25+ Asheville Waterfalls for Your Bucket List

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Whether you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, practice your photography skills, or get your heart pumping, there are plenty of Asheville waterfalls to choose from.

I’ve spent the last few years visiting western NC countless times, and one of my favorite things to do is go on a waterfall hike. There’s just something magical about that cascading water!

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Easily Accessible Asheville Waterfall Hikes

Please note: this does NOT mean that the waterfall is fully-accesible for people with mobility issues. When I say “easily accessible,” I mean the waterfalls are less than an hour from Asheville and the trailhead is close to the main road.

Some waterfalls in western North Carolina require driving on dirt roads and multiple backroads so these are just the easiest ones to get to so add a few to your Asheville weekend itinerary!

🥾 Want to download trail maps for all these hikes? Check out AllTrails+ for trail maps, tracking, and finding the best trails all over the country! 🥾

1. Catawba Falls

This is one of my all-time favorite waterfall hikes near Asheville. The hike itself is a pretty good little workout but not too difficult. The waterfall is well worth it.

It’s something you would see out of a fairy tale!

There are a couple of stream crossing on the trail. I’ve been multiple times and never had any issues but if you’re doing this hike in cooler months, then you may want waterproof boots. I always wear my Merrell boots or Chacos. Use caution after heavy rain.

The trailhead is easy to access 30 minutes east of Asheville and a very short distance off of I-40, so this is a very popular waterfall. You’ll want to get there around 7am on weekends.

Parking is easy and the lot is pretty large but it fills up quickly on the weekends. Pit toilets are available at the trailhead if you are in dire need.

Pro tip: Don’t enter Catawba Falls into your GPS. That will take you behind the falls to a private development. Use the trailhead location instead.

We visit this one the most often since we typically stay in Black Mountain while we are in the area.

2. High, Triple, & Hooker Falls Trail at DuPont State Forest

DuPont State Forest contains some of the most popular Asheville waterfalls because you can see multiple in one hike, the trails are well maintained, and there are plenty of facilities.

The High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls loop is my favorite thing to do in DuPont but it can get very crowded no matter the season. I’ve been in the dead of winter and it’s been packed.

Start at the Visitor’s Center where there are restrooms, bottle fillers, and hiking trail maps. You’ll see High Falls first, then make your way down to Triple Falls. After you pass High Falls, don’t miss the offshoot trail on the right where you can go to the base of the falls.

At Triple Falls there are some stairs that lead to the falls where you can have your own Hunger Games moment. Triple Falls and Bridal Veil (below) were both in the movie.

Once you get to the bottom of Triple Falls, keep going on the trail until you reach the Hooker Falls Access parking area. You’ll cross the parking lot and continue on a trail down to Hooker Falls.

Pro tip: Each time we’ve been here, the restrooms at the Hooker Falls parking area have been in better shape.

The base of the falls gets absolutely crazy on summer weekends because it’s a popular swimming hole.

This entire trail system is very well-maintained with lots of signage and lots of people on weekends. There’s plenty of parking here and even an overflow lot so we’ve never had an issue getting a spot.

It’s a bit of a drive from Asheville – around 50 minutes – but makes for a great day trip. We love stopping in Mills River on our way back to get drinks and food at some of the breweries in Mills River. Burning Blush and Mills River Brewing are two great ones and Sierra Nevada is also here.

3. Bridal Veil Falls at DuPont

Bridal Veil is another great waterfall in DuPont and it generally isn’t as crowded as the waterfalls above. Bridal Veil got its name because the granite has a low incline so the water flows over it in a sheet and looks like a bride’s veil.

Most of the trail is along a gravel road so the hike itself may not be too interesting but it’s well worth the view at the end.

Many people like to combine Bridal Veil with the other waterfalls but most of the time after hiking to the other ones, I’m beat. 😅

You can reach this one from the High Falls parking area at the Visitor Center or the Falls Lake parking area.

4. Looking Glass Falls

This is by far one of the easiest waterfalls near Asheville to reach because you can view it from the road. So if you do have someone with mobility issues in your group, this one is a great choice!

It’s located right outside of Brevard, one of the cutest small towns near Asheville, in Pisgah National Forest which is about a 45 minute drive. While you can view it from the road, there is also a ramp and stairs that lead to a viewing platform.

Be very careful on the stairs in the winter! Spray from the waterfall can freeze on them and make them super slippery. I busted my butt one time.

In the summer, you can swim below the falls but this is a very popular waterfall since it’s so easily accessible. You won’t have it to yourself unless you come super early.

If you want to photograph the falls, then coming early is your best bet too. Parking can be a little tricky as it’s roadside parking only, so have a backup plan if you’re visiting in the summer during the middle of the day.

5. Moore Cove Falls

If want to hit multiple waterfalls on Highway 276, then Moore Cove Falls is a good one to visit after Looking Glass. It’s actually one of the few waterfalls you can walk behind in North Carolina!

The trail is really easy so great for families with kids – just be very careful around the falls. There is a wooden viewing platform but people also walk around the base of the falls.

There is pull-in parking right off of Hwy 276, but this is also a pretty popular spot. We visited in the winter on the weekend and got one of the last available parking spots.

If it hasn’t rained in a while, the flow to this one is definitely affected so you may want to check AllTrails to see if anyone has left recent reviews reporting flow.

6. Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park

Pro tip: I recommend only visiting this one if you also want to hike other trails at Chimney Rock because the entrance fee is $17 per person.

This is one of the only North Carolina State Parks that charges a fee and that’s pretty steep so you want to get your money’s worth.

The trail is well marked and maintained though. If you park in the lower lot, you can either hike the Four Seasons Trail up to the Hickory Nut Falls Trail (what we did) or take the shuttle up to the upper parking area where you can get directly on the trail to the waterfall.

There are multiple benches along the way and even a picnic table toward the base of the falls so you can pack a picnic if you’d like.

Once you’ve seen Hickory Nut Falls, be sure to hike up to the top of Chimney Rock and do Exclamation Point if you still have any gas left in the tank.

After you’re done at the state park, head over to Burntshirt Vineyard or Chimney Rock Brewing Company, which sits right on the river. Both have great drinks and food.

There are also lots of facilities inside the park and even a little café.

7. Crabtree Falls

Crabtree is hands-down one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina, not just the Asheville area. It’s a gorgeous drive north on the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 339.

Note that since it’s on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the trailhead won’t be accessible if the Parkway closes during the winter.

The trail itself is beautiful and well-maintained and offers a pretty good workout – especially the switchbacks after you reach the falls.

The falls cascade down over 60 feet (according to NPS) and there are is plenty of space to hang out at the base of the falls but be very careful on the slippery rocks. If you complete the loop, you’ll hike back beside the creek which is very pretty as well.

This one is very popular with photographers, nature lovers, and hikers looking for a nice trail that isn’t too difficult.

8. Soco & Mingo Falls

These two waterfalls are very close to Cherokee and most people do them in one trip since they’re in the same area and about 30 minutes apart. You can also take the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway between the two.

It makes the drive a little longer but the views are well-worth it.

Soco Falls is actually two waterfalls side by side that flow together at the base. There is a small amount of parking and a short trail that leads to a viewing platform. The trail is very slick after rain!

There is a rock scramble that will take you down to the base of the falls and a rope to help you climb back up, but if you are going to do this then you need to be prepared!!

Mingo is the taller of the two, cascading down for 200 ft (according to Romantic Ashville) and it really is impressive. It’s another short hike, but this one has a lot of stairs.

Once you reach the base of the falls, you’ll see why it’s worth the short hike. The water cascades down over a rocky cliff and is truly mesmerizing.

9. Little Bradley Falls

This is one of my favorite waterfall hikes near Asheville because the falls are gorgeous, there are a couple of creek crossings which keep things interesting, and it’s a relatively easy hike!

The trail takes you through the beautiful forest of the Green River Gamelands and you’ll follow and cross the beautiful Cove Creek.

The highlight of this hike is definitely the waterfall itself. Little Bradley Falls stands at around 50 feet tall and has a large pool at its base, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

But be careful if you do decide to take a swim – the rocks can be slippery and there are some deeper areas.

There’s also lots of room to sit if you bring a snack before you make the return trip to your car. There are only a few spots to park in by the trailhead, but there are a few more options for roadside parking on the other side of the road.

Peep me in one of my favorite long sleeve hiking shirts in the photo.

10. Daniel Ridge Falls (also known as Tom Springs Falls)

This is another beautiful waterfall in Brevard and if you’re looking for more of a challenge then you can tack on Cove Creek Falls as well.

There generally aren’t as many people on this trail as some of the others that I’ve mentioned so if you don’t want any crowds, this is a better choice.

You’ll find a small gravel parking area at the trailhead and the trail begins on a forest service road. The trickling water comes down over multiple rock outcroppings and has a subtle beauty.

The trail is full of rocks and roots so keep that in mind especially once the leaves start to fall and cover the ground.

11. Sliding Rock Falls

Right off Hwy 276, Sliding Rock Falls is a popular summer attraction that offers an natural waterslide experience. There is an entrance fee of $5, but visitors get to enjoy a slide down the smooth, water-worn boulders into a refreshing pool below.

Keep in mind, the water is chilly even in summer! We used to visit as kids with our church group and had the best time.

Girls – you may want to wear shorts over your bathing suit when sliding down. The rocks are smooth but this is also a natural waterfall!

You’ll want to check the seasonal availability of lifeguards and restrooms, plus they are weather-dependent. I’ve already mentioned this is a popular summer spot, but they close the parking area when they get full so if this is on your bucket list, come early.

Also note – picnics are not permitted here!

12. Tom’s Creek Falls

Another easy trail that leads to a stunning waterfall, Tom’s Creek is a quick hike with a great reward. The trail is just under a mile total and leads to an approximately 80-foot waterfall depending on who you ask.

There is a nice observation deck with a good view of the falls but you can also explore around the base of the falls. I didn’t do this when visiting because I had my dog with me and she’s bad to pull on a leash.

Parking is pretty sparse and it’s just a gravel pull-off area beside the road so have a back up plan in mind for this one.

The trailhead is just north of Marion which is a cute small town near Asheville if you want to check it out after your hike.

Scenic Waterfalls Near Asheville, NC

These waterfalls require a little bit further of a drive or they are a little more difficult to get to. All of them are well worth the trip though!

The Asheville area offers some of the best hiking on the East Coast so you’re in for a treat.

13. Linville Falls

As one of the most iconic waterfalls in western NC, I highly recommend visiting Linville Falls. The falls are located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area which is part of Pisgah National Forest.

The main waterfall consists of two distinct sections: the upper falls and lower falls. Each section has its own viewpoint and there are viewpoints where you can see both. If you’re in decent shape, you can do all of these in one day.

The hardest trail at the falls is the Plunge Basin Trail which takes you down to the base of the lower falls.

Be aware that it is illegal to swim in the river at Linville Falls because of strong currents – there have been fatalities here in the past.

For parking options, you can either park at the Linville Falls Visitor Center (paved lot) or on Old NC 105 (gravel lot). We typically park in the Old NC 105 lot, but you’ll need to get there EARLY on weekends.

This place gets absolutely packed on weekends. Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and they are relatively clean.

While you’re out this way, if you have a high clearance vehicle, continue down NC 105 to Wiseman’s View. It’s a very short trail out to a stunning view of the Linville Gorge. Go for sunrise or sunset if you can.

14. Laurel Falls

Here’s one that’s just over the state line in Tennessee, but it’s absolutely stunning and the drive to get there is easy and actually very pretty. This is one of the best hikes near Johnson City, so if you do this hike, make sure to head into downtown and check it out.

It’s also on the Appalachian Trail, so if you’ve always wanted to do a hike on the AT, then this is your chance. Located in Cherokee National Forest, it’s 40′ tall and 50′ wide.

There are two different parking areas – if you want an easier hike (still rated as moderate), then start at the Dennis Cove parking area. If you are looking for a workout, then use the Laurel Fork Trailhead just outside of Hampton, TN.

It gets very rocky when you get close to the falls so that may be an issue for anyone who isn’t sure of their footing.

15. Wintergreen & Grassy Falls

Another one that’s located in DuPont State Forest, but you park in a different parking area for this one so I didn’t include it in the “easily accessible” ones. While I hiked these two waterfalls from two different trailheads, you can reach them in one loop hike.

You can also just hike to Wintergreen Falls and do it as an out & back trail if you want something a little easier. Choose your own adventure.

Park at the Guion Farm Access Area – when I was here in November of 2023, they were almost done building restrooms here. You’ll head toward the back of the parking lot and make a left.

I highly recommend looking at the trail map on AllTrails and downloading the map if you have a membership. There are a few different turns that you’ll need to make.

Wintergreen is beautiful, but my personal favorite was Grassy Falls above it. There are multiple places to swim and these falls are more off the beaten path than the other waterfalls in DuPont.

Beware of snakes though – the river is also very rocky and I could see this as a perfect sunning area for them in the summer months.

This area of DuPont is very popular for horseback riding and mountain biking so make sure you stay aware and yield when you need to.

I explored this one while I was checking out the waterfalls near Hendersonville as it’s super close to this adorable town.

16. Setrock Creek Falls

In my opinion, Setrock Creek Falls is one of the most underrated Asheville waterfalls. It was absolutely STUNNING. Even my dog, Barley, thought so.

It is a tiny bit confusing on how to get there though – you’ll want to park at the Mount Mitchell Trailhead and then walk across the bridge toward the Black Mountain Campground. This is a great spot to go camping near Asheville.

FYI if you follow the AllTrails map, it shows this part of the hike.

The trail itself is beautiful and easy for such an amazing reward. Part of the waterfall falls down a couple different rock shelves and then another half of it just slides down a slick rock face.

It’s very rocky at the base of the falls and there are some big boulders where you can sit and enjoy the view.

This is a very curvy drive coming from Asheville and part of the way will be on a gravel road. The parking area isn’t too large so if you have your heart set on this one – you guessed it – I recommend getting there early.

17. Graveyard Fields

You’ll find two waterfalls at Graveyard Fields and I loved how varied this hike was! Pay very close attention to the trail – it’s not always well-marked.

The last time we were there was after some storm damage so we actually went the wrong way for a bit. You also have to take offshoot trails to reach the falls which adds a little to the confusion.

The offshoot trail to Second Falls isn’t that far, but the one to Upper Falls makes the hike ~3 miles instead of ~1.3 miles.

In the fall, this place packs out since it’s right on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parking lot is very small but there are restrooms here that are open seasonally. We visited in February on a weekend and it was busy even then. We got one of the last available spots.

Make sure you check that the Parkway is open if you want to visit in the winter. We took sandwiches and some snacks and ate them at Upper Falls while taking a break.

18. Skinny Dip Falls

As one of the most popular summer swimming holes near Asheville, you’ll want to arrive very early to grab a spot here. Parking for the short and easy hike is located at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway so it fills up quickly.

It’s just north of Graveyard Fields and Devil’s Courthouse which are both great stops as well.

As for the trail itself, you’ll want to pay attention to the trail blazes and signs because there are a couple of trail intersections.

Once you get to the waterfall, there are plenty of places to sit and hang out or you can swim in the pool below the falls. Kids love this one!

19. Dry Falls

Here’s another one of the few waterfalls you can walk behind in North Carolina. The trail takes you behind the large waterfall and around the side so you can get a straight-on view.

There is also a viewing platform in case anyone in your group has accessibility issues. The trail that takes you behind the falls has multiple stairs on it though. It’s a very short hike and most of it is paved.

Be prepared to get wet – at minimum, you’ll be sprayed with mist when you get close to the falls.

There is a decent-sized paved parking area right off of Hwy 64 in Nantahala National Forest. It’s just outside of Highlands, NC which is a cute little town to explore.

Note that there is a $3/vehicle fee required which you can pay by cash at the self-service pay station or online. Cell service could be spotty though so you may want to pay in advance. This fee gets you into Dry Falls, Whiteside Mountain, and Whitewater Falls.

20. Roaring Fork Falls

The trailhead for this one is a little odd – when I got here the first time, I wasn’t sure I was in the right spot. At the end of Busick Work Center Road, you’ll come to a tall chain link fence with a gate and a small parking area where you can pull off the road.

The trail is then across the road through a closed forest service gate. It’s an easy hike to the falls along a pretty flat old road bed.

I visited on a weekday but the falls were still pretty crowded so I didn’t stay too long. There are shallow areas below the falls that people like to wade in, and some people sit down in the water to cool off.

While this waterfall isn’t very tall, it’s long and looks like it snakes along the ground until it reaches its base.

21. Whitewater Falls

At 411 feet tall, Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s located right next to the South Carolina line near Cashiers.

While it’s about an hour and 20 minutes from Asheville, it is well worth the drive to see this beauty. The overlook trail is paved, very easy, and short. It’s accessible for those with mobility issues.

The parking area is a decent size and even has a few RV spots but this area sees very heavy traffic. Like Dry Falls, it requires the $3/vehicle fee and if you don’t carry cash, you may want to pay in advance. Again, that fee gets you into Dry Falls, Whiteside Mountain, and Whitewater Falls.

If you want a little bit more of a hike, then head across the SC state line where you can do the 2-mile trail to Lower Whitewater Falls.

22. Rainbow & Turtleback Falls

Both of these waterfalls are on the same out & back trail that begins in Gorges State Park in Transylvania County.

Rainbow Falls gets its name because a Rainbow forms next to the waterfall on sunny days – especially during the morning.

You can spend as much or as little time as you want exploring around this waterfall. If you continue down the trail, you’ll find Turtleback Falls which is a popular summer swimming spot.

The trail is pretty tough so you’ll want to be in decent shape before tackling this one. There is a paved parking area in Gorges State Park at the Grassy Ridge Entrance.

You’ll be very close to Sapphire, NC, Lake Toxaway, and Whitewater Falls.

23. Schoolhouse Falls

This is a beautiful waterfall hike in Panthertown Valley that’s also near Lake Toxaway and Sapphire, NC. The trail starts at the Panthertown Trailhead and part of it is on a trail while the other part is on a gravel road.

There are a couple of creek crossings so keep that in mind when planning footwear. The hike isn’t that long at just under 3 miles but it’s rated as relatively moderate.

The river at the base of the falls is full of rocks and boulders where you can sit and hang out for a while and the river in this area is pretty shallow if you just want your feet wet.

This is a pretty remote area so prepare for no cell service and just know the parking area is pretty off the beaten path.

24. Discovery Falls

If the gate to the Forest Service Road (Headwaters Road) is open, then this is an easy 0.5 mile hike to the falls. However, if the gate is closed, then you’ll have to hike in on the gravel road which makes it just under 4 miles.

Parking is really just a pull off on the gravel road so beware your vehicle will be dusty and if you’ve ever driven Forest Service Roads, you know they aren’t always in the best shape.

The waterfall is heavily dependent on rainfall so it can either be a tiny trickle or gushing if there’s been recent rain. I recommend checking AllTrails recent reviews and recent weather in the area before you head out for this one.

It’s a beauty though and gets less busy than some of the others on this list.

25. Courthouse Falls

Here’s another one where the trailhead is along a forest service road that’s subject to closures. Courthouse Creek Road closes seasonally which means the gate at Parkway Road isn’t open.

If this is the case, that adds another 2.8 miles one-way to the hike so you will want to have a back up plan. However, if the gate is open, then this is a 1.8 mile easy trail to a gorgeous swimming hole.

My husband and I hiked to this one with our dog and just beware that the stairs leading down to the waterfall are pretty narrow and it made me nervous with a dog.

There are plenty of places to lay out by the falls and it’s a great spot to bring a picnic and swim. We visited on a Sunday afternoon and there were only two other groups here.

Best Time to Visit Asheville Waterfalls

The waterfalls near Asheville have something to offer in every season so it’s hard to say which time is best. In spring, you’ll find wildflowers blooming around the falls and they’ll really be flowing if conditions have been rainy.

Summer is definitely an ideal time to visit the falls but it doesn’t come without a price – crowds. Hiking tho waterfalls you can swim in is also a great way to beat the heat. Be on the lookout for snakes during this time and bring bug spray!

Fall foliage makes these waterfall visits particularly scenic and photogenic but again, many of them get crowded on weekends.

Finally, winter presents its own unique charm. Sometimes you’ll get to see beautiful icicle formations near the falls and on rare occasions, you might see the waterfall partially frozen.

This is when you’ll want to be extremely careful around the water and any slick areas. Layer up and be extra prepared for the weather too.

Guided vs. Self-Guided Asheville Waterfall Tours

If you aren’t familiar with the Asheville area and want to take a guided hiking tour, plenty of those are offered in the area.

Many of them go to the waterfalls in DuPont, but if you take a private tour and want to see a specific one then you can always ask about that.

If you prefer to hike on your own and are comfortable with getting out in the woods, then you can hit multiple of these waterfalls in a day by yourself.

DuPont is one of the best places to see multiple falls – mainly because you can park in one spot and see three to four stunning waterfalls on one hike.

Head out near Brevard on Hwy 276 and you can take your pick. Looking Glass Falls is an easy one to stop at, then visit Moore Cove Falls. Sliding Rock is just above both of these as well.

Graveyard Fields and Skinny Dip Falls are close together along the Parkway. If you do either of these, go to Devil’s Courthouse as well. No waterfall here but it’s a short but steep hike to a stunning overlook.

If you want to explore the Highlands/Cashiers area, then Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls, and Rainbow & Turtleback Falls should be the ones you visit.

Map of Waterfall Hikes near Asheville, NC

🥾 Want to download trail maps for all these hikes? Check out AllTrails+ for trail maps, tracking, and finding the best trails all over the country! 🥾

Wrap Up: Asheville Waterfalls

Exploring the waterfalls near Asheville is truly a magical way to spend the day. Whether you choose to go on a guided tour or venture out on your own, the beauty and tranquility of these natural wonders will not disappoint.

Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and dress for the weather – especially if you plan on visiting during colder months when some of the falls may be partially frozen.

Please stay safe and follow Leave No Trace principles!