Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
  • Town Guides
  • Top Lists
  • Things To Do
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Hotels & Airbnbs
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Communities & Homes
    • Beach Communities
    • Mountain Communities
    • Lake Communities
    • Golf Communities
    • City Living
    • Other Communities & Homes
    • Browse All Posts
  • Where To Eat
  • Features
Planning Your Next Trip? Search for a town…
The #1 Travel Newsletter In The Carolinas
  • Partners
  • Newsletter
  • Travel Deals
  • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • Partners
  • Newsletter
  • Travel Deals
  • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
Facebook 1K
Instagram 32K
TikTok 87K 0
Subscribe
Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
  • Town Guides
  • Top Lists
  • Things To Do
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Hotels & Airbnbs
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Communities & Homes
    • Beach Communities
    • Mountain Communities
    • Lake Communities
    • Golf Communities
    • City Living
    • Other Communities & Homes
    • Browse All Posts
  • Where To Eat
  • Features
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Waterfalls In NC Near Me? North Carolina Waterfalls To Visit No Matter The Drive

  • JP Grice
Waterfalls in NC Near Me - Catawba Falls Old Fort, NC - One Of Our Favorite North Carolina Waterfalls
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0
0
Timbers Kiawah - SC Beach Luxury Residences

North Carolina is home to some of nature’s most exceptional waterfalls. Visiting one of the many beautiful falls in the heart of the western NC mountains we think is one of the most exciting ways to spend your day in North Carolina. Now, we obviously don’t know where you live. But, if you’re searching for “waterfalls in NC near me”, you’ve come to the right place. Because this comprehensive list we believe is where you should start.

Our staff of Carolina travelers compiled this list to include ten of the most iconic falls in the state of NC. And unless you live in Eastern North Carolina, we’re pretty sure one of them is relatively close to you (within and hour or two! For those of you living in eastern North Carolina, all of these 10 are quite a far drive, but we think they are all 100% worth the trip.

Catawba Falls in Old Fort NC

This is one of the easiest waterfalls one can access. It is a short 1.2-mile hike with a very comfortable slope. It ends with a dripping cascade with pocket water and several pools. Here you can enjoy swimming in the cold but beautiful water. This waterfall is located just outside of Old Fort, NC. After you’re done on the water, head over to downtown Old Fort’s brewery Hillman Beer.

Linville Falls in Linville NC

One of the most popular North Carolina waterfalls is the Linville Falls in Linville. It comprises two viewpoints that both combined become a couple mile trek. This place is an easy hike for the kids as well as amateur hikers. A bonus viewpoint called the Chimney View Overlook is known for providing a complete picture of the falls. This viewpoint can be reached by continuing the hike for a few more miles.

Waterfalls In NC Near Me - Dry Falls Highlands NC - North Carolina Waterfalls
Dry Falls – Photo BY JAMEY PRICE

Dry Falls in Highlands, NC

We all have wanted to stand behind a waterfall. Well, this Highlands waterfall gives you that chance. It is a 75 feet tall waterfall formed by the Cullasaja River falling directly over a sheer cliff. A small short staircase leads you down and then behind the curtain of water. The railings and sitting area under the shadow of mountains make your walk to the showers even more dramatic and beautiful.

Silver Run Falls in Cashiers, NC

A beautiful swimming spot right below the waterfall can be the highlight of any family vacation. Silver Run Falls is one such waterfall that pours into a pool on the edge of the forest. Only a few minutes walk away from the parking area, the 25ft Silver Run waterfall is a popular tourist spot in the summer season. We recommend going in the Spring or Fall and early in the morning to get this place all to yourself. And of course, this place can be heaven in winters as it doesn’t see many tourists due to heavy snowfall.

Waterfalls In NC Near Me - Rainbow Falls - North Carolina Waterfalls
Rainbow Falls – Photo By JP grice

Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park

One of the most photographed North Carolina waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is a 150ft tall waterfall, that affords travelers a view from the top, side (where you can see the rainbow refracting off the falls, as well as the base. The hike to this fall is very easy, but somewhat long. Two mile one way gets you to the base! After you finish with this waterfall, Gorges State Park offers a lot of other opportunities including Whitewater Falls, the tallest fall east of the Mississippi.

Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest

Just a short drive for Asheville NC, Triple Falls is a three-stair waterfall popularized for its not only its size but also its proximity to other waterfalls. It is a 120 foot tall cascading waterfall. Visitors can use a staircase to walk down to the base of the falls where they can enjoy a closer view of the falls here. After Triple Falls, be sure to continue on the trail towards High Falls and then back towards the parking lot where you can see the smaller Hooker Falls and go for a swim.

Waterfalls In NC Near Me - Moore Cove Falls - North Carolina Waterfalls
Moore Cove Falls – Photo By JAmey Price

Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah National Forest

This waterfall is just a couple miles from the popular Looking Glass Falls right inside of Brevard’s entrance to Pisgah National Forest. This is a very peaceful hike over Looking Glass Creek and through the forest. It’s a short hike of around half a mile to the falls. Once at Moore Cove, visitors can walk behind this stunning waterfall. This place is a very popular summer and weekend spot for families. You can enjoy some time alone on the weekdays as well.

Cullasaja Falls in Highlands, NC

This one is one of our editor JP’s favorite North Carolina waterfalls. Although roadside, not many venture to its base. And when you get to the base, the power of this fall (especially after a rain) really moves you. Cullasaja Falls is a massive waterfall located just outside of Western NC’s popular mountain town Highlands. It is a curvy, fast-flowing waterfall that can be viewed from a lookout point on the road or from the base. We don’t suggest walking to the base unless you are comfortable with steep (although short) mountain trails. Tall trees surround the waterfall in summer while winter brings the best views with no curtains of leaves. There are no official signs marking the right spot for the hike or the falls so you may have to backtrack for this one unless you keep a keen eye out on your ascent into town.

Waterfalls In NC Near Me - Schoolhouse Falls Panthertown Valley - North Carolina Waterfalls
Schoolhouse falls – photo by JP GRICE

Schoolhouse Falls in Panthertown Valley

Panthertown is not as quiet as it used to be. However, it’s still a relatively lightly trafficked area which makes it a great place to retreat to for some mountain solitude. One of the more popular trails in this area is the small but picturesque 20’ waterfall Schoolhouse Falls. One of our favorite things about this waterfall is the giant swimming hole below the falls perfect for you and the fam. When you’re done cooling off in the crips mountain water, keep walking up the trail to see another Panthertown waterfall, Greenland Creek Falls. You may encounter some slippery rocks and water-sensitive plants here so please respect the area, stay on the trail, and be careful.

Harpers Creek Falls In Pisgah National Forest

Harpers Creek Falls is another breathtaking waterfall in NC. It is a beautiful but challenging hike. After the nearly two miles of walking you arrive at the base. A trail is also available if you want to get to the top of the falls but be careful if you opt to see from above. On your hike, you will encounter the river numerous times. Beautiful views of large swimming holes and cascading small falls are all along the trail by Harpers Creek. Then comes the blockbuster event, Harpers Creek Falls, a jaw-dropping waterfall with the ultimate swimming hole at its base. This a sight to remember for a lifetime. While visiting watch out for the Northern Water Snakes that like to sit at the base of the falls and grab fish that swim downstream.

Pinehurst NC - Home Of American Golf
Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Share 0
JP Grice

Art Director and co-founder of QC Exclusive. Probably traveling the Carolinas, photographing sunsets, or fly fishing in a river somewhere.

Travel Guides & Giveaways!

Receive The Carolinas # 1 Newsletter

You May Also Like
Downtown Hendersonville NC
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

The Ultimate Guide To Fun Things To Do In Hendersonville NC With Family

Waterfront Park Charleston SC - Things To Do In Charleston SC For Couples
View Post
  • South Carolina Lowcountry Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Don’t Spend A Dime In The Holy City: 20 Free Things To Do In Charleston SC

Charlotte NC Beer Brewer Lenny Boy Brewing Wins Medal At The World Beer Cup
View Post
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas
  • Where To Eat In The Carolinas

The New State Of Beer: North Carolina beers take home 13 medals at the World Beer Cup

Glamping Unplugged Airbnb In Mountains Of North Carolina - Boone NC Airbnb
View Post
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Best Airbnb In North Carolina? The Top Contenders For The Title

Greenville South Carolina downtown with river
View Post
  • South Carolina Upstate Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Vacation On A Budget: 20 Free Things To Do In Greenville SC

Sunrise at the beach in Hilton Head Island SC
View Post
  • South Carolina Lowcountry Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Budget Friendly Beach Fun: Free Things To Do In Hilton Head SC

Spring rhododendrons in full bloom in Boone NC
View Post
  • North Carolina Mountains Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

A Mountain Paradise: Our Favorite Outdoor Things To Do Near Boone NC

things to do in asheville nc with kids
View Post
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

15 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Asheville NC On Your Vacation

Planning Your Next Trip? Search for a town or activity.
Blue Ridge Mountain Club In Blowing Rock NC
Carolina Town Guides
Search By Town
Asheville, NC
Boone, NC
Charleston, SC
Charlotte, NC
Crystal Coast, NC
Greenville, SC
Old 96 District, SC
Pinehurst & The Sandhills, NC
Browse All Towns
Our Partners

Follow Us On Instagram
From the towering trees to the slow flowing streams, there’s so much to love about Pisgah National Forest 🌳 358 4
Golden hour over Linville Gorge—a sight we will never, ever grow tired of 💛 726 2
This spot just north of Marion, NC is one of our favorite views of the Linville Gorge. Where’s your favorite view in the Carolinas? Let us know in the comments. 902 20
📍Oak Island, NC 507 4
We are SUNSET HAPPY 😆 ☀️😍✨ 239 6
In bloom 🌼 397 2
Take us to the beach 🏖️ 520 13
It's views like this that help us get through Monday 😍 989 14
When the light hits just right 💡 3K 23
Follow
The Ivey's Hotel - Charlotte NC
The Constant Wayfarer - Travel Planning - Charlotte Travel Agent
Travel Perks
Travel Deals - Discounts on NC and SC Getaways
View Posts
POPULAR POSTS
  • Downtown Hendersonville NC
    The Ultimate Guide To Fun Things To Do In Hendersonville NC With Family
  • Waterfront Park Charleston SC - Things To Do In Charleston SC For Couples
    Don’t Spend A Dime In The Holy City: 20 Free Things To Do In Charleston SC
  • Places To Stay In Wilmington NC - Dreamers Welcome
    Dreamers Welcome Wilmington NC: Vacation Dreams Come True
  • Welcome to downtown Southern Pines NC
    Sandhills With The Kids: Things To Do In Southern Pines NC With Family
  • Cape Lookout National Seashore lighthouse in Carteret County on the Crystal Coast Of NC
    85 Miles Of Sunkissed Beaches Along The Crystal Coast in North Carolina
Omni Hotels And Resorts - Charlotte NC
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TWO NIGHTS STAY AND MORE AT THE SPECTATOR IN CHARLESTON
DEAL OF THE WEEK
  • Outer Banks Kiteboarding Corolla NC Pamlico Sound
    50% Off – Learn How To Kite Surf In The OBX – Offer Available Through 7-1-2023
The Swag Hotel - NC Mountains

Subscribe

Receive The #1 Travel Newsletter In The Carolinas

Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
  • Partners
  • Newsletter
  • Travel Deals
  • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
From the towering trees to the slow flowing streams, there’s so much to love about Pisgah National Forest 🌳 357 4
Golden hour over Linville Gorge—a sight we will never, ever grow tired of 💛 724 2
This spot just north of Marion, NC is one of our favorite views of the Linville Gorge. Where’s your favorite view in the Carolinas? Let us know in the comments. 901 20
📍Oak Island, NC 507 4
We are SUNSET HAPPY 😆 ☀️😍✨ 239 6
In bloom 🌼 397 2

Input your search keywords and press Enter.