These North Carolina Waterfalls Are Worth A Trip To The Mountains

One of the pleasures of living in a state with mountains and abundant rainfall is its array of waterfalls—817, according to the World Waterfall Database. (Yes, that exists.) Most cascade over rock cliffs and through the gorges of rivers and streams in the west, where the Blue Ridge Mountains tower over the Pisgah, Cherokee, and Nantahala national forests and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Highways and hiking trails wind throughout all, and many lead you to spectacles of plunging mountain water that might leave you breathless—provided you’re not already gasping from a hike.

Green Mountain Creek Falls

Watauga County

Driving distance from Charlotte: 104 miles; 2 hours, 16 minutes

Courtesy, Explore Boone

This 20-foot waterfall is a splendid spot for a cinematic pause on a high-country drive. Park in the small gravel lot on the west side of U.S. Highway 221 and cross the road to see the falls up close—no hiking required. The waterfall tumbles over rock before it drops about 15 feet into a shallow pool. The creek then passes beneath the highway before it slides another few feet and disappears into the forest. On clear, sunny weekends, you may have it all to yourself. It’s also a scenic spot in winter, when the waterfall freezes into beautiful formations.

Directions: From the intersection of U.S. Highways 221 and 321 in Blowing Rock, take 221 south for 8.7 miles. The falls are on the right at the Watauga-Avery county line.

Catawba Falls

McDowell County

Driving distance from Charlotte: 109 miles; 1 hour, 49 minutes

Courtesy, Destination McDowell

This waterfall is far more than just a natural marvel on the eastern side of the mountains. It marks the headwaters of the Catawba River, which Charlotteans depend on for their drinking water, among other things. It’s also the site of an important restoration project. The falls closed to the public in 2022 and reopened May 31, 2024, with new “retaining walls, boardwalks, staircases, and overlooks to greatly improve the trail and visitor safety,” according to the U.S. Forest Service. The work, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act, focused on the dangerous cliffside path from the 205-foot Lower Falls to the 80-foot Upper Falls, the site of numerous injuries, deaths, and rescues before the improvements.

Directions: From Interstate 40 westbound, turn left off Exit 73, go under the interstate, and take an immediate right turn. At the fork, veer left onto Catawba River Road and drive three miles to the parking lot.McDowell County

Toms Creek Falls

McDowell County

Driving distance from Charlotte: 122 miles; 2 hours, 10 minutes

Courtesy, Destination McDowell

This 80-foot cascade in the Pisgah National Forest hits multiple tiers before it plunges into a shallow pool. Park in the lot off Huskins Branch Road at the southeast end of the trail—it has only six spots, so arrive early or park on the road. Then hop on the trailhead, which begins at the parking lot and crosses over a small bridge, and follow the sound of falling water. The gravel path has benches and a gentle incline, making it a good one for families or casual hikers. The trail ends at an observation deck that overlooks the falls. At the base is a small pool where kids can go wading. It’s less than a mile round-trip, so it should take no more than 20 minutes to complete. 

Directions: From the junction of U.S. Highways 221 and 70 northwest of Marion, drive north on 221 for 5.65 miles and turn left on Huskins Branch Road (SR 1440). Follow it 1.2 miles to a small parking area bordered by an old rail fence on the right.

Big Creek Falls

Yancey County

Driving distance from Charlotte: 159 miles; 3 hours, 6 minutes

Courtesy, Visit NC

You won’t need hiking gear for this one—just pull over, stroll, and enjoy. Look for a wide concrete bridge on your right that leads to a service road. Park here, then walk along a short, steep trail that leads to a swimming hole at the base of the 18-foot waterfall. Locals say jumping into the plunge pool from a rock ledge is a rite of passage. 

Directions: From Burnsville, drive west on U.S. Highway 19E for 5 miles, then turn right to go north on 19W. (Highways can be confusing in the mountains.) The falls are 17.8 miles ahead on the left.

Upper Whitewater Falls

Jackson County

Driving distance from Charlotte: 156 miles; 2 hours, 51 minutes

Courtesy, Stacy Redmon

At 411 feet, it’s the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, according to the U.S. Forest Service. (It has a smaller twin, too: 200-foot Lower Whitewater Falls, just across the state line in Oconee County, South Carolina.) These falls (and the next two on this list) are in the 532,000-acre Nantahala National Forest, which takes up much of westernmost North Carolina. It’s also at the cusp of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the geological feature that separates the mountains from the Piedmont; the escarpment area contains more than 50 waterfalls, some with drops of more than 300 feet. Upper Whitewater Falls has two viewing platforms: The higher is paved, wheelchair-accessible, and less than a quarter-mile from the falls. The lower requires a 154-step climb back up.

Directions: From the intersection of N.C. Highway 281 and U.S. Highway 64 west of Lake Toxaway, drive south on 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls. The road leads to a large parking lot that charges a small fee.

Dry Falls

Macon County

Driving distance from Charlotte: 109 miles; 1 hour, 49 minutes

Courtesy, Visit NC

It lacks the misty majesty of Upper Whitewater Falls—the Cullasaja River drops only 75 feet here—but Dry Falls acquired its name through its most notable attribute: You can walk behind it without getting soaked. Park on the side of U.S. Highway 64 and take a short walk to the guardrailed observation area. It’s especially beautiful in fall, and be forewarned: After heavy rain, you may not stay completely dry.

Directions: From Asheville, take Interstate 40 West to U.S. Highway 23/74 towards Waynesville, then U.S. Highway 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva, and Franklin. Stay on the bypass at Franklin and take U.S. Highway 64 to Highlands; then turn right on 64 in downtown Highlands and drive another 3.6 miles on 64 to the parking area.

Cullasaja Falls

Macon County

Driving distance from Charlotte: 190 miles; 3 hours, 40 minutes

Courtesy, Romantic Asheville

Cullasaja Falls, which shares its name with the river that feeds it and the gorge that contains it, is only a 10-minute drive from Dry Falls. But it’s off a winding, treacherous stretch of Highway 64, and the steep trail that leads to the foot of the 250-foot falls is recommended only for experienced hikers. But it’s one of the most beautiful natural features in a national forest rich with them.

Directions: If you’re coming from Dry Falls on Highway 64, the small parking area is on the left; the best course to avoid traffic coming around a blind curve is to drive another half-mile, turn around, and park on the right near the top of the falls.