The 30 Best Waterfalls Near Asheville NC

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[Updated December 28, 2021] Asheville NC’s reputation as a forward-thinking, nature-loving town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains precedes it.

Despite being only the 12^th largest city in the state, Asheville still ranks among the most popular tourist destinations in North Carolina.

In addition to the famous Biltmore Estate, the mountain town has a fantastic collection of art galleries in the River Arts District, myriad downtown restaurants, an impressive flight of microbreweries, and a network of hiking trails that’d make John Muir palpitate.

While Asheville has all the pizzazz of a proper city, with the Blue Ridge Parkway running right through it, nature abounds both within and outside of the metropolitan area’s limits.

When we visit Asheville, waterfalls are among our favorite local attractions to explore.

There are literally hundreds of waterfall hikes near Asheville– so many that you could spend weeks taking day trips and never see them all.

What follows are my personal picks for the best waterfalls near Asheville NC, from Dupont and Pisgah National Forest to Western NC small towns such as Balsam Grove and Barnardsville.

Waterfalls Near Asheville NC Guide

Bridal Veil Falls
Catawba Falls
Crabtree Falls
Daniel Ridge Falls
Douglas Falls
Walker Falls
Dry Falls
French Broad Falls
Mill Shoals Falls
Cathedral Falls
Graveyard Fields
Hickory Nut Falls
Linville Falls
Log Hollow Falls
Looking Glass Falls
Moore Cove Falls
Pearson’s Falls
Rainbow Falls
Roaring Fork Falls
Skinny Dip Falls
Sliding Rock Falls
Soco Falls
Sunburst Falls
Pigeon River Falls
Tom Branch Falls
Tom’s Creek Falls
Hooker Falls
Triple Falls
High Falls
Upper Whitewater Falls

Love North Carolina Waterfalls? Check out these guides!

The 20 Best Western North Carolina Waterfalls for Hiking

The 15 Best Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls to Explore

The 21 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina

The 10 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit

The Top 10 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)

The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Boone NC

How to Get to Otter Falls Near Banner Elk NC

How to Get to Hooker Falls NC (in DuPont State Forest)

How to Get to Crabtree Falls Near Little Switzerland NC

Bridal Veil Falls, Dupont State Recreational Forest — “Top Bridal Veil Falls, Dupont State Forest, NC” by bluesman46 is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

1. Bridal Veil Falls (4.5 miles)

Brevard, NC

One of the more well-known and beloved Asheville waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls is formed by the Little River.

It begins with a small drop of about four feet before sliding down an ever-steepening granite rock face, ultimately plunging into a series of pools and making a final cascading run.

All in all, it descends some 120 feet. Yep, it’s just as amazing as it sounds!

Aside from warranting a visit for its sheer beauty, Bridal Veil– along with several other falls in Dupont State Recreational Forest– has the claim to fame of being featured in the film The Last of the Mohicans.

2. Catawba Falls (3 miles)

Old Fort, NC

Another of the most famous waterfalls near Asheville,100-foot-tall Catawba Falls is as noteworthy for the cascades you’ll see along the trail as it is for the main falls.

Formed by the headwaters of the Catawba River, this collection of plunges and pools sees water slipping and gurgling over moss-covered rocks along rhododendron-lined banks.

Catawba Falls is part of the fabulous Pisgah National Forest, which stretches from Boone all the way south to Brevard.

The trailhead to the falls is only about 26 miles from Asheville, with easy access from I-40.

How to Get to Crabtree Falls - Sisters at Crabtree Falls — Crabtree Falls, photo by Emma Gallagher

3. Crabtree Falls (2.5 miles)

Little Switzerland, NC

A wooden bridge spans Crabtree Creek at the base of Crabtree Falls, providing an excellent view of this 60-foot mammoth as it trickles, traces, and trounces down the rock face.

There’s also a pile of inviting boulders strewn about, upon which hikers often stop for a bit of admiration and a snack.

Located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls has a large campground, picnic area, amphitheater, and a moderate-to-easy loop trail that crisscrosses the creek a couple of times.

It’s also just a few miles from a great little mountain town called Little Switzerland.

Daniel Ridge Falls near Brevard NC — Daniel Ridge Falls, photo via Canva

4. Daniel Ridge Falls (4 miles)

Pisgah Forest, NC

Also known as Tom’s Spring Falls and Jackson Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls is a 150-foot ribbon of a waterfall that dances its way down a stunning rock face.

It’s one of the many great falls in Pisgah National Forest, as well as one of the 250-plus waterfalls in Transylvania County NC.

Daniel Ridge Falls can be reached by a sometimes challenging (depending on recent weather conditions) four-mile hiking loop, or a more leisurely 1-mile in-and-out route.

A day trip can easily include some other great Asheville waterfall hikes on this list, especially Looking Glass Falls.

Douglas Falls - Waterfalls near Asheville NC — Douglas Falls by Wncoutdoors, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Douglas Falls & 6. Walker Falls (1 mile)

Barnardsville, NC

People generally make the trip out to this quiet gravel road in the middle of Pisgah National Forest in order to see Douglas Falls.

However, one could argue that it’s the ride out– and the 10 waterfalls on the left side of FS74, particularly Walker Falls– that are the journey’s real highlight.

Douglas Falls is some 70-feet high, but usually has a fairly modest flow. Walker Falls is a little bolder, cascading down the mountainside in a series of spectacular drops.

This is a great trip for those more interested in seeing gorgeous waterfalls than in hiking several miles to get to them.

7. Dry Falls (Roadside)

Highlands, NC

Dry Falls (which also goes by several other names) is formed by the Cullasaja River and offers up an impressive 65-foot plunge.

Since Dry Falls tumbles over a rocky outcrop, it’s even more fun because visitors are able to walk behind the falls in order to get a different perspective.

Located just a few miles north of Highlands, NC, Dry Falls is right on the side of the road (US 64) and only requires a short walking path to access the best views.

It’s in the Natanhala National Forest, and can easily be combined with a visit to Rainbow Falls (which you’ll find further down on the list).

20 Western North Carolina Waterfalls - French Broad and Shoal Creek Falls — “File:French broad and Shoal Creek Falls – panoramio.jpg” by Will Thomas is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

8. French Broad Falls, 9. Mill Shoals Falls & 10. Cathedral Falls (0.7 miles)

Balsam Grove, NC

This is one of our favorite waterfall hikes near Asheville because it’s possible to see all three of these impressive falls in just .7 miles round-trip.

French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals Falls are right next to each other, with one fed by the French Broad (one of the nation’s three oldest rivers) and the other by Shoal Creek.

Only a quarter-mile up the creek you’ll find Cathedral Falls, a.k.a. Bird Rock Falls.

These western NC waterfalls are located on private land owned by Living Waters Ministries, but they do allow visitors to explore the falls at their own risk.

Graveyard Fields Lower Waterfall by jadimages via canva

11. Graveyard Fields (3.3 miles)

Rosman, NC

Despite its rather ghoulish name, Graveyard Fields easily ranks as one of the best Blue Ridge Parkway hikes for NC day trips.

The main reason for that is the phenomenal fleet of falls you’ll find along the route (and some good wild blueberry picking, if you’re into foraging).

Located at Milepot 418.8, Graveyard Fields is a hugely popular Blue Ridge Parkway overlook.

Its name comes from a vast collection of tree stumps that resembled gravestones after a massive fire in 1925.

The Fields have since revegetated, and now provide amazing views all year-round, particularly when Fall colors reach their peak.

12. Hickory Nut Falls (1.4 miles)

Chimney Rock, NC

Pushing into the North Carolina Piedmont, Hickory Nut Falls is a towering waterfall that measures over 400 feet.

The falls are visible from the roadside. But to get up close and personal, you’ll need to hike a short loop of 1.4 miles to the base of the falls.

It’s part of Chimney Rock State Park, which is home to one of North Carolina’s most recognizable rock formations.

The town of Chimney Rock is also a great place for families and souvenir enthusiasts.

Lake Lure, which served as a main set for Dirty Dancing, is just a few miles away.

Best NC Campgrounds - Lower Linville Falls — Lower Linville Falls, photo by Emma Gallagher

13. Linville Falls (1.6 miles)

Linville Falls, NC

One of our favorite Asheville NC waterfalls, Linville Falls is widely ranked among the most beautiful in the state.

It offers two very distinct viewpoints: A wide section plunges a few feet into a pool, with an amazing observation deck right at the water’s edge.

Another section dives into a gorge between two cliffs, and has distant observation decks to capture the whole scene.

All of this is part of the Linville Gorge Wilderness, which is often referred to as “the Grand Canyon of the East.”

In short, the scenery here is stunning and worthy of the trip, even before you factor in one of the most breathtaking North Carolina waterfalls.

Best Pisgah Trails - Log Hollow Falls — Log in log hollow falls.jpg by Wncoutdoors is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

14. Log Hollow Falls (1 mile)

Pisgah Forest, NC

The trek to Log Hollow Falls is an easy waterfall trail near Asheville, although finding it does require good directions. It’s not signposted.

Nevertheless, the trailhead to Log Hollow Falls is but a short detour from the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway via US-276.

Heading north towards the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for FR 475B and take a left on it.

In about 1.6 miles, FR 5043 will be on the right, and Log Hollow Falls is about half a mile walk from there. (Don’t park in front of the gate.)

Log Hollow Falls is 25 feet high. A little further down the creek is another, taller fall, giving the old two-for-one payoff on this trip.

Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest NC — Looking Glass Falls, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

15. Looking Glass Falls (0.25 miles)

Pisgah Forest, NC

Another one of the most popular waterfalls in NC, Looking Glass Falls requires nothing more than pulling a vehicle over to the side of the road for a quick stop.

It’s part of the vast collection of cascades in Pisgah National Forest and Transylvania County, which is known as the “Land of Waterfalls.”

Were it not so easy to reach, it’d feel much more miraculous to visit. Nevertheless, Looking Glass Falls is a notable 60-foot plunging waterfall that splashes into a rocky pool below.

The waterfall is especially beautiful on a frozen winter day, when icicles form at its sides.

Moore Cove Falls in Brevard, NC by Will Thomas CC BY-SA 3.0

16. Moore Cove Falls (1.5 miles)

Pisgah Forest, NC

Moore Cove Falls, which can easily be combined with a trip to Looking Glass Falls, is another plunging waterfall that dives some fifty feet.

Moore Creek is a small waterway, so the falls typically have a low volume of water.

That being said, there is an amazing cavern behind this Pisgah waterfall where visitors can watch the water drop from overhead.

The trailhead to Moore Cove Falls is about a mile north of Looking Glass Falls, and the trail is an easy, family-friendly hike along a lovely creek.

Pearsons_Falls -Waterfalls near Asheville NC — Pearson’s Falls by Limozine CC BY-SA 3.0

17. Pearson’s Falls (0.5 miles)

Saluda, NC

Located in a botanical reserve near the border with South Carolina, Pearson’s Falls is majestic as it rolls down a 90-foot rock face.

Pearson’s Falls is owned by the Tyron Garden Club. This non-profit organization is working to preserve a 275-acre tract of forest, with babbling springs and 300+ species of wild plants.

So there is a small fee to visit the site ($5). But your visit includes a ¼-mile trail to the falls, a wildflower sanctuary, and an insanely photogenic stone bridge (Ethel Chase Bridge) that spans Colt Creek.

Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park, NC — Rainbow Falls photo by Jim Dollar, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

18. Rainbow Falls (3.9 miles)

Highlands, NC

Rainbow Falls can be combined with a trip to Dry Falls, as well as a bonus waterfall/ swimming spot called Turtleback Falls, which is further down the Rainbow Falls hiking trail.

But really, Rainbow Falls (which is located in North Carolina’s newest state park, Gorges State Park) is a worthy attraction all on its own.

Dropping almost 150 feet, this photogenic Highlands NC waterfall crashes into a boulder-strewn creek bed and sends up a steady cloud of mist.

The sun often finds the right angle and shines through the mist to create rainbows coming off the falls. It’s so pretty, it’s like a grade-school notebook cover!

19. Roaring Fork Falls (1.4 Miles)

Burnsville, NC

Another Pisgah Forest NC waterfall hike near Asheville, Roaring Fork Falls is a stunner that is hidden a few miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The waterfall is 100 feet high and nearly as long, with a series of cascades, free falls, and slides as it tumbles its way down a rockface.

At the end of its journey down, Roaring Fork Falls splashes into a rock pool to create one of the most photogenic scenic waterfalls near Asheville.

The hike to Roaring Fork is an easy one with very little incline. However, finding the trailhead can be a bit more daunting.

Skinny Dip Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway — Skinny Dip Falls by Bret Love and Mary Gabbett

20. Skinny Dip Falls (0.9)

Canton, NC

If you’re doing day trips from Asheville, Skinny Dip Falls makes a good combo with Graveyard Fields. Especially in summer, as the falls have a luxurious pool for swimming.

In fact, this waterfall is fed by the same Yellowstone Prong that flows through Graveyard Fields, which is just a mile away.

The trailhead is accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway right across from the Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Milepost 417), which is yet another noteworthy stop.

The trail to Skinny Dip Falls is short and relatively easy. However, it should be noted that it might require a bit of scrambling over rocks and roots along the way.

Sliding Rock Falls, near Brevard NC — Sliding Rock Falls, Photo via Canva

21. Sliding Rock Falls (0.2 Miles)

Pisgah Forest, NC

Visible from the US-276 that runs through Pisgah District of Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock Falls is a fun-for-the-whole-family type of cascade.

While certainly a beautiful natural feature, the big draw to Sliding Rock is the opportunity to slide down the 60-foot cascade, ultimately splashing into a deep pool at the base of it.

The ability to use Sliding Rock as a natural water slide makes it one of the most unique mountain waterfalls near Asheville.

Sliding Rock Falls is less than an hour from Asheville, and it is very near other premier waterfalls like Daniel Ridge Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and Moore Cove Falls.

Soco Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Cherokee NC — Soco Falls by Bret Love and Mary Gabbett

22. Soco Falls (0.2 miles)

Maggie Valley, NC

Located on the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Soco Falls is a gorgeous double waterfall near Cherokee NC.

These two plummeting falls face each other as they tumble down into the same rocky pool.

There is a short, but somewhat perilous walk down to a viewing platform. While not very long, the hike does require a moderate fitness level, steady footing, and using guide ropes.

Soco Falls is about an hour away from Asheville, for those willing to go slightly further afield. Mingo Falls, which is also on the Cherokee Reservation, is nearby as well.

23. Sunburst Falls & 24. Pigeon River Cascades (Roadside)

Canton, NC

A literal roadside attraction, Sunburst Falls actually flows underneath the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway (Hwy 215).

In fact, driving the 76-mile byway makes for a fantastic day of exploring Asheville waterfalls, with a dozen different falls or cascades along or near the route.

Sunburst Falls is beautiful, diving into a very welcoming pool. But the setting, beneath a stone arch bridge built in the 1930s, is what makes Sunburst Falls a unique visit.

There are also steep trails that lead to beautiful Pigeon Rover Cascades above the bridge.

10 Best NC Campgrounds - Tom Branch Falls at Deep Creek — Tom Branch Falls at Deep Creek, photo by Emma Gallagher

25. Tom Branch Falls (2 miles)

Bryson City, NC

Located in the eastern reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tom Branch Falls is the most beautiful and easily accessed waterfall in the Deep Creek section of the park.

This 80-foot Bryson City waterfall tumbles down rock shelves, ultimately culminating into a cool, tree-lined pool.

Tom Branch Falls is actually the first waterfall on Deep Creek Trail. Getting to it takes just over a half-mile of hiking, in-and-out.

However, Deep Creek Trail can be a 4.6-mile loop, rated moderately difficult, leading hikers past more waterfalls on a rhododendron-riddled riverside romp.

26. Tom’s Creek Falls (1 mile)

Little Switzerland, NC

Not to be confused with Tom Branch Falls, Tom’s Creek Falls is located in Pisgah National Forest, not far from Linville Caverns.

Coincidentally, it is also an 80-foot waterfall that tumbles down various rock shelves before diving into a cool, tree-lined pool.

The hike to Tom’s Creek Falls is an easy 1.2 miles, and there’s an observation deck from which to view the falls.

A small spur also leads down to the base of the falls, where a comfortable gravel-sand deposit begs for a longer linger.

Wildflowers at Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest — Hooker Falls by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

27. Hooker Falls, 28. Triple Falls & 29. High Falls (3.6 miles)

Brevard, NC

“High-flying” and “grandiose” are the perfect words to describe this trio of waterfalls found along Little River in Dupont State Recreational Forest.

They’re all on the same 3.6-mile trail, and may just rank as the most impressive falls on this list. They can be seen on the big screen in films such as The Last of the Mohicans and Hunger Games.

Hooker Falls cuts a wide swath and dumps a tremendous amount of water over a 12-foot ledge into a very large, fast-flowing pool.

Triple Falls totals 120 feet, but drops in three distinct tears (and is possibly my favorite waterfall anywhere in the world).

High Falls is the tallest of the three at 150 feet, and has an amazing pile of rocks to explore at its base, as well as a covered bridge near the top.

Upper Whitewater Falls ins Western North Carolina via Canva

30. Upper Whitewater Falls (0.4 miles)

Sapphire, NC

Out of respect for its status, Whitewater Falls (which is south of Cashiers NC) simply MUST be included on the list.

Upper Whitewater Falls accounts for 400-plus feet of the waterfall’s North Carolina section, while Lower Whitewater Falls adds another 400-plus feet in South Carolina.

It’s the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, and the Upper Falls can be accessed via a paved, quarter-mile walkway.

Ok, so the drive is about 90 to 120 minutes from Asheville. But how often does one get to say they’ve visited the tallest waterfall in the eastern United States?! —Jonathon Engels

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