Explore beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The mountains of North Carolina are home to the most stunning waterfalls. And not just waterfalls but these mountains are great for adventurous hiking and road trip destinations, and they are also great for weekend leisure, picnics, and romantic getaways.

The purpose of visiting these waterfalls in North Carolina can be anything, and North Carolina assures us that it will fulfil those purposes up to the mark.

10 Top Best Waterfalls in North Carolina 2024

1. Bridal Veil Falls 

Bridal Veil Forest is located in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Hooker, Triple, and High Falls somewhat surround Bridal Veil Falls. But it’s still absolutely worth visiting here. The trail is a bit longer but easy nonetheless. Many call it a “horizontal waterfall” because it is not much higher but longer horizontally along the land. Also, the shooting of Hunger Games Movies happened here!  

The waterfall will direct you to the base of the water, but you can still walk to the top ( but be careful of the wet and slippery rocks) to get fabulous views from above. The hike isn’t dazzling, but passing by Fawn Lake along the way makes it worthwhile!

• Length: 4.6mi out & back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Address: North Carolina 28741, United States
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

2. Looking Glass Falls

Nothing is better than a good roadside waterfall, which means you will get all the perks without much work. Looking Glass Falls will roughly take 45 mins to reach and is super easy to access and enjoy.

This 60-foot waterfall in North Carolina is super powerful to get splashed if you undergo a lower outlook! Swimming is also permitted in these waterfalls in North Carolina, so grab the opportunity to enjoy the area beneath the falls! It’s not undoubtedly the best waterfall in North Carolina.

• Length: 0.3mi out & back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Address: US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, United States
• Phone No: +18288773265
• Official Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5188439
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

3. Linville Falls

Located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, Linville Falls is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” These waterfalls in North Carolina can easily be accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway and ranks as the most popular waterfalls in North Carolina. It is the most impressive waterfall in North Carolina.

Remember that you cannot swim in this waterfall or Linville River. Also, Linville Falls is one of the most difficult hikes to prepare for.

• Length: 1.7mi out and back ( the Plunge Basin Trail)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Address: North Carolina 28752, USA
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

4. Triple Falls

Triple Falls is an ideal presentation of natural beauty and another popular waterfall in North Carolina. This waterfall presents three cascades, hence named “Triple Falls.” You can access all three cascades from Triple Falls, where there is a clearing in the trees. You can also go down to the base of the middle cascade to view the upper two sections, which is highly suggested. Gives fun and experience of three falls in one, which means more joy in less work.

• Length: 2.9mi loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Address: North Carolina 28739, United States
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

5. High Falls 

High Falls can be seen from above (another clearing in the trees, just like Triple Falls), or you can hike down to the base to view the whole waterfall, or preferably take a view from both and have double fun. 

You will see no shortage of things to do/see in the DuPont! That’s why it’s popular for a day trip to Western North Carolina. Just make sure to visit the place early so you don’t have to face a lot of crowds and enjoy yourself to the fullest.

• Length: 1.2mi out & back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Address: North Carolina 27325, USA
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

Popular: 5 Best Places to Go Apple Picking in North Carolina

6. Elk River Falls

Elk River Falls is a charming 50 ft waterfall on the TN/NC border ( an hour west of Boone). This place is great for kids and families to visit one of the best waterfalls in North Carolina, as there are beach-like areas where kids can play with sand and pools. However, be careful, as the stairs along this trail don’t have a railing. If you can, you must visit Roan Mountain State Park in TN while you are over that way!

• Length: 0.3mi out & back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Address: Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, United States
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Official Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=FSEPRD516714
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

7. Grassy Creek Falls

Grassy Creek Falls is based in Little Switzerland. You would surely be surprised by Grassy Creek Falls. The waterfall overshadows its neighbour, Crabtree Falls, but this waterfall is worth visiting. Cascading waterfalls are usually most people’s favourite, so you may also enjoy this. You can have a close-up, but there is no fair swimming spot. 

• Length: 2.8mi out & back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Address: North Carolina 28777, United States
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

8. Toms Creek Falls

This is a beautiful 80 ft waterfall in North Carolina. Tom Creek Falls tends to be heavily trafficked, so visiting earlier is better if you want a more peaceful experience. You will see tons of rocks once you reach the waterfall. The area below the waterfall isn’t deep, but still enough to dip your foot, and also it’s good for kids!

If you have an adventurous vibe, you can also visit the top of this waterfall to enjoy yourself from a different perspective. 

• Length: 0.7mi out & back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Address: 1250 Huskins Branch Rd, Marion, NC 28752, United States
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Official Website: https://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/toms-creek-falls
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

9. Crabtree Falls

If you have to pick a visitor’s all-time favourite waterfalls in North Carolina, the Crabtree Falls is deep in the beautiful forest, and you can go directly up to the base of the 70ft cascade. You will watch Crabtree Falls Campground while going to this waterfall in North Carolina. The water base isn’t so deep that you can swim, but still, you can dip your toes and walk around or sit and enjoy the treasure of these beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. 

• Length: 2.6mi loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Address: North Carolina 28777, United States
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions

Popular: Top 11 Things to Do in Southport, NC, For a Memorable Vacation

10. Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls is a beautiful 250 ft waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest. If you want a more challenging and technical waterfall hike, this one’s for you. One of all the waterfalls in North Carolina, this trail is considered to be the sketchiest, even though it is only a trail that is only 0.2 miles long. It’s not as difficult as it is technical. 

• Length: 0.2mi out & back
• Difficulty: Hard
• Address: North Carolina 28741, United States
• Google Maps Directions: Get Directions