11 Waterfalls Near Asheville, NC
By Mark File
Waterfalls for All Occasions
With hundreds of beautiful cascades near Asheville, where do you begin? Here’s a quick sampler to get you started. These 11 locations represent a diverse range of options, so there’s something for everyone.
Tallest: Upper Whitewater Falls
Walk a quarter-mile paved trail (accessible for wheelchairs or scooters) to see the mighty Upper Whitewater Falls across the valley, plummeting 411 feet. Also, take a staircase down to a second overlook. It’s located in the Nantahala National Forest, about 60 miles from Asheville.
How to get there: From Asheville, head south on I-26 E toward the Asheville Regional Airport. Take Exit 40 toward Airport Rd. Then, take a right onto N.C. 280 toward Brevard. When you reach Brevard, take U.S. 64 West toward Lake Toxaway/Highlands. At the town of Sapphire, turn left onto N.C. 281 and drive eight miles. Total distance from Asheville is about 60 miles.
Easy Roadside: Looking Glass Falls
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the mountains is also the easiest to experience. Just 45 minutes from downtown Asheville, this 75-foot waterfall is located along the very scenic U.S. Highway 276 in Pisgah National Forest. Admire it from the roadside observation deck or take the stairs down for a closer look. When the water level is low, it’s a great place to wade and splash.
How to get there: From Asheville, head south on I-26 E toward the Asheville Regional Airport. Take Exit 40 toward Airport Rd. Then, take a right onto N.C. 280 toward Brevard. When you reach the Brevard area, turn right onto U.S. 276 N to enter Pisgah National Forest. Drive 6 miles to the waterfall (it will be on your right). Total distance from Asheville is about 35 miles.
Get Wet: Silver Run Falls
This popular swimming spot is located in the Nantahala National Forest just south of Cashiers, North Carolina. The 25 foot waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool that has a small beach area, making it a perfect swimming area for families with small children. To reach the falls, take a short hike (about 1/4-mile) from the trailhead that will lead you across a bridge and over the headwater of the Whitewater River. It's a popular spot, so be ready to see others on hot summer days. But it's worth it! And during the week, you might get lucky and have it all to yourself.
How to get there: From Asheville, head south on 1-26E toward the Asheville Regional Airport. Take Exit 40 toward Airport Rd. Then, take a right onto N.C. 280 toward Brevard. Continue on NC 280 until it turns into Hwy 64. From US Highway 64 in Cashiers, go south on NC Highway 107 for four miles and look for the sign and parking area on the left.
Dry Falls
Not only can you see this 75-foot waterfall from an accessible observation deck, it offers the very rare treat of walking behind a powerful cascade! A short paved trail goes underneath the cliff overhang so you stay dry (hence the name!). It’s just a mile past Bridal Veil Falls on Highway 64.
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Bike Trip: DuPont State Forest
See several waterfalls on a network of trails great for both mountain bikers and hikers, an easy day trip from Asheville. A seven-mile ride takes you to three impressive waterfalls, Triple Falls, High Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Old logging roads are perfect for beginner bikers. Or, take a connecting trail for a more technical trek.
How to get there: From Asheville, head south on I-26 E toward the Asheville Regional Airport. Take Exit 40 toward Airport Rd. Then, take a right onto N.C. 280 toward Brevard. When you reach the Brevard area, turn left onto U.S. 64 East. Go 3.7 miles to the Penrose gas station. Turn right onto Crab Creek Rd. and go 4.3 miles to make another right onto DuPont Rd. Total Distance from Asheville is about 40 miles.
Fall Color: Graveyard Fields
This popular stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway is always one of the first and the most brilliant areas for the turning fall leaves in early October. Second Falls is a short walk from the Parkway. Or take the four-mile loop through the colorful meadow along the river to Upper Falls.
How to get there: From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Milepost 418.8. There is a signed, designated parking area. Total distance from Asheville is 37 miles.
Walk Behind: Moore Cove Falls
There are only a few waterfalls that you can safely walk behind, and this one is the easiest to reach from Asheville. Located near Looking Glass Falls, the 50-foot waterfall cascades gently over an arching cliff. It’s a great one to take the kids to, since the three-quarter-mile hiking trail is not difficult. Check out our guide on the Moore Cove Falls trail to learn more.
How to get there: From Asheville, head south on I-26 E toward the Asheville Regional Airport. Take Exit 40 toward Airport Rd. Then, take a right onto N.C. 280 toward Brevard. When you reach the Brevard area, turn right onto U.S. 276 N to enter Pisgah National Forest. Drive 6.5 miles to a paved parking area on the right. Total distance from Asheville is about 35 miles.
Bring the Dog: Catawba Falls
Your dog is guaranteed to enjoy this 3-mile roundtrip hike through the woodlands of Pisgah National Forest. The trail to the waterfall follows a cascading stream with plenty of spots for a quick splash in the water. And, it’s a great winter hike since this area seldom receives heavy snow. Remember to keep your dog leashed for their protection. For more, take a look at our guide to the Catawba Falls Trail. *Catawba Falls will reopen May 31
How to get there: From Asheville, take I-40 east to Exit 73 (Old Fort). As you exit the interstate, take a right onto Catawba River Rd. Drive three miles to the parking area at the end of the road. Total distance from Asheville is about 25 miles.
Best of Parkway: Crabtree Falls
This waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway is absolutely beautiful. And the three-mile loop hike is a showcase of wildflowers. A bridge that crosses the creek below the falls has a bench for front row seating for the best show around.
How to get there: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north out of Asheville to Milepost 339.5. Total distance from Asheville is about 45 miles.
Smoky Mountain Triple Play: Deep Creek Waterfalls
Hike a loop trail to see three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the summer, tube down Deep Creek from Indian Falls to Tom’s Branch Falls, a very popular tradition for many families with great fun for all ages.
How to get there: From Asheville, take I-40 W to Exit 27 for U.S. 74. Continue on U.S. 74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway) to take Exit 67 toward Bryson City. Turn right onto Main St. Turn right onto Depot Street. Take a slight left onto Collins and quick right to get back onto Depot St. Depot Street turns into Deep Creek Rd. Follow Deep Creek Rd. into Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the parking area at the end of the road. Total distance from Asheville is 65 miles.
Two-for-One: Soco Falls
See a rare twin waterfall just a few steps from Highway 19 between Maggie Valley and Cherokee (and just 1.5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway). A short trail takes you to an observation deck, so it’s another location that everyone can easily enjoy.
How to get there: From Asheville, take I-40 W to Exit 27 for U.S. 74. Then, take Exit 103 for U.S. 19 toward Maggie Valley/Cherokee. Drive 13 miles to a small pull off on left. Total distance from Asheville is about 41 miles.
In the Movies: Hickory Nut Falls
This majestic 404-foot waterfall in Chimney Rock State Park was featured in the movie blockbuster The Last of the Mohicans, with the climatic fight scene occurring at the top of the falls. A three-quarter-mile mile trail takes you to the base of the waterfall. Also, when you are down in the village of Chimney Rock, remember to look up for a very dramatic view of the falls. Learn more about Chimney Rock State Park by taking a look at our guide.
How to get there: From Asheville, take I-240 E to Exit 9 (Highway 74A E to Bat Cave). Follow 74A/Hwy. 64 to Chimney Rock Village and the park entrance on the right. Total distance from Asheville is about 25 miles.
Find your perfect Asheville hiking trail! Use our Asheville Hike Finder to easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length and difficulty level.
Photo credits: Top photo by Hugo Gutierrez. Looking Glass Falls photo by Ben Pierce. Catawba Falls photo by Hugo Gutierrez.
