Visiting the magnificent waterfalls in North Carolina's Blue Ridge or the Smoky Mountains is a fantastic way to spend a couple of days in the mountains. You may go on short treks to waterfalls, stop at a simple roadside viewpoint, or even arrange a swim at the foot of a waterfall, depending on your preferences.
Many of North Carolina's waterfalls are within driving distance of the city of Asheville or are in close proximity to charming mountain villages. You can easily arrange a full day of waterfall visits from Asheville, stopping in at some of the villages for lunch or sightseeing.
Many of these tiny mountain villages offer excellent weekend getaways and are worth spending a night or two in. Some of North Carolina's finest resorts may be found in this region. Hendersonville, Highlands, Brevard, Bryson City, and Cherokee are some of the towns you may wish to arrange your trip around.
Several of the waterfalls are directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, while others are a short drive away on side roads, making it simple to combine Parkway highlights with waterfall visits.
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1. Whitewater Falls
Whitewater Falls is one of North Carolina's biggest and most spectacular waterfalls. This huge waterfall cascades 811 feet over two ledges, surrounded by thick flora. The quarter-mile walk from the parking lot to the first viewpoint is on a broad, paved route that is accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility problems. You may descend 154 steps to a viewing platform for a better view of the falls from here.
There is a small charge to park and enjoy Whitewater Falls, which is located in the Nantahala National Forest. Picnic shelters, grills, lots of green space, and flush toilets are all available in the big parking area.
Whitewater Falls is a beautiful day excursion from Asheville, located near the town of Cashiers and not far from the South Carolina border. The trip takes around 1.5 hours, but you may make stops along the route or do a beautiful loop drive. Along the way, you'll travel through the town of Brevard, which is home to several spectacular waterfalls.
2. Linville Falls
Linville Falls is situated in a spectacular location and provides a variety of viewing options. Short paths lead to stunning vistas or up-close access to the Linville Gorge's breathtaking 90-foot plunge. The picture is enhanced by jagged rock cliffs with trees clinging to the edges.
The main path, which includes the spur that leads you out to the center of the falls, is a 1.6-mile return walk with pauses at the first two lookouts. The vistas from this route provide excellent picture ops.
The first viewpoint is a half-mile hike to a granite ledge situated between the less spectacular upper and the magnificent lower falls. The view here is mostly of the upper falls, but it also includes a glimpse of the river as it winds its way up to the lower falls' ledge. It does provide a feeling of size and a connection to the falls that the main viewing area does not.
Continue on this path a little way to the Chimney View viewpoint, a tiny ledge sticking out over the canyon, for the finest view of Linville Falls. The iconic perspective of the whole picture, including the upper and lower falls, as well as the gorge pool below, is available from this vantage point.
You can go to Erwins View Overlook if you want to, but the extra work versus return isn't worth it. Take the if you want to climb down to the pools below the falls. Linville Gorge Trail is 75 km long.
The Visitors Center is situated at milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, east of Asheville, and serves as the starting point for all trails.
Read also: Things To See And Do In Asheville, NC
3. Dupont State Park's High Falls and Triple Falls
Dupont State Park, located near Hendersonville, has two magnificent waterfalls that are readily accessible through a single hiking path. The region was used as one of the shooting sites for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The High Falls Loop is a two-mile path that begins at the visitor center. It's a short hike with a few lengthy steady inclines and dips that can be done at any time of year.
High Falls is the trail's first waterfall. The Little River cascades 150 feet down a long granite wall here. The greatest view of the waterfall is from the path immediately across from it, or from the big picnic shelter just above it. You'll reach an in-and-out offshoot path going to Triple Falls a little farther on. This magnificent sequence of waterfalls is well-deserving of your attention. Both High Falls and Triple Falls have offshoot paths that may be accessible depending on the water level.
4. Dry Water Falls
Dry Falls is the place to go if you truly want to get up close to a waterfall and experience it in a unique manner. It is a spectacular sight that enables tourists to stroll behind the curtain of water that cascades over the cliff.
You descend a short flight of steps from the parking lot, through some fascinating exhibits, to a railed path that goes to and below the waterfalls, eventually emerging on the other side.
The Cullasaja River, at 75 feet high, provides a spectacular show as it cascades over a steep hill. Many places along this promenade provide spectacular vistas, but most visitors come for the sensation of standing below the ledge and watching the water flow down from above.
The parking lot is approximately three miles from Highlands, off Highway 64. It takes around 1.5 hours to drive from Asheville. If you want to do more than simply take a day trip from Asheville, consider staying the night in Highlands and exploring the town.
5. Catawba Falls
This is a waterfall that you may swim under or just admire from the beach, despite the fact that it takes a short walk. The Catawba River tumbles over granite ledges, falling over 100 feet to huge pools below, and Catawba Falls is easily accessible from Interstate 40.
As it swirls over rocks, Catawba Falls seems to be hundreds of tiny waterfalls. You may get up and personal with the falls, taking in the mist that floats in the air and the water that drips and flows over mossy clumps and fallen logs.
Have the 1.2-mile broad and somewhat steep path to the foot of the falls, where you may also take a plunge, to reach the cascade. Large fallen trees and rounded stones are perfect spots for a picnic meal or simply relaxing. A path continues up the steep slope alongside the waterfall if you are an experienced hiker and have the proper boots. It's worth noting that the rocks and roots may be damp and slick.
After you've gotten your fill, return down the same path for another 1.2 miles to the big parking lot. Exit 73 on Interstate 40 leads to the trailhead. The end of Catawba River Drive is a three-mile drive from here.
6. Skinny Dip Falls
Skinny Dip Falls in North Carolina is a refreshing respite from the summer heat. The falls are located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains and may be accessed by a well-maintained path that is one mile round way.
The falls wind their way down through cliffs and huge rocks. Pools that are cool and deep are excellent for relaxing in. The location is especially tranquil and beautiful, encouraging you to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
The trailhead is not signposted, and there is no sign indicating the name of the falls, although it is located across the road from a parking lot. To get to the trailhead, use the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile marker 417 and park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook parking area. Mountains to Sea Trail will be marked on a signpost across the road at the east end of the parking area. Enter the woodland and stick to the main route, which goes through dense forest and follows an undulating terrain.
On warm weekends, the parking lot may fill up fast, so arrive early if you want to get a space.
7. Sliding Rock Falls
Sliding Rock Falls, a popular family day trip location, has a moderate slope where you may slide 60 feet down the slick rocks. Clear, pure water cascades over smooth rocks before plunging to the bottom into a deep pool.
It's appropriate for people of all ages as long as they can swim and are comfortable with water. In the summer, lifeguards patrol the area, and safety regulations ban recreational floating equipment (such as inner tubes), although life jackets are permitted.
There are changing facilities and toilets available, but no picnicking is permitted. From an enormous space above, on the right side of the sliding area, you can see the action.
It's a good idea to bring an old suit and water shoes if you have them since the pebbles may be rough on your bathing suit and feet. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, a small fee is levied for each person to access the area.
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