Waterfall Hikes Near Charlotte, NC

1,427,444 residents

New York Time Zone

3 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Charlotte sits low in the Piedmont, so waterfalls are scarce close in. Great Falls of Catawba is the nearest one worth driving to, about two miles of walking to reach the river ledges. Cedar Falls is a half-mile stroll and takes dogs. Three falls land inside the radius, which is why most Charlotte hikers point the car northwest toward the mountains when they want something bigger.

Located at 35.2083°N, -80.8303°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Charlotte

Pins are within 50 miles; hollow circles are day trips 50–100 miles out.

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

3 of 3 gauged

3 waterfalls near Charlotte have live flow data today

Great Falls Moderate

Updated about 4 hours ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Monday

Sunny · 80°F

Tod 79°F Sunny

Mon 80°F Sunny Best

Tue 84°F Sunny

Wed 87°F Sunny

Thu 88°F Sunny

Fri 88°F Mostly Sunny

Sat 82°F Chance Rain Showers

Flowing best right now near Charlotte

Updated about 2 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

1 Great Falls Moderate · 0 cfs 30th percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Charlotte hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Charlotte

See All North Carolina Waterfall Hikes

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Charlotte (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Cedar Falls

38.8 miles away

South Carolina

Easy

0.5 miles Unknown

All 3 Waterfalls Near Charlotte

Great Falls of Catawba

32.8 miles away

South Carolina

Unknown

2.0 miles Unknown

Cedar Falls

38.8 miles away

South Carolina

Easy

0.5 miles Unknown

Great Falls

39.2 miles away

North Carolina

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

🧭 Day Trips From Charlotte (96 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)

Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Charlotte. Make a day of it and 96 more are within 100 miles. The closest is Carter Falls, about 55 miles away, and the tallest is Raven Cliff Falls at 420 ft. They're spread across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Distances are approximate, measured from the center of Charlotte; the drive is usually longer.

Carter Falls

55.1 miles away

North Carolina

Easy

1.5 miles 200 ft

Moravian Falls

58.1 miles away

North Carolina

Drive Up

0.1 miles 50 ft

LiDAR

Gordons Falls

61.6 miles away

South Carolina

Drive Up

0.1 miles 50 ft

Pearsons Falls

64 miles away

North Carolina

Easy

0.3 miles 120 ft

Bradley Falls

64.8 miles away

North Carolina

Moderate

2.0 miles 300 ft

Little Falls

65.9 miles away

North Carolina

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

LiDAR

Hendricks Falls

66.7 miles away

South Carolina

Moderate

1.5 miles 200 ft

Big Falls

68.3 miles away

South Carolina

Moderate

2.0 miles 300 ft

Rock Creek Falls

71.2 miles away

North Carolina

Moderate

2.5 miles 500 ft

Hickorynut Falls

71.4 miles away

North Carolina

Easy

1.4 miles 200 ft

Rainbow Falls

72.1 miles away

North Carolina

Moderate

3.9 miles 700 ft

Silvervale Falls

73.4 miles away

North Carolina

Easy

0.1 miles Unknown

Showing the 12 closest of 96. For the rest, browse North Carolina waterfalls, South Carolina waterfalls, and Virginia waterfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Charlotte

Are there free waterfalls near Charlotte?

There is 1 free waterfall near Charlotte, including Cedar Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Charlotte?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near Charlotte, including Cedar Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Charlotte?

There is 1 dog-friendly waterfall near Charlotte, including Cedar Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Charlotte?

There is 1 kid-friendly waterfall near Charlotte, including Cedar Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Charlotte?

The shortest waterfall hike near Charlotte is Cedar Falls at 0.5 miles round trip.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Charlotte?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Charlotte has nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Charlotte?

The closest waterfall to Charlotte is Great Falls of Catawba, approximately 32.8 miles away.

What waterfalls are within a day trip of Charlotte?

Beyond the 3 waterfalls within 50 miles, 96 more are between 50 and 100 miles from Charlotte. The closest of those is Carter Falls, approximately 55.1 miles away.