5 Western North Carolina Waterfalls for your Must-See List

Linville Falls

Submitted by Victoria J. Yore of Follow Me Away

Linville Falls is truly one of the best waterfalls in Western North Carolina that anyone should visit! The best part about this waterfall is that there are a variety of different ways to view it, based on your ability level!
First, there are multiple trails where you can view Linville Falls and Linville Gorge from above. the best Tip For Visiting Linville Falls is to try both of the hikes if you are able to! These are highly recommended. Seeing the falls below with sweeping views of the gorge shouldn’t be missed! If you want a more moderate hike, you can hike down to the bottom of Linville Falls. This hike is a fairly steep downhill, with an uphill climb on the way back, but the payoff is worth it. Plus not as many people hike down to the bottom! There are no bad times to view Linville Falls, although visiting during Fall is particularly gorgeous!
There is a large parking lot, a visitor center, and bathrooms for your use before the hike. 
Dogs are welcome on the Linville Falls trails as long as they are on a leash!

Moore Cove Falls

Submitted by Candice of CS Ginger

One of the best waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway is Moore Cove Falls. This waterfall is really cool because you can walk behind it. The waterfall is about 50 feet tall and is found in the Pisgah National Forest.

The parking area is just on the side of Highway U.S. 276. There are not any signs marking the trail but there is an information sign near the trailhead. The hike is 1.5 miles roundtrip. It is considered an easy hike with about 150 feet of elevation gain. The trail is wide and flat for the most part, making it easy for young hikers and large groups to enjoy.

During the warm summer months, this is a popular hike. You will want to hike early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

The waterfall doesn’t have a large stream but after a large rainfall, the flow will be more significant. The falls can be reduced drastically by the end of the summer months or during a dry period.

The trail is pet-friendly.

Triple Falls Trail

Submitted by Ashley of Ashley on the Move

Located about 45 minutes outside of Asheville, NC located in the Dupont State Forest, Triple Falls Trail. The falls are one of the most popular trails to explore in Dupont, but don’t let that deter you! While it does get a bit crowded, the trail is wide and maintained well so it’s still very enjoyable no matter how many hiking friends you pass. The best part? You pass not one, not two, but THREE waterfalls on your way along Triple Falls Trail. The falls are absolutely gorgeous and all three have perfect spots to sit and enjoy a picnic. Two of the falls, Hooker Falls and Triple Falls were used in the filming of The Hunger Games! 
The trail makes a full loop from the Hooker Falls parking lot. Many signs will lead you to Hooker Falls first but if you want to make it less strenuous, follow the Holly Trail, cross the highway, and head towards the High Falls trail. This will have you going downhill as you hike back towards your car, passing Triple Falls and High Falls on your way!
In total, this hike covers around 3 miles and will take you about an hour or so, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the view. It is dog friendly (always love a dog-friendly hike!) and there is abundant parking. Choose from the Hooker Falls lot mentioned above or park at the Visitors Center!

Looking Glass Falls

Submitted by Kate of Our Escape Clause

Without a doubt, Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest is one of the most beautiful and easiest to access waterfalls in Western North Carolina!
Located just off the main road through the forest, Looking Glass Falls is an easy side stop and a must-see view during a weekend in Asheville and the surrounding area.
To access the falls, simply park next to the viewpoint, and you’ll be treated to an almost immediate view of them!
For better views, enjoy a short stroll (5 minutes or so) down to the water, where you can enjoy an even better vantage point.
The staircase leading to the falls is very short, but a bit steep and often wet. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good tread, and be cautious of slipping!
The view is dog-friendly as well, so be sure to bring your four-legged friend along if they’re traveling with you.
Once you wrap up enjoying the beauty of Looking Glass Falls, you’ll be at the perfect spot to head off to other attractions in Pisgah National Forest, such as the nearby Moore Cove Falls, Cradle of Forestry, and Slide Rock (perfect for an afternoon swim on a hot summer day).
All of the above sights are located within the immediate vicinity of Looking Glass Falls, and the trailhead for Mount Pisgah itself is also about a 25-minute drive away.
Looking Glass Falls is free to visit and a gorgeous example of a Western NC waterfall!

High Shoals Falls at South Mountains State Park

Submitted by Alison of Explorations Solo

South Mountains State Park is home to great hiking trails, comfortable campgrounds, and the 80-foot High Shoals Falls Waterfall. 
There’s plenty of parking, but the park can get crowded on the weekends, especially in summer so arrive early. 
From the parking lot, take the High Shoals Falls Trail one mile to the waterfall. The first half mile is a mix of paved and packed gravel trail with benches and picnic tables if you need a break.
The trail eventually narrows and becomes rocky. As you cross the wooden bridge over the river, take a moment to stop and enjoy the smaller waterfalls because the other side is where the climb begins. While it can be taxing, just take your time and you’ll make it. 
At the viewing platform, grab a photo and admire one of the best waterfalls in the area. The platform sets you up nicely for selfies, but other visitors are always willing to help with a photo. 
The trail continues past the waterfall and will intersect with many of the other trails in the park for a great day of hiking. However, there’s no view of the waterfall past the viewing platform. If you just came for the waterfall, I recommend heading back the way you came.  
Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash. Given the crowds and rocky trail, I wouldn’t recommend bringing a pet to the waterfall. 

Bonus Central North Carolina Waterfall

The Waterfall at Historic Yates Mill County Park 

Submitted by Alison of Explorations Solo

Historic Yates Mill County Park is home to an operating water-powered gristmill. But the centerpiece is the waterfall. The water from the millpond cascades over a stone wall into a grotto, creating one of the prettiest scenes in the area.  

It’s also one of the most accessible waterfalls to visit. When you arrive, make a left in the ample parking lot and go as far as you can. This will put you close to the easily located Mill Pond Trailhead.  

It’s a short 0.1 mile to the waterfall on a wide, packed gravel trail. Most of the trail is shaded and there are several benches if you would like to take a break. Towards the end, a small, concrete ramp will lead you to the waterfall.  

The small grotto is a popular location for photos, and while it’s not usually crowded, you may encounter a photoshoot. There’s room for everyone, and you can still enjoy the waterfall and get good photos of your own.  

Mornings are usually best to avoid any crowds and get the best views.  

Dogs are not allowed, so you’ll need to leave them at home. Of course, ADA service animals are welcome.  

If you’d like to do more hiking, there are plenty of other parks nearby, including Lake Johnson.  

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