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North Carolina Waterfalls Near Asheville: 60 Favorites

Best Waterfalls Near Asheville: Top 60+ Waterfalls & Hikes in Western North Carolina
 

If you’re searching for the most stunning waterfalls in Western North Carolina, the Asheville area is the perfect place to start. Known as the "Land of the Waterfalls," this region is home to hundreds of cascades, with many easily accessible for a quick roadside stop or a scenic hike.
 

We’ve compiled a list of 60+ must-see waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, each with detailed guides, directions, photos, and videos to help you plan your visit. Since most waterfalls aren’t marked with signs at the trailhead, be sure to take our directions with you when heading out.
 

Waterfall Safety & Hiking Tips
 

While exploring waterfalls can be breathtaking, it’s important to prioritize safety. Every year, visitors are injured or worse due to unsafe climbing, wading, or swimming near waterfalls. Follow these key safety rules:

  • Do not climb rock faces—they are often wet and extremely slippery.

  • Never dive into waterfall pools—hidden rocks and strong currents can be dangerous.

  • Avoid wading in water above a waterfall—a sudden slip could carry you over the edge.

For more detailed safety guidelines, check out our Waterfall & Hiking Safety Tips.
 

Plan Your Waterfall Adventure
 

To see multiple waterfalls in one trip, explore our Waterfall Maps & Scenic Drives, which highlight the best waterfall routes in the Asheville area. Whether you’re looking for an easy roadside stop or a challenging hike to a hidden cascade, you’ll find some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina right here. Enjoy your adventure, and stay safe!

Waterfalls Near Asheville in the North Carolina Mountains

This 150-foot waterfall is tucked away in the heart of a stunning 10,000-acre nature sanctuary, making it one of North Carolina’s most impressive falls. The hike to the waterfall is a breeze—just 1.2 miles roundtrip from the parking area—

Oh, this 75-foot waterfall is a showstopper—and it’s got two major perks: it's right off the road and yep, you can actually walk behind it!

This stunning 150-foot waterfall, nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, is accessible via a scenic 3 mile, roundtrip trail from Gorges State Park.

If you're looking for a hidden gem, this 1.5-mile roundtrip trail takes you behind a serene 50-foot waterfall, tucked away near the well-known Looking Glass Falls.

Tucked near Triple Falls, this spot offers an easy half-mile roundtrip stroll from the parking area—perfect for a quick nature fix.

Tucked away in Panthertown Valley within Nantahala National Forest, Schoolhouse Falls is a small waterfall that packs a big punch in terms of beauty.

This charming waterfall is set against towering cliffs, creating a majestic backdrop. It's an easy walk, with other stunning waterfalls like French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals nearby,

Located on the Waterfall Byway, stop to walk behind this roadside cascade. It's located near Highlands. Just a mile away, walk behind a much bigger Dry Falls, along US Highway 64.

Yellow Creek Falls, nestled in the Nantahala National Forest near Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah, is a serene 50-foot waterfall accessible via a gentle third-of-a-mile hike.

Nestled in Pisgah National Forest near Marion, North Carolina, Tom's Creek Falls is a stunning 80-foot, two-tiered waterfall that's remarkably accessible.

Just a short walk from Beech Mountain and Banner Elk, you’ll find a 50-foot waterfall tumbling over a rock cliff into a gorgeous oval pool.

Set out on a guided half-day adventure to explore three of the region’s most stunning waterfalls, all while soaking in scenic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

At 411 feet, Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, with the combined falls dropping 811 feet.

Silver Run Falls, a 25-ft. waterfall in Nantahala National Forest, creates a stunning and serene spot.

Tucked deep within the backcountry of Nantahala National Forest lies a landscape shaped by time, water, and memory. This isn’t just a place for pretty pictures

Take a leisurely 1.5-mile roundtrip hike to see one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, the stunning 404-foot cascade at Chimney Rock State Park.

Get ready for waterfall magic you can actually walk BEHIND! This impressive 70-footer is tucked deep in Pisgah National Forest north of Asheville.

Now if you're lookin’ for a little magic that doesn’t require a passport, take yourself to Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hidden away near Highlands, Secret Falls is a stunning 50-foot waterfall that tumbles gracefully into a serene, crystal-clear pool—perfect for wading or taking a refreshing swim.

This stunning waterfall in Pisgah National Forest is located just three miles from I-40 in Old Fort. Start with the 1.1-mile River Trail to reach the Lower Catawba Falls, a breathtaking 250-foot cascade.

Walker Falls is a beautiful 40-foot roadside waterfall located along a scenic drive through Pisgah National Forest, just north of Asheville. It’s a perfect spot to stop and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding woodlands on your way to Douglas Falls.

Get ready for a bit of a challenge with this 1.5-mile round-trip hike to the stunning Cullowhee Falls, also known as Lake Glenville Falls. At 150 feet, this waterfall is an impressive sight,

This 90-foot waterfall may be privately owned by a garden club, but don’t let that fool you—what unfolds here is a public moment of awe

Triple Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest is a stunning 125-foot, three-tiered waterfall offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience cascading beauty up close.

Upper Creek Falls, nestled in the Jonas Ridge area of Burke County, North Carolina, is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.

Take a quick pit stop on NC Highway 215 near Rosman/Brevard (about 7.5 miles north of Highway 64) and get a three-for-one waterfall experience!

Wintergreen Falls, nestled in DuPont State Recreational Forest, is a charming 20-foot waterfall accessible via a gentle 1.25-mile hike from the Guion Farm Access Area on Sky Valley Road.

Just a stone’s throw from Daniel Ridge Falls, this gorgeous two-mile hike leads you straight to a waterfall that’s as stunning as it is peaceful—

This 80-foot waterfall nestled within Pisgah National Forest lies just six miles west of downtown Brevard, conveniently located near U.S. Highway 64.

Sunburst Falls, tucked beneath a historic stone arched bridge on NC Highway 215, offers a serene and picturesque view of the West Fork of the Pigeon River.

Drive through the mountains near Columbus and keep an eye out for this stunning 150-ft. waterfall cascading down the mountainside right next to the road

Tucked away near Moore Cove Falls and Looking Glass Falls, this 150-foot beauty—also known as Tom’s Spring Branch Falls—pours down in the heart of Pisgah National Forest.

Waterfalls Park, also known as Bobby McLean Memorial Park, is a charming roadside spot in Newland featuring multiple cascades totaling about 50 feet.

This beloved swimming hole on the Cullasaja River sits right off US Highway 64, between Highlands and Franklin.

Toxaway Falls is a striking 150-foot waterfall located along US Highway 64 at Lake Toxaway, between Brevard and Cashiers, North Carolina.

This 25-foot waterfall in Pisgah National Forest is just a short walk from the road, located 1.8 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway on NC 215, nestled between Wildcat Falls and Sunburst Falls.

​Slick Rock Falls, located in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina, is a captivating 35-foot waterfall that cascades over an overhanging cliff, creating a picturesque setting.

This strenuous 6.5-mile loop hike leads you to the stunning Twin Falls, where two 100-foot waterfalls stand side by side, offering a spectacular view.

​Stairway Falls, also known as Stair Step Falls, is a captivating 50-foot cascade along the Horsepasture River in Pisgah National Forest.

The most popular natural waterslide in North Carolina for generations is in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Slide down a 60-ft. smooth rock waterfall into a pool of chilly water.

This 20-foot waterfall can be found along one of the most enjoyable hiking routes leading to the summit of John Rock.

Catch a glimpse of a stunning 18-foot cascade just off the road in Headwaters State Forest, south of Brevard. T

National Forest, this spot at the base of Mt. Mitchell invites you to take a quick, one-mile round-trip hike. Along the way, you'll find Setrock Creek Falls, a quiet gem tucked away in the forest.

Located in the Qualla Boundary, Mingo Falls is just outside the Great Smoky National Park. A photographer’s paradise, this stunning cascade features multiple waterfalls

Roll down the windows and let the mountain air hit you—because Bridal Veil Falls is a showstopper you don’t even have to hike for.

Pinnacle Park, home to the hidden gem that is Gina Falls, is just a quick five-minute drive from the nearest urban area—

NC Mountain Regions
You can also narrow your search above by region: 

 

  • Asheville
     

  • East (Black Mountain, Chimney Rock, Morganton)
     

  • North (Burnsville, Hot Springs, Madison City, Mt. Mitchell)
     

  • South (Brevard, Hendersonville, Saluda, Tryon)
     

  • West (Bryson City, Cherokee, Highlands, Sylva, Waynesville)
     

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (includes more options for the West)
     

  • Blue Ridge Parkway (also see our Top 11 Parkway Waterfalls
     

More Info
Be careful! See our waterfall and hiking safety tips. For maps and suggested drives, see our Waterfall Maps & Drives

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