We’ve encountered several waterfalls in North Carolina, especially during incredible hikes throughout the state, so it’s only natural to list the best among our favorites!
While most of these waterfalls are located in Western North Carolina (especially near Asheville and in the High Country), you will be surprised to see a couple that are easily reachable via day trips from Charlotte or Raleigh and/or Durham in Central North Carolina.
Before we get started, please remember that this is a growing list and that we decided not to include multiple falls in a single park.
Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in North Carolina and are wondering, “What are the best waterfalls near me?” we know this NC travel guide will help you out!
Read More: Unique Things to Do in North Carolina
Leave No Trace (and Don’t Overcrowd)
Before visiting these waterfalls in North Carolina, we want to remind you to always keep them beautiful and to leave no trace. Trash does NOT belong anywhere on our trails.
You can even go a step further and pick up any trash you see. That act will make you feel better and also will help us all maintain these beautiful mountains today and for future generations.
Also, we ask that you not park anywhere beyond designated spots and return at another time if the lots are full.
Map of Waterfalls in North Carolina
For a geographical perspective, this collection of maps shares our favorite waterfalls, including those found in specific areas.
List of NC Waterfalls in this Guide
Note: Due to extensive damage following Hurricane Helene, we’ve removed High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park, but hope to re-add it when it reopens someday.
We’ve listed these incredible North Carolina waterfalls in alphabetical order. Below each waterfall is a mention of its hiking distance or if it’s a roadside waterfall.
- Catawba Falls
- Courthouse Falls
- Crabtree Falls
- Dill Falls
- Dry Falls
- French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals)
- Glen Burney Falls
- Graveyard Fields
- Hickory Nut Falls (Chimney Rock State Park)
- High Falls (DuPont State Recreational Forest)
- Juney Whank Falls
- Linville Falls
- Looking Glass Falls
- Lower Cascades Falls (Hanging Rock State Park)
- Mingo Falls
- Moore Cove Falls
- Mouse Creek Falls (and Midnight Hole)
- Otter Falls
- Rainbow Falls (and Turtleback Falls)
- Schoolhouse Falls
- Silver Run Falls
- Sliding Rock
- Soco Falls
- Tom’s Creek Falls
- Upper Whitewater Falls
- Widow’s Creek Falls (Stone Mountain State Park)
Catawba Falls
Hike Distance: 3 miles round-trip
One of many waterfalls in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, we love the three-tiered Catawba Falls in the McDowell County town of Old Fort! The 100-foot-tall cascade is accessible via a steady 1.5-mile trek through a shady, moss-covered forest.
After a lengthy construction of stairs along the right side of the falls, you can now reach Upper Catawba Falls in a much safer fashion.
Some people have mixed feelings about these projects that make our waterfalls more accessible, but we have to consider the emergency workers who’ve rescued countless people from this waterfall (and the others in the guide).
Read More: Outdoor Activities in North Carolina
Courthouse Falls
Trail Length: 0.7 miles round trip
Prior to Tropical Storm Fred and then Hurricane Helene, you could reach the Courthouse Falls Trailhead by car.
After a short hike, you’d reach the 45-foot Courthouse Falls. Unfortunately, nature has won the battle for now, and you’ll need to park on NC-215 to start your hike, which is now about 2-1/2 miles one way.
Courthouse Falls is truly a beauty and perfectly fine to admire from afar. You may be enticed to swim toward the base, but a strong undercurrent runs underwater, and even the strongest swimmers would struggle to stay afloat.
Crabtree Falls
Hike Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
Note: The Blue Ridge Parkway is working to restore access to Crabtree Falls, but access to the Crabtree Falls Trail is restricted. We’ll keep you up to date on its status on our social media!
Crabtree Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 339). It’s just 45 miles north of Asheville, and you can follow one of two routes to reach the 70-foot waterfall.
Make sure to view the falls from the wooden bridge that crosses over the creek.
Read More: Black Mountains Hikes
Dill Falls
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Dill Falls is an awesome 65-foot waterfall, and its trailhead sits off a Forest Service road (4663) off NC-215.
After a short hike from the parking area, you’ll reach the base of this lovely waterfall, which is worthy of as many photos as possible.
Dill Falls was long on our list of “waterfalls to visit.” We’re now very happy people, having seen it up close.
Dry Falls
Hike Distance: 0.25 miles round-trip
Dry Falls is a quarter-mile, kid-friendly trail that is truly one of a kind! It’s one of the few waterfalls in North Carolina that you can walk behind!
Plunging 65 feet into the river below, a stroll to and behind Dry Falls is definitely one of the best things to do in North Carolina!
Speaking of the area around Dry Falls, it’s known as the Waterfall Byway, one of our favorite scenic roads. A few other cool waterfalls in the area include Bust Your Butt Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Cullasaja Falls.
Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List
French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals)
Hike Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip
An overshadowed gem in our opinions, this waterfall is one of a few on the same privately owned land. French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) and Birdrock Falls sit behind the Living Waters Ministry.
Thankfully, the landowners have been kind enough to allow public access. Another great waterfall along NC Highway 215; there are no signs for these falls, so many people overlook them.
However, they are definitely worth seeking out!
Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!)
Glen Burney Falls
Hike Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip
Glen Burney Falls is the second of three waterfalls (and namesake) along the Glen Burney Trail. This wonderful waterfall hike in Blowing Rock takes you down and back up through some dense forest, making you feel far away from the awesome small town just outside.
This trail gets especially busy, so please try to arrive early because the path is fairly narrow in some spots.
Read More: Blowing Rock Restaurants
Graveyard Fields
Hike Distance: 2/3 Mile Round Trip
Graveyard Fields is an awesome hike near Asheville. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 418), two large waterfalls await you, and the first one, Lower Falls, is an easy hike, only one-third of a mile from the parking lot.
The second waterfall, Upper Falls, is much harder to find because the trail is not well-marked. Graveyard Fields not only offers amazing waterfalls, but it’s also one of our favorite fall hikes in North Carolina.
Read More: 4 National Forests in NC (Things to Do + Why We Love Them!)
Hickory Nut Falls (Chimney Rock State Park)
Hike Distance: 2.8 miles round-trip
At 404 feet tall, it’s hard to believe that Hickory Nut Falls is not the tallest waterfall in North Carolina.
Hint: keep reading for that answer!
The hike to Hickory Nut Falls can start in several places. We recommend combining it with a hike up to Chimney Rock itself, with the option to continue on the Exclamation Point Trail (a 0.6-mile loop).
You can skip that addition and simply hike to the base of Hickory Nut Falls via the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.
Follow the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, and you’ll be treated to lots of shade, a few steady inclines, and the grand finale of Chimney Rock State Park‘s 404-foot waterfall.
High Falls (DuPont State Recreational Forest)
Hike Distance: 1.2 miles or 2 miles round-trip
DuPont State Recreational Forest wins the title for the most epic waterfalls per park in North Carolina. We really had a hard time deciding between Triple Falls and High Falls, but the latter wins based on the amazing views you have from above and at the foot of the falls.
You have multiple options to reach these falls, either on its own or by adding time and distance with some additional falls (including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and even Bridal Veil Falls).
Read More: 80+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (The Asheville Bucket List)
Juney Whank Falls
Hike Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip
Juney Whank Falls is one of the three named waterfalls found on the Deep Creek Trail near Bryson City. The hike to this one is 1/4 mile, though the elevation changes nearly 200 feet along the way.
The 90-foot waterfall flows over a rock face in front of a wooden bridge. Walk upon this, and you’ll think this is one of the most beautiful scenes in all of North Carolina.
Read More: Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City (10 Essential Things to Do)
Linville Falls
Hike Distance: Various trails, but the most popular is 1.6 miles round trip
Flowing through the Linville Gorge Wilderness, Linville Falls is an extremely popular waterfall. The hike from the trailhead is only 1.6 miles and mostly moderate. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in North Carolina for kids and inexperienced hikers.
There are three vantage points of the waterfall from the main trailhead, and more experienced hikers might consider taking the Plunge Basin Trail to get a view from the base.
Afterward, swing by Famous Louise’s Rockhouse for some amazing food. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in the area!
Read More: Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes
Looking Glass Falls
Hike Distance: Roadside
Looking Glass Falls is a roadside waterfall near Brevard that offers easily accessible and incredible views. You can also take a short walk down some stairs from the parking lot to reach an even closer view of this 60-foot waterfall.
Read More: Things to Do in Brevard
Lower Cascades Falls (Hanging Rock State Park)
Hike Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip
Hanging Rock State Park has the best North Carolina waterfalls, closest to Central North Carolina’s biggest cities. It is definitely one of our favorite state parks to reach via a quick day trip from the Triangle, especially from Greensboro!
You can see all five waterfalls in one day here, but our favorite is absolutely Lower Cascades Falls! The entrance is outside the main park gate and has limited parking, so try to arrive as early as possible.
We usually start the day by visiting Lower Cascades Falls before hiking the Hanging Rock Trail or others around the park.
Read More: Things to Do in Winston-Salem
Mingo Falls
Hike Distance: 320 Steps round-trip
Mingo Falls (“Big Bear” in Cherokee) is another kid-friendly waterfall hike in North Carolina. After only 160 steps, you will find yourself at the base of a 120-foot waterfall that is absolutely breathtaking.
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Moore Cove Falls
Hike Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
Another one of the best NC waterfalls hikes near Brevard is Moore Cove Falls. The spectacular 50-foot drop is located just up the road from Looking Glass Falls and pairs nicely with its more popular neighbor.
The 1.5-mile, round-trip adventure is a beautiful hidden gem.
Read More: Driving the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway
Mouse Creek Falls (and Midnight Hole)
Location: Big Creek Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hike Distance: 4 miles round-trip
The Big Creek Trail leads to a couple of our favorite waterfalls near the Tennessee Border. Here’s how you can reach them.
Continue along the trail Big Creek for a total of 2.1 miles, and you will reach Mouse Creek Falls. The trail is a former logging road with a relatively smooth, even surface, making it excellent for young children.
Follow the Big Creek Trail for 1.5 miles and you’ll find Midnight Hole on your left. The only indication for Midnight Hole is a white circle painted on a tree to the right of the trail.
Mouse Creek Falls is a 45-foot waterfall that flows over several cascades of lush moss-covered rocks into Big Creek.
Read More: 20+ Great Things to Do in Waynesville and Nearby!
Otter Falls
Hike Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
Otter Falls is certainly one of our favorite waterfalls near Banner Elk and Boone. The trail is just down the road from Hawksnest, one of our favorite snow tubing spots!
The 1.2-mile round-trip hike (strenuous on the way back up) awaits inside the resort community of Seven Devils, funded by several donors from the community in 2015.
We love the High Country and think you’ll want to know about these great things to do in Boone and Banner Elk, in case you haven’t visited either place yet!
Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!)
Rainbow Falls (and Turtleback Falls)
Trail Length: 3.9 miles round-trip
You might think Gorges State Park would tie DuPont State Forest for most waterfalls near Asheville in one park, but the 3.5-mile Rainbow Falls Trail takes you outside the park’s boundaries into Pisgah National Forest.
In fact, this state park will lead you to three waterfalls, including the 150-foot Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls.
The unmarked Hidden Falls also sits off the trail, right before Rainbow Falls. It is a great swimming spot with a 10-foot waterfall. You won’t see a sign for Hidden Falls, but you’ll notice a clearing to your right and large rock outcroppings that serve as the perfect picnic spot.
Turtleback Falls sits upstream from Rainbow Falls and used to be a highly regarded swimming hole. However, many injuries and deaths forced officials to warn against sliding and swimming.
Also at Gorges State Park (on a separate trail) is Bearwallow Falls, reachable via a 0.4-mile strenuous hike.
Schoolhouse Falls
Hike Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
The Panthertown Valley Trail will take you to one of the most rewarding waterfalls in North Carolina, also known as Schoolhouse Falls. It’s the most popular waterfall in Panthertown Valley; you’ll understand when you see it in person.
To reach Schoolhouse Falls, start from the Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead near Lake Toxaway.
More waterfalls in the area include Greenland Creek Falls and Mac’s Falls, reachable from the Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead. Granny Burrell Falls and Frolictown Creek Falls are closer to the Salt Rock Gap trailhead on the west side of Panthertown Valley.
Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips)
Silver Run Falls
Hike Distance: 500 feet
Silver Run Falls is a beautiful 25-foot waterfall in Jackson County, south on NC 107 from Cashiers. It’s one of the trickiest waterfalls in North Carolina to reach, mainly because of the limited parking available.
After you leave your vehicle, a 500-foot walk will take you to an excellent pool with plenty of space in front. That’s why Silver Run Falls is the perfect swimming hole and picnic spot.
The pool starts with a slow entry of soft sand, making it great for kids. If the sun is out, look down, and you’ll see the shining flecks of mica down in the water.
Hence the name Silver Run Falls!
Read More: How to See Waterfalls Park in Newland (near Banner Elk)
Sliding Rock
Hike Distance: Roadside
Thanks to its smooth rock for sliding, the 60-foot Sliding Rock wins the “most popular swimming hole” category out of these waterfalls in North Carolina. It is perfect for sliding and is extremely popular in the summer.
The water is cool, but worth the trip to slip down this natural water slide!
Note: During the season, there is an entrance fee to Sliding Rock, and bathrooms and showers are available.
Read More: Day Trips from Asheville
Soco Falls
Hike Distance: 200 feet or 0.2 miles round-trip
Soco Falls in Cherokee is a collection of two falls that plunge together to create a scene worthy of inclusion among the best waterfalls in NC.
After a temporary closure, Soco Falls reopened in 2025 with a newer and much safer trail!
You won’t get the same view as before, but you can safely admire Soco Falls without risking life and limb.
Read More: How to Enjoy Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (+ 15 Tips)
Tom’s Creek Falls
Hike Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Another kid-friendly hike near Asheville is Tom’s Creek Falls. The 80-foot waterfall has two tiers that flow into the rocky riverbed below. This waterfall is also one of the few with an accessible trail and observation deck!
Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Marion (and Nearby!)
Upper Whitewater Falls
Hike Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip
The tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, Upper Whitewater Falls is an impressive 411-foot-tall waterfall along the North Carolina-South Carolina border.
One vantage point of Upper Whitewater Falls is accessible, and another can be reached by several stairs to a viewing platform.
Widow’s Creek Falls (Stone Mountain State Park)
Hike Distance: A few hundred feet from the parking lot.
Widow’s Creek Falls is the most beautiful of waterfalls in North Carolina’s Stone Mountain State Park near Elkin. Among the other named waterfalls in the Park, it was a tough debate, but Widow’s Creek wins out!
With a pool, cascades, and plenty of space around it, the falls get pretty busy in the summer for sliding and picnicking. It’s also just a short walk away from the parking lot, making this a convenient stop.
An honorable mention inside Stone Mountain State Park is the epic 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls, which you can access via the Stone Mountain Loop.
Read More: The Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina
Ready for the Best Waterfalls in North Carolina?
As always, please remember to practice caution and safety while on the trails. Rocks are slippery when wet, and deaths have occurred at some of these waterfalls. Keep on the trail, wear proper footwear, and remember to always pack out what you take with you.
Many of these waterfalls in North Carolina are easy to access. Whether you’re walking behind Dry Falls or trekking out to Courthouse Falls, we hope you enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful waterfalls.
If you’ve seen some of these waterfalls in North Carolina, we’d love to know which are your favorites! If you haven’t been to any yet, which ones do you plan to visit first?
More Waterfalls in North Carolina (Hikes, Too!)
We’ve featured these waterfalls in many of our NC travel guides. Here are a few more specific ones to keep you exploring!
Search for NC Travel Guides
You can search our entire site if you’re looking for something specific.
I love how your blog is focused on all things NC! I am from NC, but have not visited all of these waterfalls. Can’t wait to add them to our never ending bucket list!
Elk River Falls is a 50 foot waterfall in Averey county NC just over the state line of Tennessee on highway 19E near Banner Elk. Very easy walk and great summer swimming hole.
Thank you so much for these God-created beauties. Thanks for sharing. I have been trying to find places like this because I Love Nature and I love to write and meditate near water. God answered my prayers to find that place and this is it and some many to choose from. I thank God and I thank you!!! I will be sharing this with my family when they come to visit NC. Please continue to share God’s beautiful Mother Nature!!! Stay safe and blessed always!!! Deborah Pringle from Durham, NC
Rainbow Falls should begin the top 5…