The Best Hikes to Waterfalls

Hikes By Features: Waterfalls | Views | Historic Sites | Kids and Families

Here's a collection of what we consider to be the best waterfall hikes in the Western North Carolina region.

One of the most popular destinations for hiking in the mountains, waterfalls abound in the southern Appalachians, with ample rainfall falling on erosion-resistant rocks underlying the smooth, round ridges. Waterfalls are a common feature on both smaller streams and larger rivers.

There's a reason a part of Western NC is called the Land of Waterfalls!

While we consider these the best hikes in the region that include a waterfall, they are by no means an exhaustive list of all the waterfalls you can hike to. For ALL the waterfalls we know about in Western North Carolina, visit our sister site, WNCWaterfalls.info!

Graveyard Fields

Moderate Hike
  • A unique loop trail winds through this high-elevation, flat valley. Two spurs lead to some of the most photographed and …
  • 3.2 mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles

Moore Cove Falls

Easy Hike
  • This showery plunging waterfall is located in one of the most popular areas of the Pisgah National Forest, near the …
  • 1.4 mi, Climbs Gently
  • Tread Condition: Few Obstacles

Dupont Waterfalls and Lakes Tour

Easy Hike
  • On this hike, you'll visit up to 5 of the 6 major waterfalls and 3 of the beautiful lakes in …
  • 0.75 - 10.0 mi, Climbs Moderately
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles

Hickory Nut Falls

Easy Hike
  • This moderate hike takes you out-and-back through a vibrant forest to the base of Hickory Nut Falls. This is a …
  • 1.5 mi, Climbs Gently
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles

Skinny Dip Falls

Moderate Hike
  • This moderate, short hike takes you to an appealing waterfall and swimming hole on the Yellowstone Prong of the Big …
  • 0.8 mi, Climbs Moderately
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Stone Mountain Loop

More Difficult Hike
  • Passing three of the most sought-out points in the park - the summit of Stone Mountain, the Hutchinson Homestead, and …
  • 4.5 mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Panthertown Valley Tour

More Difficult Hike
  • This is a large loop with a wide variety of main attractions. The trails will take you past lazy, meandering …
  • 8.8 - 10.0 mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Linville Falls - Erwin's View

Moderate Hike
  • Linville Falls has two main trails: Erwin's view and Plunge Basin. Erwin's view is the easier of the two, and …
  • 1.5 mi, Few Hills
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles

Douglas Falls (Lower Approach)

Moderate Hike
  • This spectacular, 70 ft. falls is located in an old-growth forest. The lower approach to the falls is a walk …
  • 1 mi, Climbs Gently
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Flat Laurel Creek

Moderate Hike
  • This loop takes you around the headwaters basin of Flat Laurel Creek, which starts in a unique, high-elevation valley surrounded …
  • 2.5 mi, Climbs Gently
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

Crabtree Falls

Moderate Hike
  • This popular, short loop descends on a moderate path to a majestic 70 ft waterfall, which is widely touted as …
  • 3 mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles

Toms Creek Falls

Easy Hike
  • This easy hike is excellent for families and children, with a reward at the end that everyone will look forward …
  • 0.8 mi, Climbs Gently
  • Tread Condition: Graveled

Harper Creek Falls

Most Difficult Hike
  • A wilderness experience awaits along Harper Creek. This is not your typical, easy hike to Harper Creek Falls. However, this …
  • 8.5 mi, Hilly
  • Tread Condition: Very Rough

Tuckasegee High Falls

Moderate Hike
  • There's a lot of neat things to see packed into this relatively short, 0.7 mi path. Even if the trail …
  • 1.4 mi, Climbs Steeply
  • Tread Condition: Some Obstacles