Waterfalls

Waterfalls in the North Carolina mountains are beautiful and impressive natural features, and they're a great reward at the end of a hike. Plan a waterfall adventure along one of these favorite local hiking trails.

There are many fantastic waterfalls near Asheville, N.C. and throughout the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Favorite waterfalls appear alongside hiking trails, and several roadside cascades—such as Looking Glass Falls—can even be seen from the car! In nearby Pisgah National Forest, the popular Sliding Rock welcomes visitors to take a refreshing slide down the 60-foot rock face. 

Waterfall Safety

Top Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville

Catawba Falls Trail CLOSED UNTIL 2024

Catawba Falls Trail CLOSED UNTIL 2024

Catawba Falls is relatively close to downtown Asheville (just 25 miles away) and offers stunning beauty thanks to a series of cascades that, together, are 100 feet tall. The U.S. Forest Service recently has made the easy-to-moderate trail even more… read more

Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Hike

Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Hike

A hidden-gem waterfall hike in a lush forest The Horsepasture River thunders down a 125-foot drop spraying up a mist that creates rainbows that sparkle in the sunlight. This magical sight can be seen at Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park, one of the… read more

John Rock Trail

John Rock Trail

A classic Pisgah hike, plus a simple nature trail for kids Pisgah National Forest is a world-class hiking destination. Among the 400+ miles of trails in the Pisgah Ranger District (there are two other districts in the 500,000-acre forest, too), the… read more

Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls Hike

Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls Hike

One hike, three of the region’s best waterfalls Dupont State Forest is the best place to discover why Brevard and Transylvania County is called “The Land of the Waterfalls.” Get a sampler of some of the area’s wonderful… read more

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

Daniel Ridge Loop Trail

Mountain streams and mountain bikes With so many waterfalls in the Brevard area, Daniel Ridge Falls (a 150-foot cascade on Lanning Branch that’s also called Tom Spring Falls and less frequently, Jackson Falls) is often overlooked. Take… read more

Bridal Veil Falls Hike at DuPont State Forest

Bridal Veil Falls Hike at DuPont State Forest

Hollywood-worthy waterfalls make for family fun and great picnics Fans of The Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans were introduced to Bridal Veil Falls in Dupont State Forest on the silver screen. Hikers can easily take in the view, too, with this… read more

Moore Cove Falls Trail

Moore Cove Falls Trail

Walk behind a magical waterfall on this family-friendly hike This enchanting trail in Pisgah National Forest is an ideal introduction to hiking for families with younger kids. An easy .7 mile trail with wooden bridges, steps and boardwalks ends in a… read more

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail

One of Asheville’s favorite hikes, with something for everyone Waterfalls, rhododendron, fall color, summer blueberry picking and high-elevation meadows and forests: there’s a reason just about everyone who hikes near Asheville has been… read more