Quick Summary:

  • Question: What natural wonders can be found in North Carolina?
  • Answer: Natural wonders abound in North Carolina, from the picturesque majesty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you will find many things to do to the beautiful beaches of the 200-mile stretch of barrier islands within the Outer Banks.
  • Question: How accessible are the waterfalls in North Carolina for visitors?
  • Answer: These 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.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Looking Glass Falls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Looking Glass Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of Moonborne - Fotolia.com

2. Log Hollow Falls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Log Hollow Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of Michael Shake - Fotolia.com

3. High Falls

Category: Activities
High Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com

4. Elk River Falls

Category: Activities
Elk River Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of JAMES - Fotolia.com

5. Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of Frank C Jones - Fotolia.com

6. Rainbow Falls

Category: Activities
Rainbow Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com

7. Second Falls

Category: Activities
Second Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of alkiona_25 - Fotolia.com

8. Triple Falls

Category: Activities
Triple Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of Jill Lang - Fotolia.com

9. Upper Falls

Category: Activities
Upper Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of Kari - Fotolia.com

10. High Shoals Falls at South Mountain State Park

Category: Activities
High Shoals Falls at South Mountain State Park | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Guy Bryant/stock.adobe.com

11. Stone Mountain Falls

Category: Activities
Stone Mountain Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© matteosan/stock.adobe.com

12. Catawba Falls

Category: Activities
Catawba Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Martina/stock.adobe.com

13. Crabtree Falls

Category: Activities
Crabtree Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Chansak Joe A./stock.adobe.com

14. Wintergreen Falls

Category: Activities
Wintergreen Falls | Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
© Courtesy of Fotolia.com

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