North Carolina is the Southeastern State in the United States of America. It has a lot to offer nature lovers and explorers. The state has a wide range of elevations, mountain ranges and landscapes. It also possess several state parks and forests offering scenic views and lot of activities throughout year. In this post we are sharing our experience about exploring some beautiful waterfalls of North Carolina, USA.
We have given details on how to reach these falls, the trails and hikes. We rated these hikes on the scale of 1-5 where 5 being the most difficult.
Upper Whitewater Falls
Upper Whitewater Falls is a beautiful 400 feet tall waterfall cascading down the mountain cliffs. It is located on the Whitewater River flowing through the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. The fall is close to the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. It is recognized as one of the tallest waterfall in the state. There is also a Lower Whitewater falls located couple of miles away from Upper Whitewater falls but located in the state of South Carolina.
Directions
From Salem in South Carolina, one can take SC-130 North or the Whitewater Falls road, continue onto NC-281 and finally take right onto Whitewater Falls Lane to reach the parking area.
From Cashier in North Carolina, take NC-107 South, continue onto SC-107 South, turn left onto State Road S-37-413, turn left onto SC-130 North, continue on NC-281 North and finally take right onto Whitewater Falls Lane to reach the parking area.
Hiking Trail
From the parking lot, one can use the Upper Whitewater Falls trail to access the falls. There are shelters, restroom and picnic tables located near the parking lot and also has plenty of space for parking. In case if the park is not open due to some reason, one can park on shoulders of NC-281 where the sign board is located and walk from there on the whitewater falls lane towards parking area.
The trail is around 0.5 miles one way hike and takes around 15-20 mins. There are two overlooks of the whitewater falls along the trail namely upper and lower overlook.
Upper Overlook
The hike to the upper overlook is around 0.3 miles one way. It is easy, paved, well maintained and almost flat trail. It is also wheelchair accessible. Especially if you have small kids or aged members or those with medical conditions, they can view the waterfalls from this overlook. We rate the hiking difficulty to upper overlook as 0.5 on a scale of 5. One gets a good side view of the waterfalls dropping from mountain cliffs and surrounded by the lush forest.
Lower Overlook
Once you are at the upper overlook, from here the trail to the lower overlook is around another 0.2 miles but one has to climb down around 100+ wooden steps and has to climb back up which may be very tiring. We rate the hiking difficulty to lower overlook as 2.5 on a scale of 5. This is not recommended for aged people with knee problems or other medical conditions. The overlook provides unobstructed front facing view of the beautiful waterfall when compared to the top view. When you are here, please do not go off the official trail as it is said to be very dangerous.
Dry Falls
Dry Falls is one of the beautiful and popular waterfall on the Cullasaja River dropping over the mountain cliffs at a height of around 70-75 feet. It is located in the Nantahala National Forest around Highlands, North Carolina. This waterfall is said to be part of a series of cascades along the river that ends at the Cullasaja Falls.
Directions
From Highlands in North Carolina, drive along US-64 West for around 3 miles and the Dry Falls parking will be located at the left.
From Cashiers, first take US-64 West, then takes Hicks Road towards Highlands and finally turn right onto US-64 W or the Franklin Road in Highlands to reach the parking lot.
Hiking Trail
The parking lot is big enough to hold around 15-20 vehicles and is located by the side of US-64 highway. There is also a restroom located in the parking lot and may be accessible only when it’s officially open for visitors. From the parking lot, one can access two overlooks to view the waterfall.
Upper Overlook
First is the upper overlook which is a few feet walk over the boardwalk. It is very easy and is also wheelchair accessible. The overlook offers the obstructed top or upper view of the waterfalls surrounded by forest.
Lower Overlook
The second overlook is around 0.2 miles trail one way and hardly takes around 5-10 mins to reach. The trail is paved with handrails on the side and has around 100 steps placed at distance to ease the steep hike. The first two batch of steps may be tiring when climbing up. We rate the hiking difficulty as 1.5 on a scale of 5. The view along the trail is very scenic. One also gets to experience distant scenic view of the waterfalls from several points along the trail.
As you move along the trail, you get closer and closer to the waterfalls, then walk across from behind it and reach to the other side. The trail behind the path is mostly slippery but has sufficient room to pass through easily. If the water levels are low, one may not get wet when behind it and hence it is said to have got its name as Dry Falls. But during high water levels, one would still get wet to a some extent as the water sprinkles all over around when falling from height with great force. One would also hear it making huge roaring sound when the water level is good. The view of the waterfalls is breathtaking and very beautiful.
As you walk on the other side of the waterfalls till the dead end, there is another beautiful view of the waterfalls which is totally different and unique in its own way from the previous views.
Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls is another beautiful waterfall on the Cullasaja River cascading over the mountain cliffs at a height of around 200 feet. It is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, North Carolina. Just like Dry Falls, this waterfall is said to be part of a series of cascades along the river and also the last one of the series.
Directions
From Highlands in North Carolina, drive along US-64 West for around 9 miles and the Cullasaja Falls parking will be located to the left. The parking is by the shoulder and there are no signs.
From Cashiers, first take US-64 West, then takes Hicks Road towards Highlands and finally turn right onto US-64 W or the Franklin Road in Highlands and drive for another 9 miles to reach the parking by shoulder.
The parking for this falls is by the shoulder or basically is a turn-out located on the road side. It is very small and can hold around 3-4 vehicles at a time. There are 2-3 such turn-outs at a distance of few feet but there is one that we believe is the closest to the falls and also probably the last turn-out to view the falls. We missed it once as there are no signs or we couldn’t see one and had to take U-turn to catch back with the help of GPS. Be careful when parking along the road side or stopping along the road as this is located on the mountains of Nantahala National Forest and just around a blind curve or zig-zag portion of the highway. Parking would be easier if you are travelling from Franklin than from Highlands.
Hiking Trail
There is no official trail or overlook that we could locate. We walked around and along the US-64 for few feet but didn’t find one. The views of the waterfall from the turn-out or along the side of the trail was not that great as they were obstructed by the trees. One could see only part of the waterfalls from different points along the US-64.
We finally found an unofficial trail located just by the side of the turn-out. The trail was steep, unpaved, muddy, and slippery, and requires some careful hiking. The trail goes downhill for around 0.1 miles one way and if you are a good hiker, will hardly take around 5-10 mins. Climbing back up such steep trail is very tiring. Not recommended for aged people or small kids. We rate the hiking difficulty as 2.5 on a scale of 5.
The view of the waterfall is very beautiful from the base. It’s tall and wide, and as it cascades down the rocks, it splits its course into two. We had been there during summer and the water level was good.
Bridal Veil Falls, Highlands
Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-50 feet tall roadside waterfall located along the US-64 in the Nantahala National Forest near highlands in North Carolina.
Directions
From Highlands in North Carolina, drive along US-64 West for around 3 miles and the falls is located on the right hand side of the road.
From Cashiers, first take US-64 West, then takes Hicks Road towards Highlands and finally turn right onto US-64 W or the Franklin Road in Highlands and drive for another 3 miles to reach the waterfalls.
Hiking Trail
The waterfall is located on the roadside along the US-64 highway and there is no hiking involved to see the waterfall. This is one of the easily accessible waterfalls. A paved curve roadway runs under the hanging mountain cliff from where the waterfall drops. Visitors can take a walk on the roadway and go behind the waterfall. The roadway was once said to be open for vehicles but is now only open for pedestrians. One can park the vehicle in the parking area and take the roadway.
The waterfall is beautiful but the water levels were not so great. The water drops into a pool and runs below a small tunnel or pipe underneath the US-64 highway.
You can also get a front facing view of the waterfall from the shoulder of US-64 highway. Be careful and watch for passing vehicles when you do so.
Sequoyah Falls
Sequoyah Falls is a 10-12 feet roadside waterfall located at the end of Sequoyah Lake near Highlands, North Carolina. The waterfall is basically formed when the water from Sequoyah Lake drops over a man-made dam that then joins the Cullasaja River.
Directions
From Highlands in North Carolina, drive along US-64 West for around 2 miles and the falls is located on the left side of the road.
Hiking Trail
There is no much hiking involved to see this fall. There is a turn-out near the falls and accessing it is very easy. The turn-out is unpaved and uneven. One can also watch the waterfall by standing along the shoulder of US-64 highway. There is a sign board marking the Highlands town and the waterfall is located just beside it.
The waterfall is beautiful and looks like jewel as the water flows steadily over the curve dam. The view behind the waterfall is also photogenic.
Linville Falls
Linville Falls is one of the beautiful waterfalls located on the Linville River in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. There may be several water drops but there are two that are well known. First is the upper falls with twin water cascades and the other is a 45-50 feet tall main drop falling into the gorge. The waterfall is also said to mark the start of Linville Gorge. The waterfalls is maintained by National Park Service which also operates a visitor center located near the falls.
Directions
From Linville in North Carolina, first take US-221 South, turn left onto NC-181 South, then turn right onto Rose Hollow Ave, left onto Blue Ridge Parkway and finally a left onto Linville Falls Road.
Hiking Trail
There are two trails to view the waterfalls that one can take from the Linville Falls visitor center. First is the Erwin’s View Trail which is a 1.6 mile round trip moderate hike, and the second is Linville Gorge trail which is 1.4 mile round trip and is said to be the difficult hike.
Erwin’s view trail has around 3-4 overlooks. The trail to the upper falls via Erwin’s view trail is around 0.5 mile from visitor center. It’s a moderate hike. We rate the hiking difficulty as 1.5 on a scale of 5. Once you reach to the point, you will see a rock platform with wooden fence from where you can view the Upper falls. The view includes twin falls cascading down small rock cliff and pausing into the Linville River before it joins the main falls.
From Upper falls, the next overlook called the Chimney view is around 0.2-0.25 mile. One can get to see the beautiful view the main fall or the lower fall from this overlook. The main falls drops from a good height into the Linville Gorge. The view of waterfall was spectacular surrounded by the steep walls of the gorge. You can also see the upper falls behind the main falls from the same point. If you look at the other side, one can also see a part of the gorge.
The last overlook on this trail is the Erwin’s view overlook which is another 0.1-0.2 mile from Chimney overlook. From here, one can view the Linville Gorge and scenic beauty around it.
The other trail, called as the Linville Gorge trail, is difficult and very tiring. It takes one to the other side of the river and one can also reach to the base of the waterfall to take close up photos of the waterfalls.
High Shoal Falls
High Shoal Falls is a scenic 70-80 feet tall waterfall located on the Jacob Fork River in the South Mountain State Park of North Carolina. It is located around 65-70 miles from Asheville. This is also one of the popular hikes at this state park with dense forest, creek, waterfalls, etc.
Directions
From Asheville, one can take I-240 East, follow I-40 East and take exit 104 towards Enola Road. Then take Old North Carolina 18 to South Mountains State Park.
From Charlotte, take I-85 South, then take exist to US-321 North, continue on US-321 BUS north and finally take NC-27 West to South Mountains State Park.
Hiking Trail
Once you are at the Jacob Fork parking lot, take the Hemlock Nature Trail. The distance to High Shoals falls is around 1 mile one way. The trail is moderate, well-marked, unpaved, slippery but still well-maintained. We rate the hiking difficulty as 2 on a scale of 5.
First you hike on the Hemlock Nature Trail for around 0.5 mile to reach to the point where you would see the High Shoal Falls Loop trail sign board. From here, it is another 0.5 mile to reach the base of the waterfalls. The view along the trail is scenic especially during fall season. There is a wooden bridge to cross the river and go to the other side. One can see several small cascades of water drops near this bridge.
From here, one has to climb several wooden steps to reach to the viewing platform and is quite tiring. The view of waterfall is just spectacular and worth all the hiking. The overall hike along the trail is very scenic and one would most enjoy it during fall and summer seasons.
High Falls
High Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the Little River flowing through the DuPont State Forest in North Carolina. The waterfall is around 120-130 feet tall. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the four waterfalls on the Little River. It is around 40 miles from Asheville.
Directions
From Asheville in North Carolina, one can take I-26 East, NC-280 West, US-64 West and Crab Creek road to Lake Imaging road in Little River. Then continue on Lake Imaging Road and turn right onto Buck Forest Road to reach the parking lot at DuPont State Forest Visitor Center
From Greenville in South Carolina, take US-276 West to Cascade Lake Road in Cedar Mountain. Then take Reasonover Road and Conversation Road to Buck Forest road to reach the parking lot at DuPont State Forest Visitor Center.
Hiking Trail
From the visitor center parking area the trail to High Falls is around 0.6 mile one way and takes around 15 mins. We rate the hiking difficulty as 1.5 on a scale of 5. One would first take a trail located near the parking area and move towards triple falls trail. Once you reach the Triple falls trail, take right and then a sharp left onto high falls trail. After around 0.2 mile hike, you will reach to the high falls overlook.
You can watch the view of waterfalls from this overlook and also from the River Bend trail.
The view of the waterfalls as seen from the river bend trail was absolutely spectacular. The water cascades or slides on a huge wide rock or granite and then falls into a rocky pool. Moreover the left over fall colors added to its beauty. The waterfall had plenty water flow when we visited the place.
You can also reach the falls from the Hooker Falls parking area and is around 1 mile walk one way.
Triple Falls
Triple Falls is another beautiful waterfall located on the Little River flowing through the DuPont State Forest in North Carolina. The waterfall is around 120-125 feet tall. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the four waterfalls on the Little River. It is around 40 miles from Asheville.
Directions
From Asheville in North Carolina, one can take I-26 East, NC-280 West, US-64 West and Crab Creek road to Lake Imaging road in Little River. Then continue on Lake Imaging Road and turn right onto Buck Forest Road to reach the parking lot at DuPont State Forest Visitor Center
From Greenville in South Carolina, take US-276 West to Cascade Lake Road in Cedar Mountain. Then take Reasonover Road and Conversation Road to Buck Forest road to reach the parking lot at DuPont State Forest Visitor Center.
Hiking Trail
From the visitor center parking area, the trail to Triple Falls is around 0.9 mile one way and takes around 20-25 mins. We rate the hiking difficulty as 1.5 on a scale of 5. One would first take a trail located near the parking area and move towards triple falls trail. Once you reach the Triple falls trail, take left and continue onto Triple falls trail to reach to the overlook.
It’s a 120-125 foot tall waterfall and provides a unique opportunity to experience the view of three cascades from the main trail or upper overlook. The view was really beautiful even though we couldn’t get to see more fall colors.
Another view of the waterfall is from the base where one gets to see only the lower falls and enjoy the view from close. The base access involves hiking a series of steps.
You can also access the waterfalls from High Falls which is around 0.6 mile hike one way. You need to take the high falls trail towards triple falls and then continue on triple falls trail to reach to the overlook.
Another way to reach the waterfalls is to take the station road located near DuPont State Forest Visitor Center and reach Hookers Falls Access area or parking. From here, the falls is around 0.5 mile walk one way and is moderate hike.
Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls is another beautiful but small waterfall located on the Little River flowing through the DuPont State Forest in North Carolina. The waterfall is around 12-15 feet tall. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the four waterfalls on the Little River. It is around 40 miles from Asheville.
Directions
From Asheville in North Carolina, one can take I-26 East, NC-280 West, US-64 West and Crab Creek road towards little river. Then turn right onto station road to reach the Hooker Falls Access area.
From Greenville in South Carolina, take US-276 West to Cascade Lake Road in Cedar Mountain. Then follow Cascade Lake Road and Station road to reach the Hooker Falls Access area.
Hiking Trail to falls
From hooker falls access area or parking area, the trail to the waterfall is around 0.4 miles and takes around 15 mins. We rate the hiking difficulty as 1 on a scale of 5. The hike along the hookers falls road is easy. There are 2 views, first a side view from the trail or hookers falls road and the other is entire view of the waterfall from the bottom or from close to the river. The view is of the Little River cascading from a ledge.
If you are at Triple falls, you can also take the Triple Falls trail towards Hooker falls and then take Hooker Falls road to reach to the falls.
You can also check out our other post for more scenic waterfalls that we explored in South Carolina. You can also refer to the USDA or US Forest service site that provides more information on various waterfalls in United States.
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