Western NC Waterfalls Road Trip: An Easy 2–3 Day Mountain Loop
I’ve spent years exploring Western North Carolina, and I’ve personally visited the waterfalls on this road trip.
This part of the state isn’t called the Land of Waterfalls for nothing—there are hundreds more you could add along the way.
These listed in this sample itinerary are some of my favorites, arranged into an easy Western North Carolina waterfall road trip through the:
Franklin/Highlands
Brevard
and Cherokee/Bryson City areas.
I personally wouldn’t rush the entire route in one day. Break it into sections, take two or three days if you can, and leave yourself some room to discover and add a few favorite waterfalls of your own along the way.
There’s no “right” place to start this road trip. I’m using Franklin as the starting point, but because the route makes a loop through Western North Carolina, you can begin with whichever section makes the most sense for you and travel in either direction.
Section 1: Franklin & Highlands Waterfalls
If you’re following my route, spend the night in Franklin or Highlands and get an early start.
US-64 between Franklin and Highlands takes you through the Cullasaja Gorge, where you can see several waterfalls without spending your entire day hiking.
Here are a few of my favorites that can either be seen from the side of the road or are a short walk.
Quarry Falls — AKA Bust Your Butt Falls
Quarry Falls is much better known by its colorful nickname, Bust Your Butt Falls. It’s one of the easiest waterfalls on this trip to see, with the falls visible from the road and parking nearby.
In warmer weather, you may also see people swimming here, but remember that conditions around waterfalls can change quickly.
Dry Falls
Dry Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls to recommend because you don’t just stand at an overlook and look at it—you can walk behind the waterfall.
You’ll take stairs from the parking area down toward the falls, where a walkway passes behind the rushing water. Give yourself a little extra time for this one rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
Bridal Veil Falls
Continue toward Highlands for Bridal Veil Falls, another easy waterfall to add to the route.
It’s located right along US-64 and requires very little walking, making it especially easy to combine with Dry Falls and Bust Your Butt Falls.
Calasaja Falls
A huge, 250 ft. multi-tiered waterfall you can see from the road.
You can hike down toward the base, but it is steep and can be slippery. Use caution and common sense if you decide to make the climb.
Want to Add a Hike? Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is different from the quick roadside waterfalls above.
Located in Gorges State Park, reaching the falls requires a hike of approximately 1.5 miles each way, and the trail is rated strenuous. You’ll want to allow considerably more time for this stop.
If you’re trying to cover more of the waterfall loop in less time, this is one I’d save for another trip.
Where to Stay Near Franklin & Highlands
Franklin and Highlands both make convenient bases for this portion of the road trip.
A few options to consider include:
- Hampton Inn Franklin
- The Park on Main in Highlands
- Highlander Mountain House in Highlands
Section 2: Brevard & Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls
Next, head toward Brevard and Pisgah National Forest.
Brevard has earned its reputation as the Land of Waterfalls, and you could easily spend several days exploring waterfalls in this area alone.
For this particular road trip, I’m keeping it to three popular stops along US-276.
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is one of the easiest major waterfalls in the area to see.
It’s right beside US-276, and you can get a view without a long hike. Stairs also lead down for a closer look at the falls.
Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls requires a little more effort but is still a relatively short hike.
The trail is approximately 0.7 mile each way and leads to a 50-foot waterfall that spills over a rock overhang.
Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock isn’t your traditional waterfall stop—which is exactly why I think it belongs on this road trip.
In the warmer months, visitors come here to slide down the natural rock face into the chilly mountain water below. There is a fee for parking during this time.
Even if you have no intention of taking the plunge yourself, it’s a fun place to stop and see.
In the off season there is no fee for parking.
Where to Stay Near Brevard
Staying around Brevard puts you close to Pisgah National Forest and gives you plenty of options for exploring beyond the waterfalls on this itinerary.
Hampton Inn Brevard is particularly convenient to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest, but you’ll also find cabins, vacation rentals and independent lodging throughout the area.
I’ll also link my Brevard restaurant guide here for anyone who wants more ideas for where to eat while they’re in town.
Section 3: Soco Falls & Bryson City Waterfalls
As you work your way west toward Cherokee and Bryson City, add another easy waterfall stop.
Soco Falls
Soco Falls is located between Maggie Valley and Cherokee and is especially interesting because you’re seeing two waterfalls come together.
There’s a short trail from the roadside parking area to an observation deck. The terrain can be steep, so use caution, particularly if the ground is wet.
From here, continue through Cherokee toward Bryson City.
Deep Creek: Three Waterfalls in One Stop
The Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park gives you three more waterfalls without having to drive from one to another.
Park once and explore the trails to:
Tom Branch Falls
Indian Creek Falls
Juney Whank Falls
Tom Branch is the easiest of the three to reach, while seeing all three requires more walking. Rather than squeezing Deep Creek into the end of an already packed day, give yourself enough time to enjoy this area.
When you’re finished, downtown Bryson City is just a short drive away.
Where to Stay Near Bryson City
Bryson City has everything from hotels and small inns to cabins tucked into the surrounding mountains.
McKinley Edwards Inn is one option if you’d prefer a smaller inn experience, or choose a hotel, cabin or downtown accommodation depending on how you want to spend your trip.
Bonus Scenic Detour: Wayah Bald
If you’re traveling between Bryson City and Franklin (or the other way around), consider adding a detour to Wayah Bald.
It’s not a waterfall, but the mountain views make it a worthwhile bonus stop.
If you’re leaving Bryson City early enough, my first choice would be to time your visit for sunrise. On the right morning, you can look out across layers of mountains with clouds and fog settled into the valleys below.
Traveling in the opposite direction? You can also stop here as you make your way from Franklin toward Bryson City.
Sunset can be beautiful, too, although I’d personally rank the times to visit:
Sunrise → Sunset → Anytime you can get there.
Even during the middle of the day, the mountain views can be spectacular. Just remember that summer afternoons may be warmer, and you won’t get the same colors in the sky that you’ll see around sunrise or sunset.
Check current road and weather conditions before making the drive to Wayah Bald, particularly during colder months or after severe weather.
Make This Waterfall Road Trip Your Own
One of the best things about this route is that you don’t have to follow it exactly as I’ve written it.
Have one day? Pick one geographic section and spend the day exploring without rushing from one side of Western North Carolina to the other.
Have two days? Combine sections, but be selective about longer hikes such as Rainbow Falls and allow plenty of time if you want to explore all three waterfalls at Deep Creek.
Have three days? Complete the entire loop at a much more relaxed pace, with time to explore Franklin and Highlands, Brevard, Bryson City and some of the mountain scenery in between.
And remember, these aren’t the only waterfalls along the route. If another waterfall catches your attention while you’re planning, add it! Part of the fun of slowing this trip down is having enough time to make it your own.
Ready to Chase Some Waterfalls?
Whether you tackle the entire loop or choose just one section, I hope this gives you a starting point for your own Western North Carolina waterfall road trip.
Take your time, leave room for an unexpected stop or two, and don’t feel like you have to see everything in one trip. Around here, there’s always another waterfall waiting for next time.
And if you love exploring North Carolina as much as I do, come join me on the North Carolina Traveler Facebook page. I’m always sharing more places to explore, road trip ideas, local stories, travel tips and things you may not have known were right here in North Carolina.
