35 Wonderful Waterfalls near Bryson City NC (Within 2 Hours)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 7, 2024.

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After years of exploring this adorable mountain town, we’ve discovered some of the most beautiful waterfalls near Bryson City NC. We created this travel guide to help you find them, too!

In case you’re unfamiliar, Bryson City is just 70 miles from Asheville, home to amazing breweries, scenic train rides, world-class whitewater rafting, and amazing waterfalls.

To keep you on the right track, here’s how we’ve organized this NC travel guide:

Complete List of Waterfalls Near Bryson City
Bryson City NC Waterfalls Map
Before You Go
- Safety Reminder
- Leave No Trace Reminder
Waterfalls in Bryson City NC
Roadside Waterfalls Near Bryson City
Waterfall Hikes Near Bryson City

Whether seeking an excellent waterfall hike or a convenient roadside waterfall near Bryson City, we know this guide will help!

The Complete List of Waterfalls near Bryson City NC in This Guide

Waterfalls accessed via the same hike, park, or protected area have been grouped. The links below will take you to the corresponding section that covers these waterfalls in more detail.

Bearwallow Falls (Gorges State Park)
Bird Rock Falls aka Cathedral Falls (Waterfall Hikes Near Bryson City)
Bridal Veil Falls (DuPont State Recreational Forest)
Bridal Veil Falls (Roadside Waterfalls near Bryson City)
Bust Your Butt Falls (Roadside)
Cullasaja Falls (Roadside)
Daniel Ridge Falls (Hikes)
Dry Falls (Roadside)
French Broad Falls aka Mill Shoals (Hikes)
Glen Falls (Hikes)
Hickory Nut Falls (Hikes)
Hidden Falls (Gorges State Park Waterfalls Near Bryson City)
High Falls (DuPont State Forest)
Hooker Falls (DuPont State Forest)
Indian Creek Falls (Deep Creek Trail)
Juney Whank Falls (Deep Creek Trail)
Key Falls (Roadside)
Looking Glass Falls (Roadside)
Lower Falls (Graveyard Fields Hike)
Mingo Falls (Hikes)
Moore Cove Falls (Hikes)
Mouse Creek Falls (Hikes)
Pearson’s Falls and Glen (Hikes)
Rainbow Falls (Gorges State Park Waterfalls)
Schoolhouse Falls (Hikes)
Silver Run Falls (Hikes)
Sliding Rock Falls (Hikes)
Soco Falls (Hikes)
Sunburst Falls (Roadside)
Tom Branch Falls (Deep Creek Trail)
Triple Falls (DuPont State Forest)
Turtleback Falls (Gorges State Park)
Upper Falls (Graveyard Fields Hike)
Upper Whitewater Falls
Wintergreen Falls (DuPont State Forest)

Bryson City NC Waterfalls Map

If you want to travel to any of these Bryson City waterfalls visually, you can use the following maps we’ve created with Google Maps:

Read More: Asheville NC Map of Attractions

Before You Go: Leave No Trace Reminder

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

Safety Reminder

We’ll always stress this, but again, please stay on designated trails. Even in favorable conditions, some of these waterfalls are dangerous.

Bryson City NC Waterfalls

Before we leave the mountain town, we can visit some beautiful waterfalls in Bryson City!

Deep Creek Trail
- Tom Branch Falls
- Indian Creek Falls
- Juney Whank Falls

Deep Creek Trail

3 Miles from Downtown Bryson City (10 Minutes Away)
Total Trail Length: 2.4-Mile Loop

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just three miles from downtown Bryson City. On the Deep Creek Trail, hikers of all skill levels will find three beautiful Bryson City waterfalls.

There is a 2.4-mile loop if you choose to see all three waterfalls. The trail is very popular for picnics, fishing, and tubing!

Please note that dogs are not allowed in Great Smoky National Park, so please leave your fur babies at home.

Deep Creek Trail Tom Branch Falls Bryson City NC

Tom Branch Falls: Tom Branch Falls is the easiest waterfall near Bryson City to reach. It is a short and easy quarter-mile hike from the parking area in Deep Creek. The trail is wide and very kid-friendly! Stop and sit at the base and watch tubers float down the river in the summer!

Indian Creek Falls: To see Indian Creek Falls, continue down the trail past Tom Branch Falls. You’ll see a spur trail to your right and a path leading down to the waterfall on your left.

Waterfalls near Asheville Juney Whank Falls Deep Creek Trail — Juney Whank Falls.

Juney Whank Falls: June Whank Falls is also easy to reach from the Deep Creek parking area. It is a short but steep hike with a 194-foot elevation change. The waterfall itself flows over a rock face and a wooden bridge, creating an idyllic scene.

Roadside Waterfalls Near Bryson City NC

There are more than a few roadside waterfalls near Bryson City, ordered by the time it takes to reach them. Our alphabetical list of waterfalls is above, and you can jump up to it from here.

Technically referred to as “roadside waterfalls,” they can usually be viewed from a nearby platform or observation deck, which we’ll note accordingly.

Upper Nantahala Cascades
Cullasaja Falls
Bust Your Butt Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Sunburst Falls
Looking Glass Falls
Key Falls

Note: Travel times vary depending on when you decide to visit these places due to weather, traffic congestion, and other factors.

Upper Nantahala Cascades

25 Miles from Bryson City (40 Minutes Away)

Located along Wayah Road on the way to Wesser Bald Fire Tower is Upper Nantahala Cascades. It is a roadside waterfall, and there is a small pull-off on the side of the road.

Cullasaja Falls

42 Miles from Bryson City (50 Minutes Away)

Cullasaja Falls is a roadside waterfall best viewed when the surrounding greenery fades back. For a closer look, you can also descend a tricky 0.2-mile path along rocks and ropeway, but practice caution if you embark on this route.

No signs indicate you’ve arrived, so be aware as cars fly on this section of the road (US-64). It’ll be easiest if you’re traveling from Franklin, as the pull-off will be on the right.

Coming from Highlands, you’ll have to make a slow turn into one of the few available spots, with traffic possibly coming from around the sharp curve just beyond.

The stretch of road where you’ll find Cullasaja Falls and other falls is known as the Waterfall Byway. Keep reading for more along this route.

Bust Your Butt Falls

44 Miles from Bryson City (55 Minutes Away)

Kid Friendly Waterfalls in North Carolina Bust your Butt

Bust Your Butt Falls is an incredible roadside waterfall also along the Waterfall Byway. We stumbled upon it while driving between Cullasaja Falls and Dry Falls. And when you get a look at it, you’ll see this one fits the name.

This popular swimming hole and natural slide even has a rope for swinging! But if you’d like to stand back and take photos, you can do that, too.

Bridal Veil Falls

48 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour Away)

There are two Bridal Veil Waterfalls in Western NC, but this one is a roadside waterfall between Highlands and Franklin on US 64.

To view this Bridal Veil Falls, all you have to do is pull over, get out of your car, and admire the scene! When the road is in service, you can even drive behind the falls, adding to the experience.

Sunburst Falls

53 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 10 Minutes Away)

Sunburst Falls is the first waterfall near Bryson City that we’ll mention along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, formed by portions of US-276 and NC-215.

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 side of NC-215 and walk over the bridge, which offers various vantage points for admiring Sunburst Falls. Traffic flies through here, so please be cautious when walking near the road to get a closer look at this natural wonder.

If you’re seeking a closer view of the upper tiers of the waterfall, you can rock scramble for a better view. However, swimming is discouraged at Sunburst Falls due to the potential danger of slipping and falling.

Looking Glass Falls

65 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 30 Minutes Away)

Looking Glass Falls is easily the best-known of our favorite waterfalls near Bryson City. Sitting just off the US-276 portion of the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, this roadside waterfall in Pisgah National Forest is easy to access.

Visible from your car, you can 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 Brevard-area’s most beautiful waterfalls!

Key Falls

88 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 40 Minutes Away)

A truly hidden gem, Key Falls is only 4 miles from Downtown Brevard and close to The Pines Country Inn!

This little cascade is beautiful and located on private property at the Key Falls Inn. Cell service can be spotty in this area, so here are some directions for you:

You’ll head out on US-64 East from Downtown Brevard for 3.5 miles.
You’ll then turn right on Crab Creek Rd. and drive 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 before 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 respect the guests staying at the Key Falls Inn and the owners, as they have graciously let visitors enjoy their waterfall.

Waterfall Hikes Near Bryson City

For these waterfall hikes, we’ve ordered them by driving distance from Bryson City and indicated trail length. As mentioned, we have an alphabetical list of waterfalls above, which you can jump to from here.

Mingo Falls
Dry Falls
Silver Run Falls
Graveyard Fields Hike
- Lower Falls
- Upper Falls
Glen Falls
Bird Rock Falls/French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) (3)
Upper Whitewater Falls
Gorges State Park Waterfalls near Bryson City NC
- Bearwallow Falls
- Hidden Falls
- Rainbow Falls
- Turtleback Falls
Moore Cove Falls
Sliding Rock Falls
Big Creek Trail
- Midnight Hole
- Mouse Creek Falls
Daniel Ridge Falls
Schoolhouse Falls
Hickory Nut Falls (inside Chimney Rock State Park)
Pearson’s Falls and Glen
DuPont State Forest Waterfalls Near Bryson City NC
- Bridal Veil Falls
- High Falls
- Hooker Falls
- Triple Falls
- Wintergreen Falls

Note: Travel times to these waterfalls near Bryson City vary depending on when you visit due to weather, time of day, traffic congestion, and other factors.

Mingo Falls

17 Miles from Bryson City (30 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 0.2 miles round trip

Mingo Falls is a fantastic waterfall that’s closest to Cherokee. These epic falls can be seen after climbing 160 steep stairs on the Pigeon Creek Trail.

While the elevation changes about 140 feet during your ascent, the view is an enticing reward. A sturdy wooden viewing bridge awaits for that perfect photo.

Soco Falls

22 Miles from Bryson City (30 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 0.2 miles round trip

Soco Falls is just across the Qualla Boundary from Maggie Valley. It’s technically two waterfalls near Bryson City that merge to create a spectacular scene.

You can view them from a platform above or take a trickier scramble down to see the falls smash together.

If you’re coming from Cherokee, you’ll see a sign for the Soco Falls parking lot. However, for those coming from Maggie Valley like we have, there won’t be a sign, so be on the lookout.

Dry Falls

47 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour Away)
Trail Length: 0.6 miles round trip

Dry Falls is an incredible 65-foot waterfall that can be viewed from a platform and is sometimes referred to as a roadside waterfall. However, you can get a much better look via an easy, kid-friendly hike.

It’s just a few miles from Highlands and Franklin, just an hour from Bryson City.

Our favorite thing about this waterfall is that its waters gush over a cliff, creating an overflow that allows people to walk underneath.

The “dry” part of the name comes from the fact that you can remain relatively dry as you walk behind the waterfall.

Silver Run Falls

49 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 10 Minutes Away)
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 Bryson City to reach, mainly because there is limited parking.

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

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

Graveyard Fields Hike (2)

54 miles from Bryson City (1 hour 10 minutes)
Trail Length: 2/3 mile round trip or 3.3 miles loop

Graveyard Fields Lower Falls NC Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville — Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields.

The Graveyard Fields hike is among the most popular along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Gorgeous scenery, two waterfalls, and boardwalk views attract many people to this spot.

Most visitors start with a 1/3-mile hike from the parking lot to Lower Falls.

Upper Falls is reachable via a 3.3-mile loop along wildflower—and blueberry bush-lined paths. The views of the above mountains from here are especially spectacular, too.

Glen Falls

53 miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 15 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 2 miles round trip

There are so many waterfalls near Highlands that we have another to share with you!

Glen Falls is a set of cascading waterfalls east of the Macon County town and can be seen from a set of cascading waterfalls that you can view from an observation platform

You can descend another 1/3-mile to a platform that sits in front of the middle section. If water levels are low, you may even be able to get on the rocks for an even closer look!

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

58 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 20 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: Roadside or 0.5 miles round trip

Kid Friendly Waterfalls in North Carolina French Broad Falls

This is one of our absolute favorite collections of Bryson City NC waterfalls!

Located on the NC-215 side of the Forest Hills Scenic Byway, we grouped French Broad Falls (also known as Mill Shoals Falls) and Bird Rock Falls together because you park at the same spot to reach them.

Whatever you call them, French Broad Falls is a collection of two falls that are literally attached. Panning from the red building to the cascading water makes these waterfalls one of our favorite memories!

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

Also, remember that these falls sit on the Living Waters Ministry’s property. Please leave no trace since they are kind enough to let you in.

Of course, that should be the case for all these waterfalls.

Dill Falls

54 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 20 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

Dill Falls is an awesome waterfall that’s about 80 minutes away from Bryson City. The 65-foot waterfall is reachable via a Forest Service road off NC-215, near Sunburst Falls (see above) on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.

After a short hike from the parking lot, you’ll reach the base of this wonderful 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. Hopefully, you can see it, too!

Upper Whitewater Falls

58 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 20 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

If there is only one waterfall near Bryson City that you travel for, Upper Whitewater Falls should be it! It’s the “upper” section of Whitewater Falls in both Carolinas, earning the badge of the highest waterfall east of the Rockies (at 811 feet).

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.

Gorges State Park Waterfalls near Bryson City NC (2)

57 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 25 Minutes Away)
Rainbow Falls Trail Length: 3.9 miles round trip
Bearwallow Falls Trail Length: 0.8 miles round trip

North Carolina Waterfall Byway Stops Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls sits just outside Gorges State Park in Pisgah National Forest but is only reachable from the park. Even when conditions aren’t right, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Bryson City, if not the entire state!

We’ve visited this waterfall throughout all seasons and can attest to its magnificence, with summer and fall the most colorful times to be here.

Also, when the sun shines on Rainbow Falls, you get the iconic view (pictured above) with a rainbow reflecting off this beauty.

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.

Moore Cove Falls

64 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 25 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 1.5 miles round trip

Kid Friendly Waterfalls in North Carolina Moore Cove

Between Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls is Moore Cove Falls. You can reach this 50-foot waterfall after an easy 3/4-mile (1.5-mile round-trip) hike.

What I love about Moore Cove is that the water is less powerful and instead seemingly glides over the rock cliff into the small pool below.

Sliding Rock Falls

63 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 25 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: A few hundred feet from the parking lot

Kid Friendly Waterfalls in North Carolina Sliding Rock

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 the individual assumes all risks. Wear jeans because that rock might be slippery, but it’s awfully rough too!

For those of you not interested in sliding, there are two observation platforms from which you can watch the fun.

Big Creek Trail

62 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 30 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 4 Miles Round Trip

The Big Creek Trail leads to a couple of our favorite waterfalls near Bryson City. Here’s how you can reach them.

Midnight Hole: 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: 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 and has a relatively smooth and even surface, making it excellent for young children. Mouse Creek Falls is a 45-foot waterfall that flows over several cascades of lush moss-covered rocks into Big Creek.

Daniel Ridge Falls

64 miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 30 Minutes Away)
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.

Daniel Ridge Falls is another great waterfall between the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway’s two main roads.

This Bryson City waterfall is often overlooked but makes for a 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

61 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 35 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 2.5 miles round trip

While small compared to some of the other waterfalls near Bryson City, Schoolhouse Falls has a shallow pool at its base, making it perfect for an afternoon of splashing.

To reach Schoolhouse Falls, you’ll hike from the Panthertown Valley Trail that’s part of Panthertown-Bonas Defeat Bear Sanctuary. This means that black bears do call Panthertown Valley “home,” so be mindful of how to safely interact with one.

Hickory Nut Falls (inside Chimney Rock State Park)

87 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 40 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 2.8 miles round trip

Waterfalls in North Carolina Hickory Nut Falls Chimney Rock State Park

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

You can start the hike to Hickory Nut Falls in several 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 is no view from there.

You can skip those additions and 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 Bryson City, try to arrive as early as possible.

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

Pearson’s Falls and Glen

92 Miles from Bryson City (1 Hour 45 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

Pearson’s Falls is part of a nature preserve southeast of Bryson City in Polk County, between the 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.

DuPont State Forest Waterfalls near Bryson City

91 miles from Bryson City to the High Falls Access/Visitor Center (1 Hour 55 Minutes Away)
Trail Length: Various

Kid Friendly Waterfalls in North Carolina Hooker Falls

High Falls Viewed from the Trail Overlook

Last but not least of our favorite waterfalls near Bryson City is the ones inside DuPont State Recreational Forest. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Hooker Falls (pictured above left) is probably the most accessible and boasts one of the best swimming holes in the region.
Triple Falls and High Falls (pictured above right) are a moderate hike away, and you might recognize them from both The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. Those are a big part of why those two movies were filmed in North Carolina.

Hikes near Asheville Bridal Veil Falls DuPont State Forest

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 the Guion Farm Parking Area.

Bryson City Waterfalls and More Things to Do (NC Travel Guides)

This town in Western NC is surrounded by impressive waterfalls and more things to do. We’ve featured many of the area attractions in our NC Travel Guides.

Here are a few of them.