It’s a delightful, beautiful walk through fern-filled woods. The free-falling waterfall is 50-feet tall and is located in the … I’m pretty passionate about hiking to waterfalls. Hooker Falls From the Hooker Falls parking area (adjacent to the river), take a short walk to the right to Hooker Falls. Hiking Trails & Waterfalls A complimentary hiking trail and waterfall map to 19 waterfalls and 9 hiking trails is included in NC Mountains Vacation Guide. Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains because of its accessibility to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Linville Falls has four different overlooks to properly appreciate the falls with two main hiking trails. Hooker Falls is another great swimming hole, perhaps the most popular in the state, but you might want to save the swim for when you hike back. Get more stories delivered right to your email. There are literally hundreds of waterfalls and miles of hiking trails in this area. Check out some of our favorite hikes across the state and get ready to hit the trail… Western North Carolina is blessed with over a million-acre of national forest, national parks, state parks, and other public lands. The cascade is accessible directly from U.S. Highway 64 along a stretch North Carolina’s 98-mile Waterfall Byway. Which ones will you try first? You can hike all five viewpoints with a four-mile hike. You must purchase a ticket to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park to hike to the waterfall. Welcome! One of the most popular hikes in South Mountains State Park, just south of Morganton, the 2.7-mile High Shoals Fall Loop can get … Located in the Big Creek area of the Smoky Mountains, a 1.5-mile hike down Big Creek Trail will lead you to this hidden oasis. Deep Creek is one of the most incredible hiking trails in North Carolina, located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is located just off US 276 between Brevard and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a popular spot for wading and swimming in Casade Lake at the foot of the 12-ft. waterfall. Moore Cove Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the United States, and are situated near Brevard, North Carolina. You can leave your clothes on at skinny dip falls, but be sure to bring your bathing suit as this waterfall also doubles as a swimming hole. Apart from being the starting point of the trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes a good base camp for further explorations into the area. The mountains of Western North Carolina are filled with spectacular waterfalls tumbling over mossy boulders and spilling from towering cliffs. The waterfall is encompassed within a unique rock formation and the pool of the fall is actually perfect for wading or little swimmers to play and splash. Fayetteville is most notably home to Fort Bragg, but it’s also the only real place east of Interstate 77 in North Carolina where you could realistically make a day of waterfall hikes. Trees such as oak, maple, tulip poplar can be seen along with dark, lacy hemlocks. Please do not climb the slick rocks in close vicinity of the falls. Linville Falls MP 316. Smoky Mountains Waterfalls. The Gorge Trail is a 1.4-mile round trip and is strenuous. Once there, it feels as if you've discovered a utopia hiding in the woods. It is the Parkway’s smallest and most popular campground. purehiker.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Created by a drop in the Cullasaja River, the falls … From here it is a short 1/4 mile hike to the base of the 25 foot waterfall. Tree-covered mountain summits and grassy balds fill the horizon, and deep cut river valleys and gorges slice through the landscape, … Our resort village is … At the base of Hickory Nuts Falls, you can enjoy a splash of cold water on a hot day or perhaps you can simply enjoy the beauty of this towering waterfall. Here is an interactive map of all the falls we know about. Thank you! The most popular trail option leads you to Hooker, Triple, and High Falls. Thank you! The 120-foot fall is always impressive, but especially after a large rainfall which causes the cascade to flow in full force. Backtrack out the way you came in for a total hike of about 3 miles. The North Carolina mountain s are home to dozens of great waterfalls Whether you're looking for a scenic photo background or just want to hike to see some of the state's best natural beauty, here's a look at some of the best waterfalls … In DuPont State Forest you can hike to not only one waterfall, but three. Skinny Dip Falls, a series of beautiful cascading waterfalls on a crystal-clear river, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. While both hikes total four miles together, the most popular option is hiking the Erwin's View Trail just 1.6-miles from the Visitor's Center to the most-photographed perspective of the eighty foot Linville Falls. It is a terrain filled with wildflowers, clear-flowing creeks, and scenic hardwood forests and is a great hiking area directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville. From intersection of US 64 and NC 107 take NC 107 … The Forest Service plans to add a safer trail in the near future. Waterfall Map. Here's a collection of what we consider to be the best waterfall hikes in the Western North Carolina region. The trail to the falls is a popular short loop that descends on a moderate path to this majestic 70-foot waterfall. Do not attempt to cross the dam, it is very dangerous. The trail ends at a bench and staircase that takes you down to the waterfall and swimming hole. 10 Clever Ways to Reduce Condensation in a Tent. Dry Falls is a popular waterfall located just a few miles outside of Highlands. Dry Falls is a popular waterfall located in western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. The stunning Hickory Nut Falls is easily accessed by a 1.5-mile hike that's safe and accessible for the whole family. North Carolina has no shortage of waterfalls and amazing hikes to go along with them, ranging from falls that reach hundreds of feet to mild and temperate cascades with gentle swimming holes. What makes these forests even more special is that they have several waterfalls that make it an even rewarding place to hike. By now you might've caught on to the fact that a lot of these waterfalls double as swimming holes. In 2012, the US Forest Service opened a parking lot and restrooms for the waterfall hiking fall in the Pisgah National Forest. The Linville Falls picnic area is directly on the Parkway. The trail to the Moore Cove Falls is a 1.2-miles roundtrip which makes it a good family-friendly waterfall hike. Crabtree falls over a towering, sheer cliffs, forming one of Western North Carolina’s most beautiful waterfalls. The hike departs from a trailhead near the Crabtree Falls Campground visitor center. Hiking trails take you to the top & bottom of this fall, but hiking is not necessary to view this waterfall. Just a couple miles outside Highlands, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the few waterfalls in western North Carolina visitors can drive to—and even behind. This is section is only recommended for expert climbers skilled at climbing rocks and steep mountainsides. There is a observation area above the falls, and you can continue on the trail to reach the base of the falls. It a cool, refreshing stop, and a must-see if you happen to visit Chimney Rock. In late 2011, almost all obstacles from the surface were eliminated and the entire trail was re-graded providing sturdy wood structures for all creek crossings. "We took a wonderful 6.4-mile hike called "Waterfalls of DuPont loop," following along with Johnny Malloy's book, "Best Hikes … As you get closer to the falls, you will feel a cool-mist soak you. Keep your eyes peeled though, as there are no clear cut signs indicating you've arrived. You’ll travel along the base of the cliffs that form the edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the Falls. Cross the parkway and head up the path right beside the Mile Marker 417 post. The trail to the falls has a length of 0.6-miles and 1.9-miles back from the falls to the campground which makes it something like 2.5 to 2.6-mile loop. Hickory Nut Falls is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Triple Falls in DuPont State Forest. Skinny Dip Falls is a great summer swimming destination and a great way to use your legs if you are traveling the parkway. No Hiking Required North Carolina truly has the best waterfalls in the nation. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com. It has been extended and brought on the same level as Highway 64. What awesome hikes to take in North Carolina! The 1.5-mile hike is a steady, slightly uphill walk but not difficult. Someone dies about every year doing one of those. Crabtree Falls is one of the most photogenic falls in the area. Linville falls is located in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina and is the beginning of Linville Gorge; the waterfalls are fed from the Linville River and flows down the mountain into Lake James near Marion, North Carolina. Reviews on Hiking Trails With Waterfalls in Sylva, NC 28779 - Soco Falls, Mingo Falls, Glen Falls Trail, Dry Falls, Skinny Dip Falls, Grotto Falls, Graveyard Fields, Julie Falls, Gorges State Park, Tom Branch Falls I’ve spent the last few years hiking trails to waterfalls along the Appalachian Mountains (mostly in North Carolina) to bring you the ultimate beginner’s guide for hikes … The trail departs from the gravel parking lot noted in the Trailhead description and is clearly marked. You'll find Skinny Dip Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina at a height of 150-feet. This waterfall is highly recommended and it can also be combined with another nearby hike should you want to add some more miles to your day. So much so that I want to share my experiences with the world. The view is rewarding when you stand at the base of this tall natural wonder. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. The steps down to the falls are at the west end of the parking area at the entrance to the wheelchair-accessible area. There are 5 trails that lead to the Linville Falls offering a range from easy, moderate, and difficult. You will, however, follow along the side of the river most of the way to the falls. The hike passes a large, twisted tree, nicknamed the “Dragon Tree”. This waterfall located in the Chimney Rock State Park has an impressive height of 404-feet. Hiking Trails & Tips for Beginner & Expert Hikers. Different rocky outcrops make for perfect jump-off spots while a deep pool allows for actual swimming (after you get used to the chilly water). Enjoy Instagram-worthy spots easily accessible from the road, or take a light to moderate … Other waterfalls in the Panthertown Valley include Frolictown Falls, Wilderness Falls, and Greenland Creek Falls. How to Measure Torso Length for your Backpack? The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests comprise most of this land and offer great opportunities for outdoor activities. The waterfall is exceptionally beautiful. The hike ducks into the forest on a trail beside the MP 417 mile marker. So if you are planning a hiking trip to North Carolina in your mind, here are some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls. The only strenuous sections are either side of the falls where the trail climbs steeply up and down the ridge. Love North Carolina? Whitewater Falls Directions: This 411 ft. waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and is the highest waterfall in the eastern U.S. The waterfall is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 316.4, about 66 miles north of Asheville. High Shoals Falls. The parking area is often overflowing on hot summer days, but there is usually plenty of room at the waterfall. Just east of Asheville, the river tumbles through a rolling forest, cascading in a series of waterfalls and flowing over a mossy riverbed set in a shady, scenic stretch of the Pisgah National Forest. The North Carolina mountains are home to hundreds of waterfalls, including more than 250 in the Brevard area alone. Literally 100s of them are scattered around the mountains of western NC. After your hike, if you feel so daring, climb to the top of Hanging Rock for stunning views of the Piedmont. There is a heavy fence along the trail. The headwaters of the Catawba River are beautifully scenic. This is a popular weekend spot for both hiking and swimming, so you might hear some fellow splashers or hikers that will help guide you there. It’s also easy enough for families with small children to complete. The hike to Rainbow Falls is a 1.5-mile trip from Gorges State Park at the Grassy Ridge Parking area. Trees along this trail are large and interpretive signs help you identify points of interest in geography and ecology. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike is a beautiful walk through hardwood forests by rock cliffs. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Seasoned and skilled hikers can extend their adventure with a strenuous climb to the beautiful 50-foot Upper Falls. Map out your next hiking adventure with our guide to the best trails in and around Elkin. To view or … If you continue past the fence, you will go down via a short trail on the left which will lead you to an observation deck. You will receive your first newsletter soon. As you pass through the hardwood forest, the trail gets narrower. Some require a moderate hike … If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Just recently we covered the beautiful Linville Falls and the two popular hiking options; one taking you to the base of the fall and the other to Erwin's View. More information includes a description, statistics, directions to the trailhead, and trail … While Midnight Hole might have the smallest fall (if it can even really be considered a waterfall) the gentle cascades flow into a crystal-clear pool perfect for a chilly mountain dip. Do not try to climb up the rocks, jump from the cliff or wade above the falls. Emory was born and raised in North Carolina. There are also wildflowers on the way down. North Carolina has no shortage of waterfalls and amazing hikes to go along with them, ranging from falls that reach hundreds of feet to mild and temperate cascades with gentle swimming … Dry Falls is 65-foot tall and plunges from an overhanging rock outcrop creating a beautiful white flowing water that falls on to the rocky riverbed below. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! It gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. Moore Cove Falls is a showery plunging waterfall located in one of the most popular areas of the Pisgah National Forest near the Davidson River in Transylvania County which is called the “land of waterfalls”. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! This waterfall hike probably qualifies as a short walk because it’s so short. We use cookies to ensure you get the best browsing experience. It will be hard to believe you're actually not in the mountains for this one. Literally 100s of them are scattered around the mountains of … It is a refreshing swimming hole and a soaking spot on a hot summer day with clear, cold water. It is among the few waterfalls you can walk behind. The trail is accessible year-round. The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail has made several of our lists, including. Dry Falls is not only exceptionally beautiful, but the trail takes you safely behind the 75ft … Park at the Looking Glass Rock overlook, cross the street, and a 2.0-mile downward hike takes you to Skinny Dip. It is a 50-foot free-falling waterfall in a scenic creek-valley filled with fern and rhododendron. 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North Carolina is a great vacation spot for hikers as it is one of the most beautiful places on earth and heaven for hikers. Western North Carolina is blessed to have over a million … Apart from that, it is a leveled track that is relatively easy to hike. Rainbow Falls is a majestic waterfall located deep inside the Pisgah National Forest near Sapphire, NC. Have you done any before? There are at least four distinct waterfalls … The rolling, mountainous terrain near Asheville, NC is simply gorgeous. While those old song lyrics say, ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls,’ in North Carolina, it’s best to ignore this bit of advice and DO go chasing waterfalls. The valley in the village of Chimney Rock also gives you a view of the Hickory Nut Falls on the cliff of the rock. Click here to request a copy of the guide. The waterfall sits in a secluded, quiet cove set back from the highway, quiet refuge in an area popular with waterfall tourists. If you haven't already, it's time you added North Carolina to your adventure bucket list. There are literally hundreds of waterfalls and miles of hiking trails in this area. A hidden gem hiding in the Smokies, the beautiful Mingo Falls is accessed by a short and brisk 0.4-mile hike inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary). You can hike the singletrack trails in Elkin Municipal Park, plan a multi-day trek on the Mountains to Sea Trail, or visit Elkin during NC Trail Days, a three-day festival in late May. This trail will take you by three waterfalls (Tom Branch Falls, … Western North Carolina is full of waterfalls. Wintergreen Falls has a few flat rocks to sit on for a lunch or a nap. Reviews on Hiking Trails With Waterfalls in Hayesville, NC 28904 - High Shoals Falls Loop Trail, Bald River Falls, Bell Mountain, Jackrabbit Mountain Bike Trails, Hemlock Falls Trail, Upper Moccasin Creek Falls, Helton Creek Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, DeSoto Falls, Minnehaha Falls The US Forest Service has added two new footbridges so that you no longer have to hop across the river to enjoy the falls making this trail even more enjoyable. 1. The Dry Falls Parking area was redone fairly recently. The water flow varies depending on rainfall. Mountains to Sea Trail You can find a campground along the Parkway access road in addition to hiking. There are literally hundreds of waterfalls and miles and miles of hiking trails in this area - you could spend a lifetime trying to see everything. 20 Hikes & Waterfalls near Sugar Mountain Since Sugar Mountain is located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, find some the best hiking with panoramic scenery and waterfalls. The waterfall is literally right next to Highway 64 going towards Highlands, NC and requires just parking in the parking lot, and taking the very short walk to the observation deck, or walking down the very short walkway to and behind the actual falls. The Plunge Basin Trail is a 1-mile round trip and moderate. The campground has sites for up to 50 tents and 20 RVs along the banks of the Linville River. "It was definitely busy on a Saturday, with tons of families, but the paths were nice and well marked, and some parts of the trail were very easy, while the trail down to Hooker falls was more challenging." With over 400 to choose from, it can seem daunting to decide which ones to see. The hike departs from the Looking Glass Rock overlook. Move your mouse over a waterfall symbol to see its name, and click to find a photo and more information about that waterfall. It is also a great place for photographers, both for the waterfall and forest scenes. The Falls Trail is a 1.6-mile round trip and it is easy. Best Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, Hiking the Grand Canyon in one Day: South Kaibab Down, Bright Angel Up, Top 10 Best Mountains to Climb in the World. The walkaway needs some repairs so you need to be careful with your steps. And while some require a challenging trek through a remote … Linville Falls drops 90-feet into the 12-mile long Linville Gorge with tall cliffs above the river. During the summer, the trail is crowded, but you are likely to have it all to yourself if it is winter, especially if the gate is closed. There is a viewing platform at the trailhead, that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, offering great view of the falls. And interpretive signs help you identify points of interest in geography and ecology trail has made several of lists! Miles of hiking trails in and around Elkin a cool-mist soak you height 404-feet... 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