Sometimes the best adventures are in your backyard. This seems to be especially true for Charlotteans, who are enjoying the lifestyle between the ocean and the mountains – two outstanding locales for novelty, beauty, and recreation.
These western waterfall destinations beckon to the intrepid traveler who’s ready to brave the Blue Ridge and mount the peaks of the Nantahala to drink in a million-dollar view.
If you are currently visiting near Charlotte North Carolina, you definitely must pay a visit to these top waterfalls of North Carolina County.
Whitewater Falls
On the border of the Carolinas, Whitewater Falls lays its claim as the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, plummeting over 800 feet. This descent occurs over the course of two drops, one on each side of the border. Check it on Google Map.
Linville Falls
The Linville Gorge wilderness area has some of the best hiking in North Carolina. A spiderweb of trails offers views from many vantage points of the always popular Linville Falls. Here, the water plunges down a 40-feet-plus drop at one of the highest volumes in the Blue Ridge. Check it on Google Map.
Glen Falls
Located near Highlands, Glen Falls is composed of three sections accessible via a two-something-mile out and back trail with four scenic views. Check it on Google Map.
Crabtree Falls
Hike a 2.5-mile loop studded with ferns and wildflowers to view Crabtree Falls, where water tumbles down a rugged cliff in beautiful rivulets shrouded in a fine mist. Check it on Google Map.
Catawba Falls
Frankly, it’s hard to know where to look standing before Catawba Falls in Pisgah National Forest. The headwaters of the Catawba River traversing over multiple ledges, splitting and rejoining in a beautiful dance. Check it on Google Map.
High Falls
DuPont State Forest is teeming with waterfalls, but perhaps none are quite as stunning as High Falls which towers over 100 feet above the pool at its base. Check it on Google Map.
Moore Cove Falls
Tucked away in Pisgah National Forest, Moore Cove Falls features a tall but thin stream of water that shoots past layers of stacked rock. Part of this waterfall’s popularity stems from the fact that visitors can walk behind the falls for a stunning, wet view. Check it on Google Map.
Rainbow Falls
The river that feeds Rainbow Falls bounces off numerous rock ledges as it drops over 100 feet and creates a stunning view. Named for the rainbows that form in the waterfall’s mist, this Pisgah National Forest landmark is a must-visit. Check it on Google Map.
Looking Glass Falls
Near Brevard, along a spur jutting off Highway 26, Looking Glass Falls is a 60-foot, single-drop waterfall that features one of the state’s best swimming holes at its base. Check it on Google Map.
Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is the place to visit with kids. Located just north of Looking Glass Falls, these gradual “falls” form a natural water slide that shoots adventures into a pool waiting at its base. Check it on Google Map.
Shunkawauken Falls
Looming over the scenic White Oak Mountain Road in Columbus, Shunkawauken Falls is a great destination for those who are unable or unwilling to hike to a waterfall view. Visit after rainfall for the most impressive display. Check it on Google Map.
Dry Falls
Outside Highlands in the Nantahala National Forest, Dry Falls offers visitors the chance to wander behind the water as it drops 65-feet off of an impressive display. Check it on Google Map.
High Shoals Falls
South Mountains State Park is a short, one-hour drive from Charlotte and is home to High Shoals Falls. The High Shoals Falls loop trail is less than three miles but is packed with views. Consisting of boardwalks that crisscross over the rushing river, short rock scrambles, and earthen trails shrouded in mist from the falls, this trail is perfect for hot summer days. Check it on Google Map.
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