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Are you on the hunt for the perfect waterfalls in North Carolina to visit? I’ve compiled the ultimate list for you!

North Carolina is home to an insane number of waterfalls and I’ve been to my fair share of them. Since living in the Carolinas, I’ve probably visited over 100 waterfalls.

Not all waterfalls are created equal, so I’ve compiled this list to help you plan your next adventure. Some are perfect for a family hike while others require a lot more stamina and effort to reach. Some are ideal for swimming and others I love visiting in the off-season.

Luckily, North Carolina has a waterfall for every type of adventurer!

Map Overview

I’ve created a google My Maps to help you visualize all the waterfalls included in this post!

Easy Hikes: Waterfalls in North Carolina

Waterfalls in the easy category either require no hiking or minimal hiking on relatively flat terrain.

1. Soco Falls

Soco Falls is a stunning waterfall just 30 minutes from Bryson City and right outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I’ve visited this waterfall numerous times because it is a very easy pit stop on the way into or out of the mountains.

The parking for this is on the shoulder of the road and can fit maybe 10 cars. Please be careful parking here as this is a busy, windy road.

The walk down to the viewing platform is easy and takes maybe 5 minutes. You can go further down to the base of the waterfall, but this is slightly more involved.

If you choose to go to the base, make sure you are wearing shoes with good tread and have your hands free. You’ll likely need them for support as you make your way down.

The base area can be a little slippery so if you have a dog or kids with you, keep a watch on them.

2. Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls might be my favorite easy waterfall to do. It’s an easy drive from Bryson City and such a great addition to a weekend in the area.

The hardest part of this hike is the stairs that you need to do, but they aren’t steep and I’ve seen people of all walks of life tackle them.

One of the reasons I love Mingo Falls so much is that it is always different depending on the time of year you visit. I’ve visited in every season and each time was so special.

The spring brings a beautiful full waterfall, the summer has stunning flowers and greens, and the fall is vibrant on either side of the waterfall. If you’re lucky, during the winter, you may get some snow glistening around the base of the falls.

3. Whitewater Falls

Whitewater Falls is STUNNING and the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Depending on whether you go to the river, this could be considered an easy or moderate hike.

Only about 20 minutes from Cashiers NC, is renowned in the south and something you can’t miss.

The parking lot is quite large and paved making it accessible for almost anyone. There is a small use fee of $3 that can be paid at the pay box.

The walk-up to the overlook is mostly paved and easy to navigate. I prefer to visit this waterfall in the fall because there are so many colorful trees surrounding it.

On my last visit in the fall of 2024, my husband and I hiked down to the river, and I’m so glad we did! There’s a beautiful spot to munch on a snack, and I learned that there’s a small swimming hole that I can’t wait to visit in the height of the summer.

4. Dry Falls

Dry Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in North Carolina and for good reason. It’s one of the only waterfalls in the state that you can walk behind!

This popular waterfall is only minutes from downtown Highlands on Highway 64 Scenic Waterfalls Byway.

The parking lot is relatively small, so if you visit on a weekend, make sure to get there early! If possible, I’d recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

One of the best parts of Dry Falls is that it’s highly accessible. The trail is paved and it’s a short distance from the parking lot to the waterfall.

The water for this waterfall comes from the Cullasaja River which provides a steady flow of water year round.

This beauty is great to visit in any season, but I love seeing it in the winter. Just be careful if you visit in the colder months as the trail can get slippery.

Often if it’s too dangerous they will close the trail down, but I always bring crampons/spikes with me for better traction.

5. Silver Run Falls

Silver Run Falls is a great option for swimming in the summer. Especially for families!

It’s only about 10 minutes from downtown Cashiers making it a great addition to a day trip or weekend stay.

Although it isn’t my personal favorite waterfall, it made the list because it’s so family-friendly and a great place to swim if you have kids.

The only true negative is the parking, which is off of 107 and can be pretty busy. There are also only a few spots available, but I’ve found that they turn over quickly since the trail is so short.

The waterfall isn’t massive, but there’s a rather large swimming hole that is maybe 4-5 ft. deep depending on the water levels and the time of year you visit.

6. Looking Glass Falls

Looking Glass Falls is one of the best waterfalls to visit near Asheville, NC. This magnificent waterfall is near numerous hiking trails and is an easy stop on a day trip to Brevard, NC.

I don’t consider Looking Glass a hike because it’s so easy to visit, but it is worth a quick stop. There is a pull-off for cars on US 276 and you’ll walk down a flight of stairs to get the full view of the falls.

You can also see the falls without taking the stairs making it great for everyone! I’ve visited in the summer and winter. If you visit in the winter, just remember your microspikes so you don’t eat it going down the stairs.

7. Deep Creek Loop

Deep Creek Loop is one of my favorite trails when visiting Bryson City, NC. I have done it in every season, and it never disappoints.

The beauty of Deep Creek is that it’s only about 5 minutes from downtown Bryson City so it’s relatively easy to fit into your schedule.

The full trail is 5 miles, but it made the easy list because you can choose to just visit Tom Branch Falls which is the most scenic of the three waterfalls and it’s a rather short, flat walk.

If you visit in the summer, consider tubing Deep Creek and renting tubes with one of the numerous outfitters outside the park entrance.

Since Deep Creek Loop is within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s boundary, you’ll need to pay a nominal parking fee. You can purchase a parking ticket from the kiosk by the picnic area.

8. Yellow Creek Falls

Located in Robbinsville NC, Yellow Creek Falls is a beautiful .7-mile hike just down the road from Lake Santeetlah.

This hike is a beautiful walk in the woods. The waterfall is typically at a steady flow. There’s a pool at the bottom for cooling off, but it’s not very deep.

I love to pair this with a visit to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This area is stunning in May-June, with all the rhododendrons and mountain laurels.

If you time it right, you can also visit during the firefly viewing that takes place in the forest, which is truly something special.

Yellow Creek Falls is also close to Tapoco Lodge which I highly recommend visiting. This lodge is famed because it sits a few miles from the Tail of the Dragon.

I’ve eaten lunch on the patio here which is set right next to the river. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy some food and it’s dog-friendly!

9. Hooker Falls

Hooker Falls might be the busiest waterfall in Dupont State Forest. It’s an incredibly easy hike and leads to a massive pool great for swimming.

A couple of things to note about this trail:

• It can get very busy on weekends and the parking lot does fill up even though it’s rather large. Try to visit on a weekday or arrive early if you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
• Clean up after yourself! This trail tends to get trashed easily, and the park rangers only have so much time on their hands. I also bring gloves and a bag to clean up the area when I’m there.

I think this is a great option if you’re visiting the Hendersonville area and looking for an easy trail to cool off on.

10. Sunburst Falls

Although this isn’t a hike, Sunburst Falls is well worth the visit if you’re in the Waynesville NC area. This waterfall is a quick roadside stop on your way up Highway 215.

Sunburst Falls is a cascading waterfall that flows under an old stone bridge and continues down a rocky gorge. The falls are part of the West Fork Pigeon River, which feeds the cascading water.

This area saw some impacts from Hurricane Helene so chances are you’ll come across evidence of mudslides, etc. They did work at the end of 2024 to fix damage near the bridge.

There’s a pool on the other side of the bridge/base of the waterfall that you can swim in, I just wouldn’t recommend it. With the waterfall being right next to the road, I worry about there being run off from the road.

I do think this is well worth a stop if you’re heading up 215 to the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I wouldn’t plan an entire day around it.

11. Toms Creek Falls

Toms Creek Falls is located near Marion NC and is a great stop off if you’re heading to or from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This waterfall seems to be highly dependent on seasonal rains so I would try to visit between April to June or shortly after a big rain.

I’ve heard that there’s a swimming pool at the top of this waterfall, but I’ve never ventured up to check it out. If you do, please exercise caution and make smart decisions.

Getting here is easy and I’ve never had a problem parking. The trail is well maintained and it’s a nice break from the car.

Time permitting, I highly recommend visiting Mica Town Brewing and grabbing a bite at McDowell Local (dog-friendly patio).

12. Elk River Falls

Elk River Falls is one of the main waterfalls near Roan Mountain NC. It’s a great addition to any trip to places like Beech Mountain, Boone, Banner Elk, or Sugar Mountain.

It is only recommended to swim here on a calm day and very far from the actual waterfall. The currents here can get surprisingly strong and swimming can become dangerous if you’re not careful.

The hike to this one is practically nothing, so it’s great for the whole family, especially if you have littles who get bored easily or can’t tolerate a longer trail.

Moderate Hikes: Waterfalls in North Carolina

Waterfalls in this category require a hike of 2-4 miles and some incline/decline. I would consider all of these feasible for someone who hikes regularly or is relatively active.

13. Crabtree Falls

I haven’t been to Crabtree Falls in a hot minute, but it’s one of the first waterfall hikes I did in North Carolina. This is a well-loved and photographed waterfall off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Little Switzerland.

The round trip hike is about 2.5 – 3 miles and there is some ascent and decent, but nothing too crazy.

This is a perfect trail to do in the summer and fall for the wildflowers and fall colors.

Since this is a popular trail, it won’t be super quiet unless you arrive early. If you want to make a trip of it, stay at Crabtree Meadows Campground and get going before the crowds.

14. High Falls (Cullowhee)

One of the most spectacular experiences I’ve had in North Carolina is seeing High (Cullowhee) Falls on a Dam Release day!

High Falls, also known as Cullowhee Falls, is near Cullowhee, North Carolina. The start of the trail is right next to Lake Glenville.

My friend Maddy and I accidentally visited this spot on a Dam Release Day and were rewarded with an absolute beast of a waterfall.

People plan visits on this day because the water flow is so high, and it’s an amazing experience. Kayakers will flock from all over to kayak over the waterfall as this is the only time it’s safe to do so.

I highly recommend making a day of this and potentially swimming at Lake Glenville as well.

15. Rainbow Falls

I will never tire of visiting Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park. Aptly named because you can typically see a rainbow at the waterfall, this gorgeous waterfall runs along the Horsepasture River.

Due to its popularity, Gorges State Park built infrastructure to support an influx of visitors, and there’s a great parking lot for day use of this trail.

There are also trash bins at the trailhead so PLEASE pack out your trash and discard of it here. This area does have black bears and one way to mitigate unwanted interactions is to properly utilize the bear trash bins here.

I’ve also encountered numerous snakes on this trail, and although that has never deterred me, I am always a little bit more aware when on it.

Not only do you get to experience Rainbow Falls on this trail, but if you hike just a little bit further, you can also see Turtleback and Drift Falls.

I would not recommend swimming in Rainbow Falls because it can be dangerous, but Turtleback is a great place to take a dip in the warmer months.

16. Glen Falls

Located near Highlands NC, Glen Falls is a must-visit waterfall in North Carolina.

I love this area because it’s one of the best places in North Carolina to explore waterfalls.

Glen Falls is approximately 3 miles and a great longer hike to tackle. I think this one is really special to visit in the winter, but it’s truly beautiful year-round.

I saw some incredible photos of it in the fall, so it’s on my list to see again!

This area did experience some damage from Hurricane Helene in terms of tree blowdowns, so please be conscientious and respectful while you’re there!

17. Courthouse Falls

One of the most unique waterfalls I’ve visited in North Carolina, Courthouse Falls is a mere 20-minute drive from the infamous Devil’s Courthouse.

I’ve been to this waterfall twice and although it’s off the beaten path, I’ve learned that this is a spot that’s best visited during the middle of the week.

The first time I visited, there were a handful of people there and while this is typically fine at most waterfalls, the base around Courthouse Falls where people can hang out if they’re not swimming is relatively small. On my return trip, my friends and I had it to ourselves for a good 45 minutes and then left quickly after another group arrived so they could have it to themselves as well.

Hiking to this waterfall is not super difficult if the forest road is open. During the off-season, the forest service closes the road so you’ll have to take the longer trail to the falls.

18. Little Bradley Falls (Closed)

This is one of my favorite waterfalls in North Carolina, and I was so devastated when Hurricane Helene completely overhauled the area it’s in, Green River Gamelands.

For now, this spot is closed to the public, but I highly recommend keeping an eye on recovery (and volunteering if you can!!) because it’s well worth the visit when it does reopen.

I’ve been to this waterfall a handful of times and took my women’s hiking group here in 2024 because I needed them to experience it as well!

The only reason this is marked as moderate is the bigger river crossing that you must undertake to get there. This can easily be done by taking off your hiking shoes, or you can hop along rocks like I do and hope your feet don’t get wet.

This is an amazing spot to swim, and I hope I can revisit it in the next couple of years. It truly is one of the best areas in North Carolina.

19. High Falls (Dupont State Forest)

Easily one of the most iconic waterfalls in North Carolina, High Falls in Dupont State Forest should definitely be on your list.

This is the very first waterfall I visited in North Carolina, just weeks after my husband and I moved down from the Midwest for his residency.

We visited on July 4th, which I do not recommend, but it was so fun to go swimming and experience this massive beast of a waterfall.

The hike to the base of the waterfall is not too bad, but it requires some dexterity as you get closer. If you go swimming, just be extra careful walking on any rocks as they can get super slippery.

20. Linville Falls (Closed)

Another amazing waterfall that was sadly impacted by Hurricane Helene. This area was devastated during the storm and will likely take some time to recover.

This is currently CLOSED so please do not disregard signage and visit.

I anticipate that this area will prioritize addressing damage before the summer months since this is a huge tourism driver in the area.

Linville Falls is such a gorgeous waterfall, and I visited it for the first time in the fall of 2021. It is a fantastic family hike, and because it is situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s close to many other incredible sites.

21. Catawba Falls

Catawba Falls was closed from mid-2022 to 2024 for trail improvement and it was another victim to Hurricane Helene. This trail just reopened after damage from the storm.

During the closure, crews worked on building a massive staircase going from the lower waterfall to the upper waterfall. This was crucial as there had been many injuries before closure, and local vegetation was harmed from off-trail use as people tried to reach the upper falls.

I was fortunate enough to visit in September of 2024 before the hurricane and it was just as beautiful as I had remembered! The stairs are well worth the climb but please pace yourself, this isn’t a race.

This is a fantastic hike because you get two unique waterfalls on one trail.

Please do not dive at the upper falls as it is only about 4 ft. at its deepest point. I watched someone get a head injury here because of doing this and I would hate for anyone else to get injured!

22. Wintergreen Falls

Although this is not the most popular trail in Dupont State Forest, Wintergreen Falls is a true gem and shouldn’t be overlooked.

This trail tends to be less busy than the other waterfalls in the area, so if you’re on the hunt for some more peace, this is the option for you.

In 2023, Dupont State Forest built a large parking lot and facilities for this trail to better accommodate visitors. It is really nice, and I’ve rarely seen it packed.

The hike to this is nothing crazy and I love taking a dip in the small pool at the base of this waterfall.

If you love wildflowers, I strongly recommend visiting in late May and early June, as there are many flowers around this waterfall.

23. High Shoals Falls (Closed)

After a recent rain, High Shoals Falls feels like a Pacific Northwest haven. I visited during a light sprinkle and was floored by how much it felt like I’d been transported to Oregon. Currently, this trail is closed as South Mountains State Park experienced a lot of damage from Hurricane Helene.

The trail is relatively flat most of the way, but there are some stairs that you need to climb to get to the viewing deck. These stairs can get super slippery or treacherous, which is why they’re rated as moderate.

I say this not to scare you away, but just to level set you so you are extra cautious when making the ascent.

Once on the viewing platform, if it’s been raining, you may get a little drenched—the water flow is pretty insane.

I wore a rain jacket to *attempt* to stay slightly drier. Did it help? Maybe.

24. Triple Falls (Closed)

Triple Falls is one of the main attractions in Dupont State Forest. Unfortunately, due to storm damage, this trail is closed at the moment. You can check this page to determine if it has been opened since this post was written!

This is a great trail to pair with High Falls and Hooker Falls making a full day at Dupont State Forest. I love how unique this one is and it’s a more accessible moderate trail than some of the others.

Triple Falls consists of three distinct cascades, dropping a total of about 120 feet. There’s a viewing platform that offers a great vantage point to see all three tiers of the falls.

The coolest thing about Triple Falls is that it was featured in the movie Hunger Games (hello Katniss Everdeen).

25. High Falls (Nantahala Forest)

I discovered High Falls in Nantahala in 2023 and instantly became a fan. I’m hoping to bring some friends back here in 2025 because it is such a great place to go swimming.

The parking for this hike is off of a side road. There’s no parking lot at all so I recommend downloading the trail from Alltrails so you know exactly where you’re going!

When I did this trail, I passed a few people, but no one was headed where I was. The trail continues going to another destination, but you turn to go down toward Thompson River for this waterfall.

The only difficult part of this one is the last little bit, where it gets steep, and you may need to use your hands. Once you get down to the bottom, you’ll need to wade across the river (it was shin-deep when I went in July) to access the main waterfall and swimming area.

Swimming here is so fun and the pool is rather large! I had it all to myself and really enjoyed going up near the falls themselves.

Hard Hikes: Waterfalls in North Carolina

These hikes are considered hard based on the mileage required to reach them.

26. Flat Creek Falls

You can access this cool waterfall via an almost 6-mile hike or you can do a paddle on Bear Lake Reserve and then a shorter hike to the waterfall.

I’ve only done the paddle option, but based on my friend’s reviews, I feel confident rating this one as hard but if it’s easier for you, great!

The hike from the paddle area is a little over a half mile. I didn’t find it too strenuous on its own, but it does require a few river crossings.

I would suggest visiting this one after a recent rain! It was still beautiful when we visited, but I think it would be even more spectacular with stronger water flow.

I have an entire video on how to access the waterfall via paddle, but I also recommend downloading this hike (whichever version you choose to do) so you don’t get lost!

27. Lost Cove Wilderness Loop Trail (Gragg Prong + Hunt Fish Falls)

This is one of the best hidden gem areas in North Carolina and if you visit, I think you’ll love it just as much as I do. Lost Cove Wilderness is like the little cousin to Linville Gorge in terms of its ruggedness.

Accessing some of the trails, including this one, can take a little more time/effort, but it’s so worth it. Often these trails are much less busy and provide more solitude than some of the more popular areas nearby.

This specific trail includes 2 waterfalls, a hike along the river, and multiple swimming holes. You can also utilize some backcountry sites, but please make sure you camp responsibly if you choose to stay here!

If you’re willing to hike the 8 miles, I can’t recommend Lost Cove Wilderness Loop Trail enough!

The parking spot for this is a large gravel spot off of a gravel road. You don’t need high clearance here, but I’d drive slowly to avoid damage.

This is another one where I’d recommend downloading the trail so you know where you’re going.

This area MIGHT be closed due to Hurricane Helene so make sure you have a backup plan just in case.

FAQs: Waterfalls in North Carolina

What town in North Carolina has the most waterfalls?

Brevard, NC, has been dubbed the “Land of Waterfalls,” and for good reason. Some amazing waterfall trails weren’t listed in this post, and it’s hard to get bored in this area if you’re a waterfall lover.

What waterfall can you walk under in NC?

There are a couple of waterfalls in North Carolina that you can walk under. The most iconic one is Dry Falls in Highlands, NC.

Another great one is Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC.

How many waterfalls are in North Carolina?

North Carolina has well over 1,000 waterfalls, which are truly too many to count. This state is renowned for its access to fresh water, and most mountain towns are within walking distance of a beautiful waterfall.

Wrap-Up: Waterfalls in North Carolina

You can’t go wrong with any North Carolina waterfall, but hopefully, this list has helped you prioritize a few!

Read More:

The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Waynesville NC

A Complete Guide to Backpacking the Pinnacle Trail North Carolina

Must Do Hikes in Upstate South Carolina