North Carolina

You know the lyrics ‘Don’t go chasing waterfalls….’? Well, in this case, do… (especially as we mean it in the literal sense). The North Carolina mountains have hundreds of waterfalls, including more than 250 in the Brevard area. Enjoy Instagram-worthy spots easily accessible from the road, or hike to enjoy natural pools hidden away in beautiful national forests. 

Read on to discover some of the top waterfalls in North Carolina:  

Triple Falls, Brevard

Triple Falls in the DuPont State Recreational Forest is a stunning introduction to the Brevard region’s waterfalls. Dropping 36 meters in three separate cascades and featured in the movie Last of the Mohicans, visitors can score views of this magnificent scene from a well-worn walking trail nearby. 

Big Bradley Falls, Saluda

This one is for the thrill seekers… Big Bradley Falls sits 60 meters tall, and that’s not counting the 9-metre vertical rock wall you have to rappel down before you start. This waterfall isn’t accessible without a guide; you need to book the experience through Green River Adventures. Be prepared to get wet (it’s all part of the experience) and keep your eyes peeled for salamanders clinging to the wall. You can also team up the rappel booking with a Waterfall Trek for a full day of canyoneering.  

McGalliard Falls Park, Valdese 

A total hidden gem, McGalliard Falls Park is located just ten minutes away from charming downtown Valdese in the foothills of Western North Carolina, ‘where the Piedmont meets the mountains’. This park offers natural beauty, history, and multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation. A favourite gathering spot for locals and tourists, the park features a spectacular 13.7-metre waterfall, the historic Meytre Mill, a volleyball court, picnic shelters, and a nature trail. 

Upper Bearwallow Falls, Gorges State Park 

At Upper Bearwallow Falls, a short but strenuous 1.6km hike on a well-maintained trail takes you to a safe and spacious viewing platform that offers up a long-range look at this remote waterfall in Gorges State Park, located on the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

Batson Falls, Connestee Falls, Transylvania County

A kid-friendly and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads to a viewing area above Connestee Falls, offering up a nice view of Batson Creek Falls, a small six-metre tall cascade. The cascade falls as it joins Carson Creek, and the combined stream then flows down another set of waterfalls in a gap in the rock called The Silver Slip. All in all, a very scenic area to visit as part of your North Carolina stay.

Rainbow Falls, Sapphire, Transylvania County

Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park provides one of the best Western North Carolina waterfall hikes, with views over the Horsepasture River that thunders down a 38-metre drop, spraying up mist that creates rainbows that sparkle in the sunlight. This hike takes approximately 30 minutes each way and an additional ten minutes if you would also like to check out Turtleback Falls.  

Whitewater Falls, Cashiers 

Whitewater Falls

 is a 125-metre waterfall and is the highest in the eastern United States. No other waterfall in the east beats its water height, volume, and visibility. Due to the rugged surrounding terrain, visitors are advised to stay on the established trails, and a lower outlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Wildflowers and salamanders are in abundance in the cool, moist shade of the steep slopes and rock cliffs. You will also find a rich array of ferns, mosses and fungi in this area.

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a more-extended stay in the Southern state of North Carolina, there’s no shortage of things to do and exciting ‘firsts’, just waiting to be discovered. There are new attractions to explore, familiar activities to experience: all drawing visitors back here year after year. Check out our guide to the top five must-visits in North Carolina: 

Biltmore, Asheville 

Explore the beautiful Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. As America’s largest private home, Biltmore House has 250 rooms and stunning, historic gardens. There’s 8,000 acres of grounds to experience in a variety of ways, including rafting or horseback riding. Antler Hill Village is home to the award-winning Biltmore Winery and provides a relaxing place to dine, shop, and muse historical exhibits. Inn on Biltmore Estate is a four-star inn on the property that offers a luxurious getaway.

Birthplace of Pepsi: New Bern

First-time visitors, beware: if you ask for a Coke in New Bern, you’ll receive some funny looks… This community is proud to live in the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, and the fact is celebrated at several locations around downtown. Experience the Pepsi Family Center at the North Carolina History Center, antique stores which present ancient Pepsi bottles, and the signature Pepsi Store. 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

You may not think of beach scenes when you imagine North Carolina. However, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the state’s Outer Banks shoreline. Looked after by the U.S. National Park Service, Cape Hatteras is a cape located at a bend in one of the barrier islands of North Carolina – Hatteras Island. Enjoy the scenic beaches that have some of the best surfing plus kayaking, fishing, walking, and birding activities. No matter what you enjoy doing, there is something for everyone to explore. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

Situated in North Carolina’s westernmost corner and sitting on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, you’ll find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – America’s most visited national park. It is world-renowned for its diversity of animal and plant life, the beauty of its historic mountains, and the quality of its Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The Southern Appalachian Mountains, which provide a wealth of outdoor adventures, are some of the highest mountains in the East, so expect spectacular views. 

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain towers 1.8 kilometres above northwest North Carolina and is estimated to be 300 million years old. As a guest, you’ll pay an admission fee to drive your vehicle through the park, stopping along the way to explore various activities, including native wildlife exhibits and the famous High Swinging Bridge that connects two peaks at 1.6 kilometres above sea level. Grandfather Mountain is another great option for those that love the outdoors and wide, open spaces.