20+ Must See Stunning Waterfalls in North Carolina
North Carolina is an outdoor-lovers paradise with so many beautiful places to explore! There are numerous waterfalls in North Carolina that are absolutely breathtaking! Some of these waterfalls in North Carolina require a hike to access, while others are on the side of the road!
Below I am sharing a list of my favorite waterfalls in North Carolina. As you’ll notice, they’re all in the western part of North Carolina (near Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains, etc).
The waterfalls in North Carolina are currently sorted by distance from Charlotte, NC.
High Shoals Falls
Stone Mountain Falls
Catawba Falls
Glen Burney Falls – my personal favorite!
Harper Creek Falls
Linville Falls
Crabtree Falls
High Falls (Dupont)
Elk River Falls
Rainbow Falls
Upper Whitewater Falls
Soco Falls
Mingo Falls
Juney Whank Falls
Dry Falls– voted #1 Waterfall in NC by Travel and Leisure!
Use this map of waterfalls in North Carolina as a reference!
High Shoals Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Location: South Mountain State Park
Nearest Town: Hiawassee, NC
Hike Required: Yes, 2.7 mile loop
High Shoals Falls is located in South Mountain State Park and is a perfect hike year-round. This trail features 3 different waterfalls along the way, in addition to beautiful river views! It’s my personal favorite day trip from Charlotte because its an easy drive and great way to get outside!
To access High Shoals Falls, you can park at the Jacob Fork parking area and take the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail. The trail is approximately 2.7 miles long and is rated as moderate to strenuous, with several steep sections and rocky terrain.
This trail is very popular so you’ll likely find many others on the trail with you – including dogs!
Believe it or not, this is the closest waterfall near Charlotte (1.25 hours away) making it the easiest Charlotte day trip activity!
Stone Mountain Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Location: Stone Mountain State Park (NC)
Nearest Town: Roaring Gap, NC
Hike Required: Hike Optional (either .2 mile walk or 4.5 mile hike)
Stone Mountain Falls is a 200-foot waterfall cascading down a steep rock cliff into a shallow pool. There are wooden steps that lead from the top to the bottom of the falls, with an overlook in the middle.
The falls are very popular, particularly in the summer, so I recommend starting your hike by 9AM to guarantee yourself parking!
Hiking & Parking Options at Stone Mountain Falls:
- Upper Trailhead Parking Area: This parking lot is incredibly close to the falls and only requires a 0.2 mile hike (one-way)
- Lower Trailhead Parking Area: This parking lot gives you the option to hike to the falls by taking the Stone Mountain Loop Trail which is 4.5 miles (roundtrip) and takes about 2.5 hours, give or take
Catawba Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Location: Pisgah National Forest
Nearest Town: Old Fort, NC
Hike Required: Yes; 2.7 miles roundtrip
*This trail is currently closed starting May 2, 2022 into Spring 2023 – read more here*
Catawba Falls is located in Pisgah National Forest, which is between Charlotte and Asheville!
This trail is mostly covered by shady trees, making it bearable during the summer months! The roundtrip hike is just over 2.5 miles and only includes an incline of 300 feet. This moderate hike is great for families, kids, dogs, and anyone looking to get outside!
Glen Burney Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hours and 45 minutes
Nearest Town: Blowing Rock
Hike Required: Yes, 3 miles roundtrip
I strongly believe that Glen Burney Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in North Carolina! It is an absolutely stunning waterfall with a trail that features old ruins, lush forests, and more!
The waterfall drops approximately 75 feet in three stages, with the water flowing over a series of rocky ledges and through a narrow gorge. The falls are surrounded by a lush forest and can be accessed via a short hike along the Glen Burney Trail.
Harper Creek Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours
Location: Wilson’s Creek Natural Area
Nearest Town: Collettsville, NC
Hike Required: Yes, 3 miles roundtrip
Harper Creek Falls is located in Wilson’s Creek Natural Area. The falls are only 50 feet tall, but its the perfect place to visit in the summer for a natural swimming hole!
The Harper Creek trailhead begins a mile past the Wilson’s Creek Visitors Center. The trailhead itself is 3 miles roundtrip with some significant up and down scrabble.
Linville Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours
Nearest Town: Linville, NC
Hike Required: Hike Optional
Website: Linville Falls Trail / Linville Gorge Trail
Linville Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in North Carolina – specifically in the Blue Ridge Parkway. The gorge that the waterfalls cascades into is known as the “Grand Canyon of the South” – its definitely the #1 attraction in Linville!
The best part about the falls (besides the breathtaking views) is how accessible it is for visitors! There are three different trails that are all under 1 mile that will give you unique views of this magnificent waterfall.
- Linville River Bridge Trail (leg stretcher to view of unusual bridge)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Linville Falls Trail (view of upper Falls)
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Linville Gorge Trail (view of lower Falls)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous
Read More: Things To Do in Linville, NC
Crabtree Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours
Location: Pisgah National Forest
Nearest Town: Spruce Pine
Hike Required: Yes, 2.5 miles roundtrip
Website: Crabtree Falls
If you’re looking for one of the best waterfalls in North Carolina that also includes a strenuous hike – look no further! Crabtree Falls is a beautiful 70ft waterfall located in Pisgah National Forest, near the town of Spruce Pine.
This is one of the more difficult waterfalls in North Carolina to hike to with a steep incline and rocky terrain trail. The loop itself is only 2.5 miles roundtrip, but can take hikers 2+ hours to achieve!
At the base of the falls, visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool, clear pool below the waterfall, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. There are also several picnic areas and benches nearby where visitors can rest and enjoy a meal or a snack.
High Falls – Dupont
Distance from Charlotte: 2.5 hours
Location: DuPont State Forest
Nearest Town: Brevard, NC
Hike Required: Yes, 2.4 miles roundtrip
High Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in DuPont State Forest in western North Carolina, near the town of Brevard. The waterfall drops approximately 150 feet into a wide, rocky pool below, and is one of several waterfalls in the area that are popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
High Falls can be accessed via a well-maintained hiking trail that is approximately 1.2 miles each way. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and mountains, as well as several smaller waterfalls and cascades along the way.
At the base of the falls, visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool, clear pool below the waterfall, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. There are also several picnic areas and benches nearby where visitors can rest and enjoy a meal or a snack.
Elk River Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 2.5 hours
Location: Pisgah Game Lands
Nearest Town: Elk Park, NC
Hike Required: Yes, 0.6 miles roundtrip
This waterfall is the best for swimming during the summer months! The plunge pool is quite large and very popular for locals and tourists alike! With only a 0.3 mile hike from the parking lot to the 50ft falls, it is quite easy to access!
While swimming is allowed here, be forewarned that Elk River Falls is the deadliest waterfall in North Carolina! The plunge pool is at least 70 ft deep and people often drown, or slip at the top of the falls and get pushed under the current without any ability to swim back to the surface. Proceed with immense caution.
Note: Some maps may refer to this as “Big Falls” … it is the same as “Elk River Falls”.
Rainbow Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours and 45 minutes
State Park: Nantahala National Forest
Nearest Town: Sapphire, NC
Hike Required: Yes; 3 miles roundtrip
Rainbow Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina, near the town of Sapphire. The waterfall is fed by the Horsepasture River and drops approximately 150 feet into a picturesque pool below.
Rainbow Falls is known for its stunning beauty, with a wide, fan-shaped cascade that creates a misty rainbow effect when the sun shines on it. The waterfall can be accessed by a moderate hike along the Rainbow Falls Trail, which is approximately 1.5 miles each way.
The trail to Rainbow Falls is well-maintained and offers a variety of scenic views along the way, including several smaller waterfalls and scenic overlooks. This is definitely one of the must see waterfalls in North Carolina.
Upper Whitewater Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Location: Nantahala National Forest
Nearest Town: Sapphire, NC
Hike Required: Yes, 1.2 miles
Upper Whitewater Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in western North Carolina, near the border with South Carolina. It is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, with a total drop of over 400 feet.
Fun Fact: Upper Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall in North Carolina and east of the Rockies!
The waterfall is located in the Nantahala National Forest and can be accessed via a short trail from the parking area. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Visitors can view the falls from a number of different vantage points, including a viewing platform that offers a panoramic view of the waterfall and the surrounding area.
Upper Whitewater Falls is known for its breathtaking beauty, with a wide, plunging cascade of water that creates a misty spray and a deep roar that can be heard from a distance. The waterfall is especially beautiful in the fall, when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color.
Soco Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours
Nearest Town: Cherokee, NC
Hike Required: Yes, 0.5 miles
Soco Falls is a beautiful waterfall in North Carolina. It is situated in the Cherokee Indian Reservation, near the towns of Cherokee and Maggie Valley, in the southwestern part of the state. The waterfall is fed by the Soco Creek, which originates in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Soco Falls drops approximately 120 feet into a pool below, creating a picturesque setting. The water flows over a series of rocky ledges, which adds to the natural beauty of the falls.
To access the falls, you must park at a small pullout on Highway 19 and take a short hike down to the viewing area. The trail is relatively easy, but it can be slippery and steep in some sections. There are also several viewing platforms along the trail where visitors can stop and take in the stunning views of the falls.
Mingo Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Location: Great Smoky National Park
Nearest Town: Cherokee, NC
Hike Required: Yes, 0.5 miles
Website: Mingo Falls
This waterfall will absolutely take your breath away. It is located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, and 100% worth seeing!
The waterfall itself is over 200ft tall and considered the largest in the Southeast Appalachian.
To get to the falls, you’ll need to walk up 150 wooden steps. From there it is only a 1-2 minute walk to the falls which you can view from a bridge directly in front of them! This is one of my favorite waterfalls in North Carolina because it is so easily accessible and breathtakingly gorgeous!
Bonus: this waterfall is only a few minutes from Harrah’s Casino & Resort!
Related Post: Things to Do in Cherokee, NC
Juney Whank Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Location: Great Smoky National Park
Nearest Town: Bryson City, NC
Hike Required: Yes; 0.8 miles
Juney Whank Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina, United States. The falls are named after a former resident of the area, Junaluska “Juney” Whank, who was known for his skills as a hunter and fisherman.
The waterfall drops approximately 90 feet in two stages, with the upper section being about 25 feet high and the lower section being about 65 feet high. The water flows over a series of rocks and boulders, creating a picturesque setting that attracts many visitors to the area.
To access Juney Whank Falls, visitors can park at the trailhead located off Deep Creek Road in the town of Bryson City. From there, visitors can take a moderate 0.8-mile hike along the Juney Whank Falls Trail, which follows a stream and leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls.
Bonus: This trail is close to a magical Treehouse Cabana with a soaking tub! Definitely one of the best things to do in North Carolina!
Dry Falls
Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Location:
Nearest Town: Highlands, NC
Hike Required: Just a short walk (under half a mile)
Dry Falls is anything but dry!! Don’t let this name deceive you! Dry Falls is one of the BEST waterfalls in North Carolina. Why is that? Because you can walk underneath the waterfall!
The waterfall drops approximately 75 feet into a deep pool below, and visitors can enjoy scenic views from the observation deck or by taking the short walking trail that leads behind the falls. The trail is well-maintained and offers a close-up view of the waterfall, as well as the surrounding forest and mountains.
Fun Fact: Dry Fall was just named the Number 1 Best Waterfall In North Carolina according to Travel & Leisure.
FAQs on Waterfalls in NC:
How many waterfalls are in North Carolina?
There are over 880+ waterfalls in North Carolina. In fact, North Carolina is considered top 5 states with waterfalls (Washington, Oregon, California, and New York are in the lead). Find other fun facts about NC!
What are the best waterfalls in NC to swim?
The best waterfalls in NC to swim are Sliding Rock Falls (Brevard), Harper Creek Falls, Elk River Falls, Bust Your Butt Falls (Highlands) and Hooker Falls (Dupont State Park).
What is the tallest waterfall in NC?
Upper Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall in North Carolina with a plunge over 400 ft!
What waterfall can you walk under in NC?
Dry Falls is the best waterfall you can walk under in North Carolina! You can also walk under Bridal Veil Falls, which is just down the road!
What area has the most waterfalls in NC?
Western NC has the most waterfalls, specifically Brevard, NC. This town is nicknamed “Land of Waterfalls” and is a must see destination for waterfall lovers!
What are the closest waterfalls to Charlotte, NC?
There are four waterfalls within 2 hours of Charlotte, NC: High Shoals Falls, Stone Mountain Falls, Catawba Falls, and Glen Burney Falls!
Final Thoughts on Waterfalls in North Carolina
There you have it – the absolute best waterfalls in North Carolina! How many can you check off the list?! Do you have any additional waterfalls to add to the list? Feel free to drop additional waterfalls recommendations in the comments!
PS: Save this post on Pinterest: Best Waterfalls In North Carolina
Looking for more North Carolina content? Check out the posts below:
ASHEBORO:
Getaway House: Tiny House Cabin in the Woods
BLOWING ROCK/BANNER ELK:
Best Things To Do Around Blowing Rock
Visiting Grandfather Mountain
BRYSON CITY:
15 Things to Do in Bryson City, NC
Treehouse Cabana Soaking Tub Experience
CHARLOTTE:
Charlotte, NC City Guide
Road Trips from Charlotte, NC
Day Trips from Charlotte, NC
CHEROKEE:
Best Things to Do in Cherokee, NC
Review: Harrah’s Casino & Resort
LINVILLE:
Things to Do in Linville, NC
I absolutely love Juney Whank Falls! It’s so close to the town of Bryson City which is nice! Great post!!