High Falls Trail at Lake Glenville
Just 8 miles from Cashiers, the High Falls Trail is a scenic hike with scattered rhododendron and tall tries. Its more perilous features include stone stairs, but there are also tree-built bridges that are easier to traverse. High Falls waterfall is within reach at just .7 miles along the trail, but heading back to the trailhead means climbing more than 500 feet in elevation. In all, the hike is 1.4 miles, round-trip.
Looking Glass Falls
One of the easiest waterfalls to reach in the area is this one in Pisgah Forest near Brevard. It’s kid-friendly and the upper view is wheelchair accessible. The waterfall is 60 feet tall and is named for the rock from which it flows, Looking Glass Rock. Its name is a result of the appearance of sunlight reflected off the sides of the rock in the winter when it ices over. Find directions and more information here.
Catawba Falls
The 3-mile round-trip hike to the falls is a steady and slightly uphill walk, but is not difficult. If you are a seasoned and skilled hiker, you can extend your adventure with a strenuous and difficult climb to the 50-foot Upper Falls, but the middle falls is about 100 feet high and very dangerous if you are not skilled at climbing rocks and steep mountainsides.
Dupont State Forest Waterfalls Tour
Get the most bang for your buck when you visit up to 5 of the 6 major waterfalls in Dupont State Forest. Start on an easy path to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area: Hooker, Triple, and High Falls. Covered picnic shelters with views of the falls make for excellent family outings. If you wish to continue to Grassy Creek and Bridal Veil Falls, it becomes a moderate hike where you cross a big covered bridge and pass a beautiful mountain lake on the way – well worth the extra effort!
Whitewater Falls
The highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains is in Nantahala National Forest, and falls 411 feet to the Whitewater River below it. A paved walkway leads to an upper overlook, or choose a 154-step walk to the bottom overlook. It is well worth the walk, and the view is extraordinary.
More Waterfalls
For even more waterfall adventures and excursions, as well as directions and more information, follow this link.
