Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
Living in or near Charlotte, you might not realize how many breathtaking waterfalls are just a few hours away. But once I started exploring western North Carolina, I quickly discovered that you don’t have to travel far to feel far away. Here are some of my absolute favorites that I want to share with you that you can visit for a day or a weekend.
1. Looking Glass Falls - 2 hours from Charlotte
Framed by emerald-green forest and the misty expanse of the Davidson River, Looking Glass Falls is one of North Carolina’s most iconic and accessible waterfalls. I loved how its 60-foot cascade thundered into the pool below, creating a dramatic spray that glistened in the sunlight. Despite being right off the road, the falls exuded a wild, untamed beauty that made me feel worlds away from the city.
It took me about 2 hours from Charlotte via scenic mountain roads into Pisgah National Forest. I spent the afternoon soaking up the views from the roadside overlook, then followed the short staircase down to the base for an up-close perspective where I could feel the refreshing mist on my face.
We spend a night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brevard and I enjoyed pairing my visit with a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby.
2. Log Hollow Falls - 2.5 hours from Charlotte
Tucked deep in the quiet, mossy woods of Pisgah National Forest, Log Hollow Falls felt like stumbling into a hidden forest secret. This enchanting 25-foot cascade slid gracefully over smooth rock, framed by lush ferns and towering hardwoods. I loved the peaceful, almost storybook atmosphere here—no roar or crowds, just the gentle sound of water and birdsong.
It took me about 2.5 hours from Charlotte, winding along scenic mountain backroads near Brevard before a short and easy hike (less than a mile round-trip) through the forest brought me right to the falls. The trail itself was tranquil, crossing a footbridge over a creek, and the reward at the end was this picture-perfect waterfall tucked away from the bustle of more popular spots.
3. High Falls - 2 hours from Charlotte
If Looking Glass was beauty on display, High Falls about 3 hours from Charlotte was beauty in motion. I could hear it before I saw it, water crashing in layers, echoing up the trail. The hike through DuPont State Forest was smooth and wide, surrounded by hardwood trees that filtered the light in waves.
When I reached the overlook, High Falls was pouring down a 120-foot granite slope, white and loud and thrilling. I scrambled down the optional spur trail to the base, feeling the thunder in my knees.
4. Elk River Falls - 2.5 hours from Charlotte
Cradled in the rugged Blue Ridge near the Tennessee border, Elk River Falls is a jaw-dropping 50-foot waterfall that crashes into a deep, emerald plunge pool. I loved how powerful yet serene it felt here—the thunder of the falls echoing through the gorge, balanced by the stillness of the surrounding boulders and pines. The dark rock ledges gave the scene a dramatic frame, making it one of the most photogenic waterfalls I’ve visited in North Carolina.
It took me about 2.5 hours from Charlotte, winding through scenic mountain valleys before reaching the small town of Elk Park. From there, a quick, flat walk of just a few minutes led me straight to the falls. The accessibility was incredible—you could hear the roar of the water almost as soon as you left the parking area.
5. Sliding Rock - 2 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte
Unlike the dramatic cascades I’ve seen elsewhere, Sliding Rock is pure fun and adventure—a natural 60-foot rock waterslide carved into the heart of Pisgah National Forest. Cold mountain water rushes down the smooth granite face before plunging into a chilly, 8-foot-deep pool. I loved how playful and unique it felt, with kids and adults alike taking turns sliding down, laughing and splashing in the refreshing water.
It took me about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte, weaving through the Blue Ridge foothills and into Pisgah’s forested valleys. From the parking area, it’s only a short walk to the river, where lifeguards are often on duty in summer and the atmosphere feels like a back-to-nature water park.
6. Rainbow Falls - 3 hours from Charlotte
Rainbow Falls is the kind of place that feels straight out of a fantasy novel—powerful, dazzling, and utterly captivating. This 150-foot waterfall plunges dramatically into a boulder-strewn gorge within the Gorges State Park area, creating mist so thick it forms shimmering rainbows on sunny afternoons. I loved how wild and untamed it felt, with the roar of the water echoing through the gorge and spray drifting across the trail, cooling me off as I hiked closer.
It took me about 3 hours from Charlotte, heading deep into the rugged southern mountains near Sapphire. The hike itself was about 1.5 miles one way, winding through lush forest before opening up to the thundering falls. The trail offered multiple vantage points—each one giving me a new perspective on the waterfall’s sheer power and beauty.
7. Second Falls - 2 hours and 45 minutes
Second Falls (also known as Lower Falls of Graveyard Fields) is one of those rare waterfalls that feels both accessible and wonderfully scenic. Cascading about 60 feet in a wide, frothy sheet over dark rock ledges, the falls tumble into a shallow pool surrounded by lush greenery. I loved how open and airy the setting felt, with the sound of rushing water blending with the songs of birds and the scent of wildflowers drifting through the mountain breeze.
It took me about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte, following the Blue Ridge Parkway into the high country near milepost 418. From the overlook parking area, the hike was short but rewarding—about 0.3 miles downhill through rhododendron thickets and wild blueberry bushes before the falls revealed themselves in full view.
8. Triple Falls - 2 hours from Charlotte
Triple Falls is a showstopper—three dramatic cascades tumbling one after another down the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Altogether, the falls drop about 120 feet in three distinct tiers, each framed by smooth granite rock and thick forest. I loved how dynamic it felt here—you can see all three waterfalls at once from the overlook, or hike down to stand beside the middle tier where the water rushes past with breathtaking force.
It took me about 2 hours from Charlotte, heading southwest into the scenic mountain town of Brevard before entering DuPont’s vast trail network. From the parking area, it was about a 0.5-mile hike along a wide gravel trail to reach the falls, with multiple spur paths leading to different viewpoints.
9. Upper Falls - 3 hours
Upper Falls, tucked away in the wild heart of Linville Gorge, is the kind of place that rewards the journey with pure, untamed beauty. This 50-foot cascade tumbles into a rugged, boulder-strewn gorge, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense mountain forest. I loved how remote and dramatic it felt—the kind of waterfall that makes you pause and just listen to the roar echoing through the canyon walls.
It took me about 3 hours from Charlotte, winding along mountain backroads before reaching the trailhead near Linville Falls. The hike to Upper Falls was short but rocky, about 0.5 miles each way, leading to a dramatic overlook where I could see the water plunging into the gorge. The air here was cool and damp, filled with the scent of hemlock and moss.
Conclusion
There’s something about standing in front of a waterfall that resets you. But doing it after a trail, after miles and sweat and stillness, makes the view hit different. The best part? I didn’t need to board a plane or take a week off. These places were all within a morning’s drive from Charlotte.
Some trails were easy. Others left me sore in the best way. But each one reminded me that beauty doesn’t always shout, sometimes it just flows, falls, and waits for you to show up. I kept thinking, “I live close to all this. I just have to remember to go.”
So next time your weekend feels too short or your week feels too long, lace up, hit the road, and follow the sound of falling water. It’ll know what to do with you.
Booking Checklist
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4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
