
Welcome to the majestic cascade carnival of North Carolina, otherwise known as the land of waterfalls!
If you’re ready to trade your urban jungle for the flowing wonders of the Tar Heel State, you’re in for a treat.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker with boots worn thin or just someone who likes the idea of a scenic drive followed by a picnic, you’ll love the waterfalls of North Carolina.
From the easily accessible roadside spectacles to the hidden gems awaiting your adventurous spirit, this guide is your key to unlocking the beauty of North Carolina’s waterfalls.
So strap on your hiking boots or simply rev up the car—let’s chase waterfalls, Tar Heel style! 🌊🚗

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Related Videos:
Waterfall Tours:
Learn more, see more, and find the things you can’t on your own by booking a tour with an expert!
Books About NC Waterfalls:
North Carolina Waterfalls by Kevin Adams
Hiking Waterfalls North Carolina: A Guide To The State’s Best Waterfall Hikes by Melissa Watson
North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide by Kevin Adams

Falls by county
With over 250 waterfallls, NC is known as the “Land of Waterfalls” This list is incomplete but always in progress. We’ll continue to add waterfalls, articles, trip ideas and information about North Carolina’s numerous, scenic waterfalls.
*Always follow rules of safety and hiking when visiting waterfalls.
Buncombe County
Although parts of Buncombe County receive less average rainfall than any other location in the Southeastern US, Buncombe County still has several waterfalls.
Burke County
Clay County
Jackson County
Macon County
- Bridal Veil Falls (Macon County)
- Cullasaja Falls
- Dry Falls (North Carolina)
- Quarry Falls (Macon County)
- Secret Falls
Madison County
McDowell County
Montgomery County
Polk County
Rutherford County
Stokes County
Home to the isolated Sauratown Mountains.
- Hidden Falls (Hanging Rock)
- Lower Cascades (Hanging Rock)
- Tory’s Falls (Hanging Rock)
- Upper Cascades (Hanging Rock)
- Window Falls (Hanging Rock)
Swain County
Transylvania County
This area receives more average annual rainfall than any other place in the Eastern United States – over 90 inches a year.
- Bridal Veil Falls (DuPont State Forest)
- Corbin Creek Falls
- Drift Falls
- High Falls (DuPont State Forest)
- Hooker Falls
- Log Hollow Falls
- Looking Glass Falls
- Moore Cove Falls
- Rainbow Falls (Horsepasture River)
- Silver Run Falls
- Slick Rock Falls
- Sliding Rock
- Triple Falls (DuPont State Forest)
- Turtleback Falls
- Upper Whitewater Falls, part of Whitewater Falls extends into South Carolina, which together drop over 1000′ in elevation before hitting the plunge basin.
Wilkes County
Yancey County
Waterfalls Broken Down by 40 Sections:
- Central & Eastern NC
- Hanging Rock and Mayo River
- Wilkesboro
- Stone Mountain
- West Jefferson
- Boone
- Blowing Rock
- Grandfather Mountain
- Elk Park
- Linville Gorge
- LIttle Switzerland
- Spruce Pine
- Burnsville
- Mount Mitchell
- Craggy Gardens
- Hot Springs
- Valdese
- South Mountains
- Marion
- Old Fort
- Asheville
- Hickory Nut Gorge
- Saluda/Tryon/Columbus
- Hendersonville
- Brevard
- Shining Rock & Middle Prong
- Balsam Grove
- Rosman
- Lake Toxaway
- Cashiers
- Highlands
- Cullowhee
- Sylva
- Big Creek & Harmon Den
- Cherokee
- Bryson City
- Nantahala Gorge
- Franklin
- Murphy and Hayesville
- Robbinsville
Waterfalls Visible from the Road (no hiking required):
- Glassmine Falls: Craggy Gardens Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 361.3
- Walker Falls: Craggy Gardens area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Off Dillingham Rd which becomes a gravel road FR 74.