Recognized for its artsy vibe, craft beer and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a dream vacation spot for journey lovers. Chasing waterfalls is likely one of the finest methods to discover the areas surrounding this iconic mountain city. From the Blue Ridge Parkway to cities like Brevard (aka the Land of Waterfalls), you’ll discover an abundance of gorgeous and numerous cascades.
Don’t write off chasing waterfalls on overcast days and even wet ones. The paths are usually much less crowded, and lots of waterfalls develop into extra highly effective when it rains. Pack a very good rain jacket (together with different day-hike necessities) and hit the paths! Rocks, stairs, boardwalks, and so forth. may be slippery when moist, so be cautious and put on waterproof footwear with good traction.
Listed here are a few of our favourite waterfall hikes close to Asheville. Know that this record is only the start—there are tons of of waterfalls within the space! Additionally, test native mountaineering occasions with REI for extra alternatives to get exterior and join with different hikers.
- Location: Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 339.5, 50 miles northeast of Asheville
- Size: 2.6-mile loop
- Issue: Reasonable
- Canines: Leashed
Please word: Examine for highway closures alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway should you plan to do that hike through the cooler months (notably November–March).
A visit to Asheville wouldn’t be full with out visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway, and also you would possibly as effectively hike to considered one of North Carolina’s most lovely waterfalls whereas there. Crabtree Falls is a shocking 70-foot-tall cascading waterfall that deserves a spot on the high of your North Carolina waterfall bucket record. The falls are tucked deep within the forest, which makes this already picturesque spot even higher for photographers because the dense forest blocks direct daylight from hitting the water all through many of the day.
Situated at milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the path begins on the Crabtree Falls Campground. Essential Disclaimer: Looking out “Crabtree Falls” in Google Maps gained’t take you to the proper location. Double-check that your instructions finish at milepost 339.5 on the parkway—it is best to see the campground close by on the map. Service on the parkway tends to be spotty, so affirm this earlier than heading out or obtain maps to make use of offline.
The path is steep, rocky and may be slippery in some areas, so take your time. Trekking poles turn out to be useful for this type of terrain. Because it’s a loop, you may go clockwise or counterclockwise. Both method, you’ll hike all the way down to the waterfall and end by going uphill. Going counterclockwise (beginning at Loop A and ending at Loop B) ends in a steeper downhill descent and a extra gradual uphill climb again to the trailhead. Additionally, it’s price noting that this can be a standard hike alongside the parkway. Go early should you want to keep away from crowds.
- Location: Pisgah Nationwide Forest, 35 miles southwest of Asheville
- Size: 0.3-mile round-trip out-and-back
- Issue: Simple
- Canines: Leashed
You would possibly’ve seen that a number of waterfalls on this record are in Pisgah Nationwide Forest, which encompasses over 500,000 acres and is a wonderful vacation spot for exploring waterfalls. Trying Glass Waterfalls is maybe one of the well-known within the nationwide forest. This 60-foot-waterfall is roadside, making it a very good choice for all ages. There’s an commentary deck by the highway, or you may take the steps all the way down to the decrease commentary deck to get a more in-depth look. Resulting from its recognition, discovering parking could be a problem. Nevertheless, parking turnover must be excessive as it’s a temporary stroll all the way down to the waterfall.
When you’re within the space, cease by the Cradle of Forestry simply up the highway, the place you may admire historic buildings and be taught concerning the historical past and evolution of forestry. If you wish to hit one other waterfall close by, try Moore Cove Falls (subsequent on this record). Hike the Trying Glass Rock Path or John Rock Path Loop (each are shut by) for spectacular mountain views. Any of those choices mixed with Trying Glass Waterfalls makes for the right day journey to Brevard.
- Location: Pisgah Nationwide Forest, 35 miles southwest of Asheville
- Size: 1.2-mile round-trip out-and-back
- Issue: Simple
- Canines: Leashed
Not too removed from Trying Glass Waterfalls, you’ll discover the trailhead for Moore Cove Falls alongside U.S. Freeway 276. At simply 1.2 miles spherical journey, this can be a nice choice for mountaineering with youngsters. The truth that you may stroll behind this 50-foot waterfall makes it much more engaging.
To entry the trailhead, park by the highway within the designated space alongside U.S. Freeway 276. The informational signal and footbridge are two markers that point out you’re on the trailhead. To start out the hike, cross over the footbridge and proceed alongside the path. You’ll stroll by means of the forest on mild terrain for 0.6 miles to achieve the waterfall. The path is well-marked and properly maintained.
Moore Cove Falls is most spectacular after it rains, as a result of it considerably will increase its water circulation. This waterfall is a good choice for low season mountaineering when a lot of the Blue Ridge Parkway tends to be closed. Once more, the Trying Glass Rock Path or John Rock Path Loop are nice close by choices for tacking on further mileage and reaching gorgeous mountain vistas.
- Location: Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 418.8, 35 miles southwest of Asheville
- Size: 3.2-mile loop
- Issue: Reasonable
- Canines: Leashed
Please word: Examine for highway closures alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway should you plan to do that hike through the cooler months (notably November–March).
Graveyard Fields is one other must-see spot alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t let the title idiot you—it’s certainly a waterfall hike. The truth is, there are two scenic waterfalls on this space: Second/Decrease Falls and Higher Falls.
To finish the Graveyard Fields Loop Path, find the picket path signal by the parking zone and take the steps to the paved path. After strolling by means of a dense patch of rhododendron for a couple of minutes, you’ll discover that the path opens up. There are a number of footbridges that take you over Yellowstone Prong—the stream that feeds each waterfalls. Proceed straight alongside the boardwalk till you attain an intersection. Take a proper to get to the bottom of Second/Decrease Falls, which you’ll attain after mountaineering simply one-third of a mile. There are fairly a number of stairs, nevertheless it’s price it.
After having fun with this waterfall, retrace your steps again to the intersection and take the path towards Graveyard Fields/Higher Falls to achieve Higher Falls: This places you on the northern part of the Graveyard Fields Loop. The path to Higher Falls isn’t well-marked, and there are a number of intersections, so it’s a good suggestion to familiarize your self with the loop earlier than mountaineering. Be looking out for blueberries as you head from Second/Decrease Falls to Higher Falls should you go in mid to late August! In your method again to the parking zone from Higher Falls, flip proper to return by way of the decrease part of the Graveyard Fields Loop Path.
If you wish to spend the day exploring this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, add Black Balsam Knob and Satan’s Courthouse to your itinerary. These two brief hikes provide breathtaking mountain views proper down the highway from Graveyard Fields. Should you don’t thoughts crowds (finest prevented by visiting early and on weekdays), early October is a good time to go to for an opportunity to catch some unbelievable fall colours.
- Location: Pisgah Nationwide Forest, 41 miles northeast of Asheville
- Size: 0.7-mile round-trip out-and-back
- Issue: Simple
- Canines: Leashed
This brief but rewarding hike leads you to a formidable 80-foot-tall waterfall. To get to the trailhead, drive 1.3 miles after turning off U.S. Route 221 onto Huskins Department Highway. You’ll discover a small parking zone and bulletin board. Take the trail from the parking space, which parallels the creek to the waterfall. The path is huge, and the dense forest will defend you from the solar within the hotter months.
You’ll be able to admire this magnificence from an commentary deck or veer to the suitable earlier than reaching the commentary deck to get a more in-depth look. There’s a shallow pool on the base of the waterfall, which is ideal for youths and pets. Pack a picnic and a few water footwear if you wish to calm down and grasp round for some time.
There are a number of different spectacular falls close by, making this space the right place for a day journey. Choices from this record embrace Roaring Fork Falls, Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls.
- Location: Pisgah Nationwide Forest, 47 miles northeast of Asheville
- Size: 1.4-mile round-trip out-and-back
- Issue: Simple
- Canines: Leashed
Simply 45 minutes from Toms Creek Falls, you discover Roaring Fork Falls—one other family-friendly hike in Pisgah Nationwide Forest. This one isn’t fairly as standard or well-known as a number of the choices alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway, nevertheless it nonetheless will get an honest quantity of visitors. Parking is restricted, so go early to safe a spot.
A quick hike alongside a largely flat gravel path will take you to the bottom of this 50-foot-tall cascading waterfall. Pictures don’t do it justice: You want to go in particular person to totally recognize the size and water speeding alongside the 100-foot cascade. The pool on the backside isn’t deep sufficient for swimming, however you may definitely get your ft moist.
There’s one other waterfall hike not included on this record about 10 minutes from Roaring Fork Falls referred to as Setrock Creek Falls. Should you’re up for it, you too can go to Mount Mitchell State Park and drive to the highest of the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell.
- Location: Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 316.4, 59 miles northeast of Asheville
- Size: 1.7-mile round-trip out-and-back
- Issue: Reasonable/Tough
- Canines: Leashed
There are a number of methods to entry Linville Falls. When you can’t go incorrect irrespective of which you select, the Plunge Basin Path provides a number of distinctive viewpoints of this iconic waterfall and tends to be much less crowded than the alternate options.
You’ll discover the Linville Falls customer heart and restrooms by the trailhead. To start out the hike, take the trail to the left of the restroom services. (Don’t stroll by means of the customer heart and cross the bridge, which is the extra apparent path.) The path splits round a 3rd of a mile in, at which level it is best to veer proper to entry the Plunge Basin Overlook for a chicken’s-eye view of the waterfall. Then, return to the principle path and proceed your descent to the bottom. The hike is brief however has steep sections, in addition to numerous roots and fallen bushes. The path additionally tends to get muddy after rain, so waterproof mountaineering boots with ankle help and good traction will turn out to be useful. Please word that swimming shouldn’t be permitted at Linville Falls. If a day journey isn’t sufficient for you, try Linville Falls Campground to spend much more time exploring this part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Gorge.
- Location: DuPont State Forest, 35 miles southwest of Asheville
- Size: 3.3-mile loop
- Issue: Reasonable
- Canines: Leashed
With a wide range of hikes for all ages and expertise ranges, DuPont State Leisure Forest is likely one of the finest locations for a day journey from Asheville. Excessive Falls and Triple Falls are two of six waterfalls inside DuPont State Leisure Forest and may be reached by way of a loop path from the Excessive Falls parking space. The path system in DuPont may be complicated as a result of there are such a lot of trails and intersections, so be sure to seize a map from the customer heart earlier than heading out in your hike. (They hold paper maps on the porch.) You can too use the restroom right here and refill your water bottle.
By following the path clockwise from the Excessive Falls parking space, you’ll first hike to Triple Falls and cross Excessive Falls as you end the loop. There may be some elevation achieve when you attain Triple Falls (after a few mile), and then you definately’ll stroll alongside the river till you attain Excessive Falls. Many of the path is shaded. By way of terrain, anticipate huge gravel pathways and packed-down grime. The out-and-back portion to the bottom of Excessive Falls is extra rugged than the remainder of the path, nevertheless it’s price it to face on the base of the 125-foot-tall waterfall.
Sort out three waterfalls in at some point by including Hooker Falls (named after Edmund Hooker, the person who operated the mill just under the falls within the 1800s) to your itinerary. As with many different areas on this record, parking fills up rapidly. Goal to reach earlier than 9am on weekends, if doable.
- Location: Pisgah Nationwide Forest, 27 miles east of Asheville
- Size: 2.3-mile round-trip out-and-back
- Issue: Reasonable
- Canines: Leashed
Please word: Path is briefly closed till Spring 2023 for path upkeep and updates.
Catawba Falls is a well-loved and simply accessible waterfall simply half-hour east of Asheville. It is a nice hike for newbies, youngsters and households. One of many causes this waterfall is so heavily-traversed is its proximity to I-40. You solely must drive for about 10 minutes to get to the trailhead after getting off the interstate. This waterfall is accessible year-round, making it an excellent choice throughout wintertime when the crowds die down.
The hike is well-marked and simple to comply with. Just a few bridges will take you throughout the Catawba River, which the trail parallels all through the hike. Whereas there may be some elevation achieve (round 350 ft), the hike stays comparatively gradual all through. After a bit of greater than a mile, you’ll attain a 100-foot-tall cascading waterfall—a tremendous payoff for such a brief hike. The hike ends extraordinarily near the bottom of the waterfall the place there’s a shallow pool. There are many rocks on the base the place you may sit and calm down, take images or get pleasure from a picnic lunch.
