25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Brevard NC (Within 1 Hour)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 21, 2024.

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Brevard in Transylvania County is a wonderful small town known as North Carolina‘s Land of Waterfalls, and just a short drive from Asheville. With beautiful mountains and dozens of trickling streams, there’s no wonder there are so many impressive waterfalls near Brevard.

In this article, we’ll list more than 25 of our favorite waterfalls within a one-hour drive (or just a bit longer) of this mountain town. We also include why we think they’re so beautiful, and why you should visit each one!

We’ve also created a map to help you visually plan your journey.

If you’re searching for specific waterfalls in Brevard NC, here’s how we’ve organized this guide:

Before You Go: Leave No Trace Reminder
Waterfalls in Dupont State Forest (High Falls, Triple Falls, and More!)
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway Waterfalls near Brevard (Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock Falls, and More!)
More Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls near Brevard (Graveyard Fields, Schoolhouse Falls, and More!)
Waterfalls in Gorges State Park (Rainbow Falls and Bearwallow Falls)
Standalone Waterfalls near Brevard (Key Falls and Pearson’s Falls)

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Brevard area and are wondering, “What are the best waterfalls near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Read More: Waterfalls near Asheville

Before You Go: Leave No Trace Reminder

We would also like to remind you to leave no trace while visiting these waterfalls. North Carolina is absolutely beautiful, and we encourage our readers to pick up everything they bring to keep it pristine.

DuPont State Forest Waterfalls near Brevard

High Falls Access (aka Visitor Center): 12 miles from Brevard (19 minutes)
Trail Length: 1.2 miles, 2 miles, or 7 miles roundtrip

High Falls in Dupont State Recreational Forest — High Falls.

Triple Falls at Dupont State Forest, just 20 minutes from Brevard — High Falls.

DuPont State Recreational Forest is only 20 minutes away from Brevard and is home to four beautiful Brevard waterfall hikes!

Hooker Falls is probably the most accessible and boasts one of the best swimming holes in the region.
Triple Falls and High Falls are a moderate hike away, and you might recognize them from both The Hunger Games and the Last of the Mohicans. Those falls a big part of why those two movies were filmed in North Carolina.
Bridal Veil Falls is your best bet if you’re itching for a longer hike. You can reach it within a 2.2-mile hike or bike ride.
Wintergreen Falls is reachable after a 1.5-mile hike from Guion Farm Parking Area.

Read More: Day Trips from Asheville

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway Waterfalls near Brevard

Many of the closest Brevard North Carolina waterfalls are found along US-276 and NC-215, which unite to form the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. They also lie within Pisgah National Forest.

Looking Glass Falls
Moore Cove Falls
Sliding Rock Falls
Bird Rock Falls/French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals)
Dill Falls
Sunburst Falls

Looking Glass Falls

9 miles from Brevard (15 minutes)
Trail Length: 0.3 miles round trip

Looking Glass Falls is easily the best-known of our favorite waterfalls near Brevard. Sitting just off US-276, this roadside waterfall in Pisgah National Forest is very accessible.

Visible from your car, you can also descend some steps to get up close and personal with the 60-foot cascade. It’s pretty easy to see why Looking Glass Falls is one of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls!

Moore Cove Falls

10 miles from Brevard (17 minutes)
Trail Length: 1.5 miles round trip

Just up the road from Looking Glass Falls is Moore Cove Falls. It is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike that ends at a 50-foot waterfall.

What I love about Moore Cove is that the water is less powerful and instead seems to simply glide over the rock cliff into the small pool below.

Sliding Rock Falls

11 miles from Brevard (19 minutes)
Trail Length: A few hundred feet from the parking lot.

Slide down this cold 60-foot rock face inside of Pisgah National Forest! Easily one of the best ways to cool off in the summer, families and young adults flock to Sliding Rock.

Note that there is a $3 admission fee, and all risks are assumed by the individual. For those of you not interested in sliding, there are two observation platforms where you can watch the fun from!

Bird Rock Falls/French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) (3)

17 miles from Brevard (25 minutes)
Trail Length: Roadside or 0.5 miles round trip

A collection of waterfalls near Brevard falling into the same pool.

This is one of our absolute favorite collections of Brevard NC waterfalls! Located on the NC-215 side of the Forest Hills Scenic Byway, we grouped French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) and Bird Rock Falls together because of their proximity to each other.

In fact, the latter two are literally attached to one another. Panning from the red building to the cascading water makes these waterfalls is one of our favorite memories!

You can reach Bird Rock Falls after a short half-mile hike.

Also, keep in mind that these falls sit on the Living Waters Ministry’s property. Since they are kind enough to let you in, please leave no trace. Of course, that should be the case for all these waterfalls.

Dill Falls

26 miles from Brevard (45 minutes away)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

Dill Falls is an awesome waterfall that’s about 45 minutes away from Brevard. The 65-foot waterfall is reachable via a Forest Service road 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.

Sunburst Falls

30 miles from Brevard (50 minutes away)
Trail Length: 0.2 miles round trip

Sunburst Falls is another wonderful waterfall near Brevard along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway.

The waterfall cascades over multiple tiers before descending into the valley below, passing through a historic stone bridge dating back to 1937.

Travelers can park on the roadside of NC-215 and walk over the bridge, offering various vantage points for admiring Sunburst Falls. Please be cautious when walking near the road to get a closer look at this natural wonder.

For those seeking a closer view of the upper tiers of the waterfall, you can rock scramble for a better view. However, swimming is discouraged due to the potential danger of slipping and falling.

More Pisgah NF Waterfalls near Brevard

Many of these waterfalls sit between US-276 and NC-215, which is why they aren’t included as part of the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. However, they’re still protected as part of Pisgah National Forest.

Daniel Ridge Falls
Schoolhouse Falls
Graveyard Fields

Daniel Ridge Falls

13 miles from Brevard (24 minutes)
Trail Length: 4-mile loop

Also known as Tom Spring Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls is a 150-foot waterfall that can be reached by a 4-mile loop. As we mentioned, this is one of a few waterfalls between the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway’s two main roads.

This Brevard waterfall is often overlooked, but it makes for a very peaceful escape. Meander alongside the river for a total gain of 800 feet in elevation and enjoy the sounds of rushing water as you approach.

Schoolhouse Falls

22 miles from Brevard (35 minutes)
Trail Length: 2.5 miles round trip

Schoolhouse Falls in Panthertown Valley is one of the most popular waterfalls in Jackson County. The trailhead to reach it (Cold Mountain Gap) is north of US-64, near Lake Toxaway and Cashiers.

While small in comparison to some of the other waterfalls near Brevard, Schoolhouse Falls has a shallow pool at its base. That makes this one perfect for an afternoon of splashing.

Graveyard Fields (2)

26 miles from Brevard (43 minutes)
Trail Length: 2/3 mile round trip or 3.3 miles loop

Graveyard Falls is a tiny waterfall near the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway

cascading waterfall down smooth rocks with a forest of trees surrounding the falls.

Graveyard Fields is home to the only Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls near Brevard that we’ll share. The first waterfall of two on this hike is a short 1/3 mile and is easily the most recognizable.

If you choose to continue onto the Upper Falls (3.3 miles), be warned that it’s not as easy to locate as the first one. However, the boardwalk at the beginning of the Upper Falls hike is a picturesque and popular spot for wild blueberry picking!

We are hopeful that Skinny Dip Falls nearby can make a recovery from the damage sustained from Tropical Storm Fred.

Gorges State Park Waterfalls near Brevard

20 miles from Brevard (28 minutes)

Rainbow Falls Trail Length: 3.9 miles round trip
Bearwallow Falls Trail Length: 0.8 miles round trip

Gushign waterfal with a rainbow in Gorges State Park near Brevard NC — Rainbow Falls.

Rainbow Falls sits just outside Gorges State Park in Pisgah National Forest but is only reachable from the park. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Brevard.

It is an impressive 150-foot waterfall with multiple vantage points along the trail. A 3.5-mile out-and-back hike will take you past Hidden Falls, Rainbow Falls, and finally, Turtleback Falls.

Note that while it might be tempting to jump in the cold water, it is not recommended at either of the latter two waterfalls. Many injuries and deaths have occurred in recent years as Turtleback Falls especially used to be a sliding waterfall.

Additional waterfalls in our westernmost state park include Bearwallow Falls, reachable via a 0.4-mile strenuous hike.

Nantahala National Forest Waterfalls near Brevard

The next few waterfalls near Brevard, NC, are within the boundaries of Nantahala National Forest.

Upper Whitewater Falls
Silver Run Falls
Dry Falls

Upper Whitewater Falls

26 miles (36 minutes)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

If there is only one waterfall near Brevard that you travel for, Upper Whitewater Falls should be it! Earning the badge of the highest waterfall east of the Rockies (at 811 feet), Whitewater Falls is located in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

The “Upper” portion on the North Carolina side makes up 411 of those feet. It’s a dramatic multi-drop waterfall that’s an easy walk from the parking lot.

Descend 154 steps to a viewing platform for some spectacular views. Remember to stay on the trail—serious injuries have occurred when hikers have ventured off for different vantage points.

Also, parking for Upper Whitewater Falls is $2, so remember to bring cash.

Silver Run Falls

32 miles from Brevard (48 minutes)
Trail Length: 1,000 feet round trip

Silver Run Falls is a beautiful 25-foot waterfall in Jackson County, just a few miles south on NC 107 from Cashiers. It’s one of the trickiest waterfalls near Brevard to reach, largely because of the limited parking available.

Once you get out of your vehicle, though, a short 500-foot walk will take you to an excellent pool. There’s plenty of space in front of the pool, which is why Silver Run Falls is the perfect swimming hole and picnic spot.

If the sun is out, look down below and you’ll see the shining flecks of mica down in the water.

Dry Falls

40 miles from Brevard (1 hour 6 minutes)
Trail Length: 50 feet

Dry Falls is the first exception we’ll make for waterfalls near Brevard that are a little more than one hour’s drive.

This is a special waterfall because you can actually walk behind Dry Falls. Just follow the quarter-mile kid-friendly trail for a look from underneath. It really is a wonderful experience.

The waterfall itself plunges 65 feet into the river below.

More Waterfalls near Brevard

The last few Brevard NC waterfalls are among our favorites.

Key Falls
Pearson’s Falls and Glen
Hickory Nut Falls (Chimney Rock State Park)

Key Falls

4 miles from Brevard (8 minutes)
Trail Length: Roadside

A truly hidden gem, Key Falls is only 4 miles from Downtown Brevard! Located on private property at the Key Falls Inn, this little cascade is absolutely beautiful. Cell service can be spotty in this area, so here are some directions for you:

From Brevard, you’ll head out on US-64 East for 3.5 miles.
You’ll then turn right on Crab Creek Rd and travel for another 1.5 miles.
Turn right on Everett Rd.
Travel about 3 miles from there to the driveway for the entrance to Key Falls Inn, which will be on your left.
You have 2 options here. 1) Either turn at the gravel road prior to the entrance and drive 0.2 miles to the falls. 2) You can turn into the Inn’s driveway, park, and walk the short path to the falls.

Please remember to be respectful of the guests staying at the Inn, as well as the owners, as they have graciously let visitors enjoy their waterfall.

Read More: Staying at the Pines Country Inn

Pearson’s Falls

37 miles (54 minutes)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

Pearson’s Falls is part of a nature preserve east of Brevard in Polk County, between the mountain towns of Saluda and Tryon. The Tryon Garden Club manages Pearson’s Falls and Glen.

The land includes a deciduous climax forest (hence the “Glen”), spring-fed streams, and a short hike that leads to the gorgeous namesake 90-foot waterfall.

A small admission fee is required to enter, but your money goes toward maintenance and future conservation efforts.

Hickory Nut Falls (inside Chimney Rock State Park)

37 miles from Brevard (1 hour 2 minutes)
Trail Length: 2.8 miles round trip

Waterfalls near Brevard NC Hickory Nut Falls Chimney Rock State Park

If not for Upper Whitewater Falls, the 404-foot tall Hickory Nut Falls (inside Chimney Rock State Park) would be North Carolina’s tallest waterfall. Regardless, this is still worth the drive from Brevard.

You can start the hike to Hickory Nut Falls in a couple of different places. We combine it with a hike up to the Chimney Rock itself, with the option of continuing on the Exclamation Point Trail (0.6-mile loop) and the Skyline Trail.

Keep in mind that the Skyline Trail will take you to the top of the waterfall, but there’s no view of it from there.

You can skip those additions and simply hike to the base of Hickory Nut Falls via the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. It’s a 2.8-mile round trip and gets busy, so like the rest of these waterfalls near Brevard, try to arrive as early as possible.

You could always get a head start by staying in or near the Village of Chimney Rock.

Ready to Explore these Amazing Waterfalls near Brevard?

Brevard is the perfect spot for outdoor adventure and exploring!

Have you visited any of these beautiful waterfalls near Brevard? We’d love to know which are your favorite Brevard Waterfalls if so!

Also, if you’re interested in heading a little farther away, we also have great articles detailing waterfalls near Asheville and also, Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk in the High Country!