Though North Carolina is the ninth most populous state in the United States, its natural wonders also abound, from the picturesque majesty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the beautiful beaches of the 200-mile stretch of barrier islands within the Outer Banks. Visitors to its largest city, Charlotte, can enjoy major tourist attractions such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Carowinds theme park, but even from the city, it’s only a short drive to reach sights such as pristine beaches, expansive national forests, and serene waterfalls. These 11 waterfalls are less than a three-hour drive from Charlotte, offering spectacular drops, unique overlook points, and chances for swimming and sunbathing away from urban crowds.
1.Wintergreen Falls
Wintergreen Falls is located within the 10,473-acre DuPont State Forest, approximately a two hour and 15 minute drive from Charlotte. The waterfall was named for the prevalence of natural evergreen ground cover at within the nearby Grassy Creek Gorge area and showcases a water drop of 25 feet. It is accessible via a moderately strenuous 3.1-mile hike from the forest’s Guion Farm parking lot which takes about 40 minutes to complete round trip and is easily accessible for dogs, horses, and mountain bikers. Visitors should note that there are several wet areas along the falls’ trail and that a mild amount of rocky terrain must be climbed in order to reach the falls’ viewing point.
Wintergreen Falls Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28739, Phone: 828-877-6527
2.Log Hollow Falls
Log Hollow Falls is one of four waterfalls within Pisgah National Forest that is accessible via the Log Hollow Trail, along with Upper Log Hollow, Logging Road, and Discovery Falls. The falls are located approximately two and a half hours from Charlotte and are the perfect natural excursion for hikers traveling with kids in tow, as they are accessible via an easy 10-minute hike from the parking area with no significant trail obstacles. Many hikers consider the 30-foot falls to be a hidden-away gem in a less traversed part of the forest. Visitors should note that leaning trees in front of the falls make for difficult photography angles, but wading near the base of the falls is permitted for better photo angles.
North Carolina 28761, Phone: 828-877-3265
3.High Falls
High Falls is one of the most impressive sights of DuPont State Forest, flowing at a height of 150 feet within the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The falls are a two-hour drive from Charlotte, accessible via the forest’s High Falls Visitor Center. Visitors have the option of two access trails to reach the falls, including the moderately steep and strenuous two-mile High Falls Loop trail, which also provides access to nearby Triple Falls. At low water times, a close-up view of the falls is accessible via rock hopping on the river bank, and at high water times, the full force of the fall makes for great photo opportunities. In the winter, the falls are often covered with spectacular ice formations, making for even more beautiful sights.
Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, Phone: 828-877-6527
4.Elk River Falls
Elk River Falls is Pisgah National Forest’s most impressive falls by water volume, located approximately two and a half hours from Charlotte near Beech Mountain and the city of Elk Park. The 50-foot waterfall and its pristine oval base pool are easily accessible without a hike, with a steep footpath providing access to the bottom of the falls. Flat rock boulders provide perfect spots for picnicking and sunbathing at the top and bottom of the falls, and swimming and wading permitted at a section of the base, though visitors should be aware that some areas of the river are very dangerous and that a number of deaths have occurred at the site due to strong currents.
Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, Phone: 828-733-9573
5.Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is a little more than two hours from Charlotte, located along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway within Pisgah National Forest, and is one of the state’s most popular and scenic waterfalls. As one of the few roadside-accessible waterfalls in the state, it’s a perfect trip for visitors with mobility concerns or families in tow. The 45-foot waterfall is named after nearby Looking Glass Rock, which freezes over in the winter and reflects sunlight in a mirror-like fashion. Viewing platforms offer easy access to overlook the waterfall, while steps lead down to the nearby creek for close-up views.
US-276, Brevard, NC 28712, Phone: 828-877-3265
6.Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is not technically a waterfall, but a natural water slide that is fueled by 11,000 gallons of water per minute. The Pisgah National Forest attraction is a top family excursion on hot summer days, located nearly three hours from Charlotte near the city of Brevard. Visitors can slide down the rock’s 60-foot slope into its resulting seven-foot pool, with lifeguards on duty at the site during the summer months. Two observation platforms are also provided at the site, along with restroom and changing room facilities. A nominal admission fee is charged during the peak season, with children under six admitted free.
7851 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, Phone: 828-885-7625
More: North Carolina day trips, Things to do in North Carolina, Romantic Weekend Getaways in North Carolina, North Carolina beaches, Places to Visit in North Carolina, Wilmington inns, Romantic hotels Raleigh NC
7.Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ most spectacular sights, named for the misty rainbow that forms near the falls on sunny days. The 150-foot waterfall is located adjacent to Gorges State Park, approximately a three-hour drive from Charlotte, and is one of a series of waterfalls along the Horsepasture River. It is accessible via a moderate three-mile hike embarking from the Grassy Ridge parking area, with much of the return hike traveling uphill. Side trails allow for views of the waterfall from the base and the top, though visitors should be advised not to climb the falls’ rock face or wade into its upper portion, as several deaths have occurred at the falls.
976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, Phone: 828-966-9099
More: Underwater hotel, Oldest City in USA, USA islands, Romantic weekend getaways in South Dakota, Things to Do in Beverly Hills, Things to Do in Aspen
8.Second Falls
Second Falls is one of three falls located at Pisgah National Forest’s Graveyard Fields valley, which was named for its high population of tree stumps that resembled tombstones. The falls is located approximately two hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte and is accessible via a moderately difficult steep but short stair-heavy 0.6-mile hike that embarks from a parking area directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The falls tumble 70 feet over several rounded tiers and are a popular photography spot. Sunbathing and swimming are permitted at the falls with caution, and a newly-constructed boardwalk serves as an observation point.
East Fork, NC 28716, Phone: 828-257-4200
More: Restaurants in Cherokee NC, Lakes in North Carolina, Train rides in NC, North Carolina resorts, Boone
9.Triple Falls
Triple Falls is internationally-recognized for its appearance in the film Last of the Mohicans and is known for its stunning three-tiered drop, traveling at different angles and spanning a total height of 125 feet. It is located within DuPont State Forest, approximately a two-hour drive from Charlotte, and is accessible from both the Hooker Falls and High Falls Access parking lots. An easy 0.3-mile hike provides access to the falls, and a level rock platform allows visitors to stand in the middle of the waterfall for unique views. Waterfall visitors should note that the portion of the trail providing access to the viewing overlook is steep and should be advised to stay on dry areas for safety.
Little River, NC 28739, Phone: 828-877-6527
More: Charlotte breakfast, Comedy Shows in Charlotte, NC, Things to Do in Charlotte, NC with Kids, Waterfalls near Charlotte NC, Free Things to Do in Charlotte
10.Upper Falls
Upper Falls is one of three waterfalls within the Graveyard Fields valley and is a three-hour drive from Charlotte, located within Pisgah National Forest. The falls are accessible via a 2.9-mile moderately rough hike that is not advised for beginner hikers due to more difficult portions toward the end of the trail. The 50-foot falls and its viewing area are known for their beautiful surrounding atmosphere, which gives visitors a true taste of the region’s natural wonders. Nearby, Second Falls and Yellowstone Falls also offer chances for waterfall viewing hikes, while Yellowstone Prong provides opportunities for wild trout fishing.
East Fork, NC 28716, Phone: 828-257-4200
10 Best Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
- Wintergreen Falls, Photo: Courtesy of Fotolia.com
- Log Hollow Falls, Photo: Courtesy of Michael Shake - Fotolia.com
- High Falls, Photo: Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com
- Elk River Falls, Photo: Courtesy of JAMES - Fotolia.com
- Looking Glass Falls, Photo: Courtesy of Moonborne - Fotolia.com
- Sliding Rock, Photo: Courtesy of Frank C Jones - Fotolia.com
- Rainbow Falls, Photo: Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com
- Second Falls, Photo: Courtesy of alkiona_25 - Fotolia.com
- Triple Falls, Photo: Courtesy of Jill Lang - Fotolia.com
- Upper Falls, Photo: Courtesy of Kari - Fotolia.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Moonborne - Fotolia.com
