Height: 40 feet
• Hike time: 5 minutes
• Distance: 0.2 mile

McGalliard Falls is one of those places you can visit if you’re not planning a big day out. It’s located in the little town of Valdese, about halfway between Morganton and Hickory.

The falls drop about 40 feet over a rocky ledge, and there’s an old grist mill right at the top, so you get a bit of history with your scenery.

The park around the falls is well-kept and quiet, and that makes for the perfect afternoon picnic. It’s also a nice quick break if you’re on a road trip through the area.

You don’t have to hike at all, which is a plus if you’re not in the mood. Just a short walk from the car park brings you right to the falls. You can also park at Valdese Lakeside Park and walk around 20 minutes from there. At the falls there are benches, shaded spots, and enough space for kids to run around without worry.

The falls themselves aren’t massive, but the whole place has a relaxed feel you don’t get at busier spots. In the spring and after heavy rain, the water really thunders over the rocks. Locals like it for the peace and the mill, which you can walk around and see up close.

Catawba Falls

• Height: 100 feet
• Hike time: 3 hours
• Distance: 3.5 miles

Catawba Falls drops around 100 feet in wide tiers, with water splitting and fanning out over mossy rocks. Meaning: you get more of a curtain than a single line.

It’s right at the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, not far from Old Fort. The trail to the falls starts at a decent-sized car park and follows the river. You cross a couple of bridges and hike through big, shady trees.

The walk is pretty easy for most people. It’s not flat the whole way, but the path is wide, and you’ll probably see families, dog walkers, and occasional runners. You can also take the easier version of the trail to the bottom of the falls there and back, rather than the loop.

The trail can get muddy on rainy days (and the day after), and I recommend shoes with a bit of grip. Once you reach the falls, you can climb over rocks at the base for a closer look or just find a spot to sit and listen to the water. Steps follow the falls all the way up to the top.

This is a popular place for photos. If you want it quieter, try early morning or late afternoon, especially outside weekends. For years, the upper section was closed for safety, but you can enjoy the lower falls easily.

Looking Glass Falls

• Height: 60 feet
• Hike time: 2 minutes
• Distance: Right next to the road

Looking Glass Falls is the easiest big waterfall in North Carolina. It’s right off US 276, not far from Brevard, and you can actually spot it from your car as you drive past.

There’s a decent-sized pull-off for parking, and a set of stone steps takes you down to the base if you want a closer look. The falls themselves are tall and wide, with a straight drop into a shallow pool.

This is the classic “I only have ten minutes” stop, but it’s so good you’ll probably end up hanging around longer. The pool at the bottom is popular in summer for a quick paddle, and you’ll see people just sitting on the rocks watching the water crash down. It’s a good place for family photos, and because it’s so close to the road, it’s accessible for pretty much anyone.

You’ll get the most dramatic photos after a bit of rain, but the falls look good year-round, even in winter when everything is frosty.

Graveyard Fields & Upper Falls

• Height: Lower Falls 55 feet, Upper Falls 60 feet
• Hike time: About 20 minutes to Lower Falls, and a further 45 minutes more to Upper Falls
• Distance: 0.6 mile to Lower Falls, about 3.2 miles loop for the Upper Falls

Graveyard Fields sounds a bit creepy, but it’s actually a wide, open valley along the Blue Ridge Parkway, covered in low shrubs, blueberries, and wildflowers.

It’s famous for its autumn colours, but the waterfalls here (the lower falls, and the upper ones) are good all year round. You start at a big parking area with toilets, then head down a series of steps to get to the valley.

The Lower Falls is a quick walk: just 10-15 minutes. There’s a big pool where you can splash around if it’s warm out.

If you’re up for a bit more walking, you can follow the loop trail along the river to Upper Falls. The path is easy to follow, but it does get muddy and has a few roots and rocks to watch out for.

The Upper Falls are quieter than the lower one. There are fewer people and it has a bit more of a “hidden” feel. The water cascades down the rocks in a gentle slide, not a huge drop, but it’s a nice spot to relax away from the crowds.

Dry Falls

• Height: 65 feet
• Hike time: 5 minutes
• Distance: 0.2 mile

Dry Falls gets its name because you can actually walk behind the waterfall without getting soaked (unless the water’s really roaring, of course).

It’s near Highlands town, along US 64, and is one of the more unique waterfalls in North Carolina. The path from the car park is short, paved, and has railings, so it’s easy for just about anyone.

You’ll hear the falls before you see them. There’s a steady sound as you make your way down the walkway.

Once you’re behind the curtain of water, you get a totally different view. The rock protects you, and you can look out through the water to the valley.

The air is cool and misty, and if the sun’s out, you might catch a rainbow. In heavy rain, you’ll get a little spray, but it’s never too bad.

Dry Falls is popular, especially in summer and autumn when the leaves change. The car park is small, so you might have to wait for a spot if it’s busy.

Moore Cove Falls

• Height: 50 feet
• Hike time: 20 to 30 minutes
• Distance: 0.6 miles each way

Moore Cove Falls is right off US 276 near Brevard. The trail is easy and goes through the woods, with a few wooden bridges and plenty of shade.

At the end, you reach a wide rock overhang with the falls pouring down in a thin sheet. The neat part is you can actually walk behind the water without getting wet.

The water isn’t that powerful, but the setting is peaceful, and the hike is easy for just about anyone. Probably the best combo for most people.

There’s a small parking area to leave your car. However, it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Bring good shoes, since the path can get muddy after rain.

Falls on Grogan Creek

• Height: 20 feet
• Hike time: 40–45 minutes
• Distance: About 1.5 miles each way

Falls on Grogan Creek isn’t the biggest in the area, but it’s brilliant for a bit more of a quiet trail.

The falls are deep in Pisgah National Forest, not far from the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.

The path takes you along the creek with a few gentle ups and downs. Nothing too tough though, just enough to get your legs moving. When you reach the falls, you’ll find a broad sheet of water slipping over the rock.

It’s not dramatic, but it’s a peaceful place, and it’s excellent for a snack break or a quiet sit by the water.

Crabtree Falls

• Height: 70 feet
• Hike time: 75 to 90 minutes
• Distance: 2.6 miles

Crabtree Falls (not to be confused with Crabtree Falls in Virginia) is a classic stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The falls are tall and narrow, and they spill over a jagged rock face for about 70 feet.

The hike in is a loop trail. It starts out easy before it heads downhill to the base of the falls, so save a little energy for the walk back up. There’s a wooden bridge right in front of the waterfall, and needless to say, that’s a great photo spot.

The area at the bottom is shady and cool, with plenty of rocks to sit on and take in the sound of the water. In spring, there are plenty of wildflowers that pop up near the trail. This spot is popular, but it never feels too crowded, and the views are always worth the effort.

Linville Falls

• Height: 150 feet (total, over several drops)
• Hike time: 45 minutes to an hour
• Distance: 1.9 miles round trip to main overlooks

Linville Falls is one of the best-known waterfalls in North Carolina, and it’s set in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. The falls drop nearly 90 feet in several stages, crashing through a rocky gorge that looks like something out of an old postcard.

There are a few trails here. To be frank, most people take the easy walk to the main overlooks, but you can go further if you want more views (which I suggest).

The main overlooks give you a great angle on the upper and lower falls. The trails are well-marked and have a mix of open sun and cool, shaded bits. My favourite trail type!

The gorge itself is impressive, with steep walls and deep blue water at the bottom. It gets busy in summer, but I felt like the area was big enough to spread out. It’s a good choice if you want a classic North Carolina waterfall scene without a super hard hike.

Rainbow Falls (Pisgah National Forest)

• Height: 125 feet
• Hike time: About 3 hours
• Distance: 3.9 to 5.7 miles total, depending on the trail

Rainbow Falls is one of the biggest and most powerful waterfalls in western North Carolina, and it lives up to the hype. There are a couple of ways to get there, depending on how much walking you want to do.

The most popular route is the Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls Trail. You’ll start at Gorges State Park and follow a well-marked path through the woods, with steady hills and a few creek crossings. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way (just under 4 miles total if you add Turtleback Falls). It’s not flat, but most people with a bit of fitness are fine.

If you want more of a workout or you like quieter trails, the Windy Falls & Rainbow Falls Trail is another option. It’s a longer loop, just under 6 miles round trip, and covers more ground through the national forest.

This one is more rugged and less busy, so you’ll see fewer people, but you’ll also need to be ready for a bigger climb and a few steeper sections. You’ll see Rainbow Falls along the way, but you also pass by Windy Falls, which is a bonus.

As you get closer, you’ll hear the waterfall from a distance, then suddenly the trail opens up and you’re looking straight at a 150-foot wall of water. On sunny days, rainbows pop up in the spray, which is how the falls got their name.

Most people stick to the shorter trail for a quick trip, but either way, Rainbow Falls is worth it.

High Falls (DuPont State Forest)

• Height: 120 feet
• Hike time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Distance: 2.8-mile out-and-back

High Falls is one of the biggest draws in DuPont State Forest. Not just for the size but for how open the views are. The waterfall itself is powerful and it drops in one broad rush over big granite slabs.

The trail starts from the Hooker Falls parking area and is a steady walk on a well-marked path, with some hills here and there. After about a mile, you’ll get your first big look at the falls from the overlook. Bring your camera, because it’s really a stunner.

You can walk right down to the base for a closer view, though it’s a bit rocky at the bottom, so do keep that in mind.

On warm days, you’ll see families and groups hanging out on the rocks. In autumn, the whole area lights up with colour from the trees. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s easy to link up High Falls with Triple Falls and Hooker Falls for a full day of exploring.

There are toilets at the parking area, and the trails here are some of the best maintained in North Carolina.

Sliding Rock

• Height: 60 feet (natural rock slide)
• Hike time: 2 minutes
• Distance: 0.3 miles, it’s right off the car park

Let me start this section by saying that Sliding Rock isn’t a classic waterfall, at least not officially (yes, despite this waterfall in North Carolina list). It’s basically a natural waterslide.

Water runs down a smooth, sliding rock, hence the name, for about 60 feet. You can slide right down into a deep, chilly pool at the bottom.

This spot is hugely popular in summer, especially with families and anyone wanting a bit of fun. There’s a lifeguard on duty during busy times, plus toilets and changing rooms nearby.

The “hike” here is just a short walk from the car park. The water is cold, even in July, but that’s part of the fun. Expect crowds on hot weekends and a steady stream of folks lining up for their turn.

It’s a unique place, there aren’t many places where you can say you slid down a waterfall! And entry to Sliding Rock is $5.

If you want to see what it’s really like, make sure you check out my North Carolina YouTube video here!

Soco Falls

• Height: 120 feet (double waterfall)
• Hike time: 5 minutes
• Distance: 0.1 miles

Soco Falls is right off US 19 between Maggie Valley and Cherokee. What makes it special is that it’s actually two waterfalls side by side, dropping into the same rocky gorge.

From the small parking area, it’s only a few minutes on a short, sometimes muddy trail down to a viewing platform. There’s a handrail and some steps, but after rain, it can be a bit slick.

For the best view, you can carefully follow a steeper path (with ropes to help you down) to get closer to the base. Just please take your time if it’s wet.

Worth a stop if you’re driving between Cherokee and Maggie Valley, or just looking for something different.

Please note that, at the time of writing, the trail is currently closed for renovation and to expand the car park, so do check the status if you plan to come.

Tom’s Creek Falls

• Height: 80 feet
• Hike time: 15 to 20 minutes
• Distance: 0.7 miles out and back

Tom’s Creek Falls is just outside Marion, tucked away in the forest. The trail is wide, easy, and mostly flat, making it a good pick for families or anyone who just wants a simple walk.

The falls are tall, and they drop in two main sections down a black rock, and there’s a bridge and viewing area right at the base. You can climb over the rocks if you want to get closer, but the view is great even from the trail.

This spot is especially nice after rain, when the water really gets moving. In summer, it’s cool and shady, and in autumn, the leaves turn all around the falls.

It’s never very busy, so it’s a good choice if you want some peace and quiet without driving too far from town. There’s even a bit of mica in the rocks, so on a sunny day, you’ll see some sparkle in the water and stones.

Whitewater Falls

• Height: 411 feet
• Hike time: 10–15 minutes to the main overlook
• Distance: 0.5 mile each way to the main view

Whitewater Falls is huge and dramatic, and it’s worth seeing just for its height. The upper falls are in North Carolina, while the lower falls are just over the border in South Carolina.

The Upper Falls are easy to reach, with a paved path from the car park to the main viewing platform, so you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to get a great view.

But if you do want to stretch the legs, a set of stairs leads to the lower falls. If you’re up for the challenge, the Lower Falls drop another 400 ft across the border in South Carolina and need a moderate 4–5 mile hike if you want to see them up close.

It’s best after rain, and you’ll see plenty of people taking photos. Both overlooks give great views, and many people do both in one day. The Upper section has a small parking charge (only $3), but it’s worth it for the view.

Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in North Carolina

A lot of the best waterfalls are out in the woods, so bring good walking boots with decent grip. Trails do get muddy or slippery after rain.

Don’t forget bug spray, especially in summer. Some spots have toilets and parking, but others are pretty basic, so you’ll want to pack water and snacks. Other that that, always check trail signs for rules about swimming or climbing on rocks.

Leave early if you want to beat the crowds, especially at the more famous falls. Lastly, of course, don’t forget your camera. Waterfalls in North Carolina look good in any weather!

Guided Tours and Local Experiences Near the Falls

If you’d rather not go it alone, there are plenty of local guides who run tours to some of the best waterfalls, especially around Asheville, Brevard, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

You can join a small group hike, sign up for a photo tour, or even try a waterfall-hopping day trip.

Check local visitor centres or book online in advance. Note: these tours can fill up, especially in peak season, so do book ahead of time.

Other Things to Do in North Carolina

North Carolina is more than just waterfalls. Make time for scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or wandering around small mountain towns like Asheville and Boone.

There’s also white-water rafting, breweries, and plenty of spots to try local food. If you’re planning an itinerary, check out this full plan here below!

RELATED POST: Complete North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary

When is the Best Time to Visit North Carolina?

Late spring and early summer are the best. Water’s high from the rain and everything is green. Autumn/Fall is nice too, with all the leaves changing, but you’ll see more people. Winter is quiet if you don’t mind the cold, but beware of potentially icy conditions.

Conclusion

There you have a great starting point to chasing waterfalls in North Carolina! I hope you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful state, be sure to tag me in Instagram if you visit any falls as a result of this article.

This trip was supported by the Visit North Carolina, but as always all thoughts, opinions and suggestions my own.