Waterfalls

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina are home to many beautiful waterfalls. People travel from all across the country to see them. There are more than 250 falls in our immediate area. Below is a selection to get you started; be sure to read the driving directions, as some falls are most easily visited in sequence.

Please follow these basic rules when visiting waterfalls:

  • NEVER wade or walk on the rocks above or around waterfalls; even when dry, the rocks can be very slippery, and a slip can be fatal! Admiring waterfalls from a distance is safer and offers better views and photo opportunities
  • Stay on the marked trail; avoid shortcuts
  • Stay behind guard rails and heed all caution signs
  • Tread carefully to avoid stepping on plants and flowers; leave them as you found them for others to enjoy
  • Dispose of garbage properly
  • Keep dogs on leashes
  • Do not drink or carry alcoholic beverages; it is illegal.
Height: Three 80-foot falls Follow the well-marked trail to view the three sections of waterfalls. You can complete the short hike to only see the first of the falls, or continue further to see the...
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Height: 75 feet Part of the Cullasaja Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest, Dry Falls earned its name because you can take a trail to walk behind the falls and not get wet (don’t count on t...
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Height: 411 feet Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. These amazing falls plunge over 400 feet into the river below. Because of the rugged terrain with steep slope...
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