North Carolina has a plethora of waterfalls. Some are visible from the road, while others will require you to do some hiking before you can access them. All of them have something unique to offer – you will be able to swim in some, while others you will admire from afar. One thing about them, however, is that they are so beautiful and so refreshing to watch. They have always been a great escape to tired and weary souls looking for a breath of fresh air. If you are an outdoor enthusiast and would love to explore some of the state’s best waterfalls, scroll down below for our list of the top 10 waterfall hikes in North Carolina, the US.
Travel Advisory
Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.
1. Catawba Falls (from USD 59.0)
Catawba Falls is regarded as one of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina. It rises over 100 feet (30 meters) and flows gently off the escarpment down towards the Piedmont area. Unlike most of the waterfalls in this region, this particular one is distinctively divided into three sections – the upper, the middle, and the lower parts which you can easily see when coming from afar. The hike to this waterfall will expose you to the sights and sounds that are refreshing and worth experiencing multiple times. This hike used to be hellish in the past, but with improved trails and proper signage, it is not so difficult to access even for young hikers.
Catawba Falls
Address: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, the United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Private Blue Ridge Mountains Waterfall Tour
Duration: 2 hours
2. Crabtree Falls
The hike to Crabtree Falls will not take you a lot of time and energy since it is located just past the visitor center at Crabtree Falls Campground. However, the trails are steep and you should be of medium fitness if you don’t want to suffer a lot on your way to the top. You may think of it just like any other waterfall, but the hiking experience makes it so beautiful. Along the trails, you will be greeted with beautiful wooden bridges, gorgeous flowers, and finally, the breathtaking sights of the fall’s waters gently flowing down from the top of the rocks.
Crabtree Falls
Address: Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland, North Carolina
Website: Crabtree Falls
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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3. Grassy Creek Falls
Grassy Creek Falls is a two-tier fall with a distinct top and bottom. Access to the fall is through private land that owners have allowed hikers to use. It features a moderately trafficked trail that is ideal for all skill levels. It is accessible all year round and apart from the thrill of covering the over 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) hike to access the waterfall, you will get to encounter and sight beautiful, unique birds along the way.
Grassy Creek Falls
Address: DuPont State Recreational Forest, North Carolina, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
4. Elk River Falls
The gorgeous Elk River Falls was previously known as Big Falls. It is a 50-foot (15.24-meter) mountain waterfall that cascades over a cliff before gently draining into a pool. It is one of those waterfalls you can hike over to, with the hope of taking a dip to cool your muscles from the hike. The trail to the top is not difficult since all you need is no more than a five-minute moderate speed walk to get to it. When you make it to the top, be sure to stand on the flat rock and take some stunning shots of the beautiful water falling into the oval pool.
Elk River Falls
Address: Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, the United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Douglas Falls
This is a breathtaking 70 feet (21.33 meters) tall waterfall nestled within an old-growth forest in North Carolina. Access to the fall is through a gentle-sloped trail that winds through beautiful woodlands, which will expose you to some breathtaking forest sceneries you might have only seen in movies or read in books. When you have passed the moderately rough terrain and finally reach the top, right in front of you will be a gorgeous one-tier waterfall, though it is disappointing that its pool is not one in which you can take a dip.
Douglas Falls
Address: Douglas Falls, Barnardsville, NC 28709, the United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Boone Fork Creek
Boone Fork Creek is a loop most suited for experienced hikers. It is characterized by lots of rocks, roots, and rivers, and if you are not of average physical fitness, you might find it a little bit challenging. It features a total of 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) that meanders through forests, wooden areas, swampy and muddy sections, and lots of rock. It is very challenging after heavy rains due to the mud and increased water levels in the creeks so keep in mind not to hike here during rainy weather.
Boone Fork Creek
Address: Boone Fork TrailWatauga, NC 28605, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. High Shoals Falls
High Shoals Falls is another of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina. It is located in Mountain State Park and access is via two routes: the first is a 4.3 kilometers (2.4 miles) loop with several sections that feature short stair climbing; the second is a 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) hike that starts at Jacob Fork parking area. Depending on your fitness level and how long you would love to spend on the hike, you can choose the route that suits you best. Both hikes will take you through beautiful forest sceneries, including backpacking campsites that might make you change your mind and go camping instead.
#### High Shoals Falls
Address: 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, the United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Looking Glass Falls (from USD 95.0)
Looking Glass Falls is a beautiful and popular waterfall in North Carolina. It is one of the few waterfalls that can be seen and easily accessed from the roadside, making it a great option for families with children and individuals who have difficulty when it comes to mobility. The 60-foot (18.2-meter) waterfall is a joy to visit and you can easily access the stream beneath by carefully finding your way through the rocks. When the weather gets warm, you could also enjoy a refreshing swim.
Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Hiking Tour
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
9. Dry Falls
The hike to Dry Falls is so easy that even kindergarten kids can venture into it. It is a quarter of a mile hike that will see you go through the picturesque falls in the Cullasaja River. Most people who have been to it swear that it is one of the easiest hikes and you get to see one of the breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The hike is such a breeze that you can access the waterfall using a stroller as well as a wheelchair.
Dry Falls
Address: Nantahala National Forest, Macon County, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
Price: Free
10. Mingo Falls
At 120 feet (36.5 meters) tall, Mingo Falls is regarded as one of the highest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians. The location is about five minutes from Smoky Mountains National Park and although the hike leading to the fall is about 0.4 kilometers (0.25 miles) of intense climbing – you will have to cover over 160 steep steps before you can reach the falls. The steps are usually slippery in the morning so be careful not to slip and fall.
Mingo Falls
Address: Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, the United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Enjoy the best of North Carolina’s waterfall hikes
Break the boredom and the tough demands of city life by going for a refreshing hike to some of North Carolina’s best waterfalls. Consider our list of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina, the US, above and get the well-deserved break you need from the city.
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