Waterfall Hikes Near Durham, NC
Durham's fifty-mile circle catches six falls, and two of them carry the historical flag, names that outlived their water. The trip worth planning is Lanier Falls, south on the Cape Fear in Raven Rock State Park, five miles of walking with about 300 feet of gain and dogs allowed. Little Falls offers an easy mile for a shorter outing. Piedmont rivers run gentle through here, so six entries is about what the geology permits.
Map of Waterfalls Near Durham
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
6 waterfalls near Durham have live flow data today
Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS
Best Day to Hike
This Afternoon
Sunny · 83°F
Flowing best right now near Durham
Updated about 2 hours agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
- 1 Eagle Point Falls (historical) Low · 3 cfs 23rd percentile
- 2 Hyco Falls (historical) Barely Flowing · 584 cfs 9th percentile
- 3 Lanier Falls Barely Flowing · 1 cfs 0th percentile
- 4 Little Falls Barely Flowing · 56 cfs 0th percentile
- 5 Little Falls Barely Flowing · 56 cfs 0th percentile
- 6 Upper Falls Barely Flowing · 56 cfs 0th percentile
Know when to go.
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Find waterfalls to hike near Durham
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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Durham (2 waterfalls)
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.
🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Durham (3 waterfalls)
Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.
All 6 Waterfalls Near Durham
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🧭 Day Trips From Durham (12 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)
Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Durham. Make a day of it and 12 more are within 100 miles. The closest is Hidden Falls, about 78 miles away, and the tallest is Crabtree Falls at 1200 ft. They're spread across North Carolina and Virginia.
Distances are approximate, measured from the center of Durham; the drive is usually longer.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Durham
Are there free waterfalls near Durham?
There are 2 free waterfalls near Durham, including Lanier Falls.
Are there easy waterfall hikes near Durham?
There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Durham, including Little Falls.
Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Durham?
There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Durham, including Lanier Falls.
Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Durham?
There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near Durham, including Lanier Falls.
What is the shortest waterfall hike near Durham?
The shortest waterfall hike near Durham is Lanier Falls at 0.6 miles round trip.
Can I camp near the waterfalls around Durham?
Yes, 3 waterfalls near Durham have nearby campgrounds.
What is the closest waterfall to Durham?
The closest waterfall to Durham is Lanier Falls, approximately 25.6 miles away.
What waterfalls are within a day trip of Durham?
Beyond the 6 waterfalls within 50 miles, 12 more are between 50 and 100 miles from Durham. The closest of those is Hidden Falls, approximately 78 miles away.
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