At the Grassy Creek Trail, go left until it intersects with the Wintergreen Falls Trail. What North Carolina lacks in massive, rocky peaks it more than makes up for in rolling hills, waterfalls, and unbeatable sunsets. The trail departs from the gravel parking lot noted in the Trailhead description and is clearly marked. Deep Creek is one of the most incredible hiking trails in North Carolina, located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Triple Falls in DuPont State Forest. It will be hard to believe you're actually not in the mountains for this one. We use cookies to ensure you get the best browsing experience. Mountains to Sea Trail The US Forest Service has added two new footbridges so that you no longer have to hop across the river to enjoy the falls making this trail even more enjoyable. North Carolina has no shortage of waterfalls and amazing hikes to go along with them, ranging from falls that reach hundreds of feet to mild and temperate cascades with gentle swimming … The trail ends at a bench and staircase that takes you down to the waterfall and swimming hole. Here is an interactive map of all the falls we know about. You'll find Skinny Dip Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dry Falls is a popular waterfall located in western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. The trail to the Moore Cove Falls is a 1.2-miles roundtrip which makes it a good family-friendly waterfall hike. Western North Carolina is full of waterfalls. Dry Falls is 65-foot tall and plunges from an overhanging rock outcrop creating a beautiful white flowing water that falls on to the rocky riverbed below. There are literally hundreds of waterfalls and miles of hiking trails in this area. Do not attempt to cross the dam, it is very dangerous. The campground has sites for up to 50 tents and 20 RVs along the banks of the Linville River. The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail has made several of our lists, including. The flow is impressive after a rainfall, however, it only reduces to a small stream during dry periods. This waterfall hike probably qualifies as a short walk because it’s so short. Map out your next hiking adventure with our guide to the best trails in and around Elkin. Trees along this trail are large and interpretive signs help you identify points of interest in geography and ecology. In 2012, the US Forest Service opened a parking lot and restrooms for the waterfall hiking fall in the Pisgah National Forest. Keep your eyes peeled though, as there are no clear cut signs indicating you've arrived. What awesome hikes to take in North Carolina! The water flow varies depending on rainfall. It is also a great place for photographers, both for the waterfall and forest scenes. Skinny Dip Falls is a great summer swimming destination and a great way to use your legs if you are traveling the parkway. If you haven't already, it's time you added North Carolina to your adventure bucket list. It is a terrain filled with wildflowers, clear-flowing creeks, and scenic hardwood forests and is a great hiking area directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville. This is section is only recommended for expert climbers skilled at climbing rocks and steep mountainsides. The cascade is accessible directly from U.S. Highway 64 along a stretch North Carolina’s 98-mile Waterfall Byway. 10 Clever Ways to Reduce Condensation in a Tent. Linville falls is located in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina and is the beginning of Linville Gorge; the waterfalls are fed from the Linville River and flows down the mountain into Lake James near Marion, North Carolina. Different rocky outcrops make for perfect jump-off spots while a deep pool allows for actual swimming (after you get used to the chilly water). Located in the Big Creek area of the Smoky Mountains, a 1.5-mile hike down Big Creek Trail will lead you to this hidden oasis. If you continue past the fence, you will go down via a short trail on the left which will lead you to an observation deck. There are also a few side trails but you will follow the Mountain-to-Sea Trail. There are literally hundreds of waterfalls and miles of hiking trails in this area. … Welcome! Created by a drop in the Cullasaja River, the falls … While those old song lyrics say, ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls,’ in North Carolina, it’s best to ignore this bit of advice and DO go chasing waterfalls. North Carolina has no shortage of waterfalls and amazing hikes to go along with them, ranging from falls that reach hundreds of feet to mild and temperate cascades with gentle swimming holes. The most popular trail option leads you to Hooker, Triple, and High Falls. "We took a wonderful 6.4-mile hike called "Waterfalls of DuPont loop," following along with Johnny Malloy's book, "Best Hikes … purehiker.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The rolling, mountainous terrain near Asheville, NC is simply gorgeous. Literally 100s of them are scattered around the mountains of western NC. You may be able to see a rainbow if you and the sun are in the right position. While both hikes total four miles together, the most popular option is hiking the Erwin's View Trail just 1.6-miles from the Visitor's Center to the most-photographed perspective of the eighty foot Linville Falls. Have you done any before? The parking area is often overflowing on hot summer days, but there is usually plenty of room at the waterfall. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Just recently we covered the beautiful Linville Falls and the two popular hiking options; one taking you to the base of the fall and the other to Erwin's View. Just a couple miles outside Highlands, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the few waterfalls in western North Carolina visitors can drive to—and even behind. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests comprise most of this land and offer great opportunities for outdoor activities. The trail to the falls is a popular short loop that descends on a moderate path to this majestic 70-foot waterfall. While Midnight Hole might have the smallest fall (if it can even really be considered a waterfall) the gentle cascades flow into a crystal-clear pool perfect for a chilly mountain dip. This is a popular weekend spot for both hiking and swimming, so you might hear some fellow splashers or hikers that will help guide you there. Rainbow Falls is a majestic waterfall located deep inside the Pisgah National Forest near Sapphire, NC. 20 Hikes & Waterfalls near Sugar Mountain Since Sugar Mountain is located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, find some the best hiking with panoramic scenery and waterfalls. Park at the Looking Glass Rock overlook, cross the street, and a 2.0-mile downward hike takes you to Skinny Dip. The waterfall is encompassed within a unique rock formation and the pool of the fall is actually perfect for wading or little swimmers to play and splash. You’ll travel along the base of the cliffs that form the edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the Falls. Once there, it feels as if you've discovered a utopia hiding in the woods. What makes these forests even more special is that they have several waterfalls that make it an even rewarding place to hike. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Do not try to climb up the rocks, jump from the cliff or wade above the falls. There is a viewing platform at the trailhead, that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, offering great view of the falls. It a cool, refreshing stop, and a must-see if you happen to visit Chimney Rock. Move your mouse over a waterfall symbol to see its name, and click to find a photo and more information about that waterfall. Less than a half mile hike on the Lower Cascades Trail takes you to the stunning Lower Cascades Fall at Hanging Rock State Park. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! It is probably the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina as well. While it doesn’t affect your hike, you should know that the trail switches from Gorges State Park to Pisgah National Forest about 20 minutes after you leave the parking lot. It’s also easy enough for families with small children to complete. The Plunge Basin Trail is a 1-mile round trip and moderate. The hike departs from the Grassy Ridge Trailhead in Gorges State Park, near Cashiers, NC. You will, however, follow along the side of the river most of the way to the falls. Moore Cove Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the United States, and are situated near Brevard, North Carolina. "It was definitely busy on a Saturday, with tons of families, but the paths were nice and well marked, and some parts of the trail were very easy, while the trail down to Hooker falls was more challenging." Love North Carolina? Backtrack out the way you came in for a total hike of about 3 miles. Dry Falls is a popular waterfall located just a few miles outside of Highlands. How to Measure Torso Length for your Backpack? Get more stories delivered right to your email. Apart from being the starting point of the trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes a good base camp for further explorations into the area. This waterfall is highly recommended and it can also be combined with another nearby hike should you want to add some more miles to your day. In DuPont State Forest you can hike to not only one waterfall, but three. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. I’ve spent the last few years hiking trails to waterfalls along the Appalachian Mountains (mostly in North Carolina) to bring you the ultimate beginner’s guide for hikes … The 120-foot fall is always impressive, but especially after a large rainfall which causes the cascade to flow in full force. The waterfall is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 316.4, about 66 miles north of Asheville. Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains because of its accessibility to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This moderate, a short hike takes you to an appealing waterfall and swimming hole on the Yellowstone Prong of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River. The steps down to the falls are at the west end of the parking area at the entrance to the wheelchair-accessible area. This popular trail is jointly maintained by Gorges State Park and the Pisgah Ranger District. Seasoned and skilled hikers can extend their adventure with a strenuous climb to the beautiful 50-foot Upper Falls. Just east of Asheville, the river tumbles through a rolling forest, cascading in a series of waterfalls and flowing over a mossy riverbed set in a shady, scenic stretch of the Pisgah National Forest. The waterfall is literally right next to Highway 64 going towards Highlands, NC and requires just parking in the parking lot, and taking the very short walk to the observation deck, or walking down the very short walkway to and behind the actual falls. Reviews on Hiking Trails With Waterfalls in Sylva, NC 28779 - Soco Falls, Mingo Falls, Glen Falls Trail, Dry Falls, Skinny Dip Falls, Grotto Falls, Graveyard Fields, Julie Falls, Gorges State Park, Tom Branch Falls Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! She enjoys writing, photography, filmmaking, travel, wine and cheese. Western North Carolina is blessed to have over a million … Many other great waterfall hikes are found throughout the Brevard, NC area. With over 400 to choose from, it can seem daunting to decide which ones to see. You must purchase a ticket to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park to hike to the waterfall. The North Carolina mountain s are home to dozens of great waterfalls Whether you're looking for a scenic photo background or just want to hike to see some of the state's best natural beauty, here's a look at some of the best waterfalls … Waterfall Map. So much so that I want to share my experiences with the world. Cross the parkway and head up the path right beside the Mile Marker 417 post. The 1.5-mile hike is a steady, slightly uphill walk but not difficult. More information includes a description, statistics, directions to the trailhead, and trail … Hiking Trails & Waterfalls A complimentary hiking trail and waterfall map to 19 waterfalls and 9 hiking trails is included in NC Mountains Vacation Guide. Hooker Falls From the Hooker Falls parking area (adjacent to the river), take a short walk to the right to Hooker Falls. In late 2011, almost all obstacles from the surface were eliminated and the entire trail was re-graded providing sturdy wood structures for all creek crossings. The trail is located just off US 276 between Brevard and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Western North Carolina is blessed with over a million-acre of national forest, national parks, state parks, and other public lands. Please do not climb the slick rocks in close vicinity of the falls. It is a 50-foot free-falling waterfall in a scenic creek-valley filled with fern and rhododendron. The North Carolina mountains are home to hundreds of waterfalls, including more than 250 in the Brevard area alone. During the summer, the trail is crowded, but you are likely to have it all to yourself if it is winter, especially if the gate is closed. No Hiking Required North Carolina truly has the best waterfalls in the nation. Check out some of our favorite hikes across the state and get ready to hit the trail… Other waterfalls in the Panthertown Valley include Frolictown Falls, Wilderness Falls, and Greenland Creek Falls. It was featured in the film, “The Last of the Mohicans”. One of the most popular hikes in South Mountains State Park, just south of Morganton, the 2.7-mile High Shoals Fall Loop can get … Someone dies about every year doing one of those. I’m pretty passionate about hiking to waterfalls. You can hike the singletrack trails in Elkin Municipal Park, plan a multi-day trek on the Mountains to Sea Trail, or visit Elkin during NC Trail Days, a three-day festival in late May. The headwaters of the Catawba River are beautifully scenic. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com. Thank you! As you get closer to the falls, you will feel a cool-mist soak you. Hiking Trails & Tips for Beginner & Expert Hikers. This waterfall located in the Chimney Rock State Park has an impressive height of 404-feet. The Linville Falls picnic area is directly on the Parkway. The hike passes a large, twisted tree, nicknamed the “Dragon Tree”. There are literally hundreds of waterfalls and miles and miles of hiking trails in this area - you could spend a lifetime trying to see everything. Linville Falls has four different overlooks to properly appreciate the falls with two main hiking trails. High Shoals Falls. 1. There are also wildflowers on the way down. Whitewater Falls Directions: This 411 ft. waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and is the highest waterfall in the eastern U.S. Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls are also nearby. The stunning Hickory Nut Falls is easily accessed by a 1.5-mile hike that's safe and accessible for the whole family. Here's a collection of what we consider to be the best waterfall hikes in the Western North Carolina region. It is a refreshing swimming hole and a soaking spot on a hot summer day with clear, cold water. Fayetteville is most notably home to Fort Bragg, but it’s also the only real place east of Interstate 77 in North Carolina where you could realistically make a day of waterfall hikes. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. There are 5 trails that lead to the Linville Falls offering a range from easy, moderate, and difficult. The waterfall is exceptionally beautiful. Dry Falls is not only exceptionally beautiful, but the trail takes you safely behind the 75ft … The hike to Rainbow Falls is a 1.5-mile trip from Gorges State Park at the Grassy Ridge Parking area. The Dry Falls Parking area was redone fairly recently. Literally 100s of them are scattered around the mountains of … At the base of Hickory Nuts Falls, you can enjoy a splash of cold water on a hot day or perhaps you can simply enjoy the beauty of this towering waterfall. Deaths and injuries caused by hikers falling from the falls. It is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge which is also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”. Not try to climb up the path right beside the MP 417 mile marker located on same... Days, but hiking is not challenging at all, although it has a few side trails but you feel! 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