Waterfall Hikes Near Raleigh, NC

1,163,152 residents
New York Time Zone
5 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Raleigh sits on the Piedmont plateau, with rolling hills, forested river valleys and stream-cut ravines over metamorphic bedrock. Within 50 miles there are four waterfall hikes, mostly moderate routes that descend into narrow gorges or follow rocky creek corridors through mixed hardwood and pine, and one short roadside cascade. Close proximity to the urban and suburban core makes these compact, seasonally variable drops readily accessible for short outings while offering diverse stream habitats and textured terrain.

Located at 35.8324°N, -78.6429°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Raleigh

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

5 of 5 gauged

5 waterfalls near Raleigh have live flow data today

Eagle Point Falls (historical) Barely Flowing Lanier Falls Moderate Little Falls Moderate Little Falls Moderate Upper Falls Moderate

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Friday

Sunny · 86°F

Tod 84°F Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Mon 89°F Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Tue 92°F Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Wed 90°F Sunny
Thu 86°F Sunny
Fri 86°F Sunny Best
Sat 87°F Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Flowing best right now near Raleigh

Updated about 2 hours ago

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

  1. 1 Little Falls Moderate · 1900 cfs 73rd percentile
  2. 2 Little Falls Moderate · 1900 cfs 73rd percentile
  3. 3 Upper Falls Moderate · 1900 cfs 73rd percentile
  4. 4 Lanier Falls Moderate · 2 cfs 45th percentile
  5. 5 Eagle Point Falls (historical) Barely Flowing · 1 cfs 0th percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Raleigh

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Raleigh (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.

Little Falls waterfall

Little Falls

43.3 miles away
North Carolina
Easy
0.6 miles 50 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Raleigh (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Lanier Falls waterfall

Lanier Falls

North Carolina
Moderate
5.0 miles 300 ft
Little Falls waterfall

Little Falls

42.3 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 5 Waterfalls Near Raleigh

Lanier Falls waterfall

Lanier Falls

North Carolina
Moderate
5.0 miles 300 ft
Upper Falls waterfall

Upper Falls

42.2 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Little Falls waterfall

Little Falls

42.3 miles away
North Carolina
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Little Falls waterfall

Little Falls

43.3 miles away
North Carolina
Easy
0.6 miles 50 ft

Eagle Point Falls (historical)

33.4 miles away
Virginia
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Raleigh

Are there free waterfalls near Raleigh?

There are 2 free waterfalls near Raleigh, including Lanier Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Raleigh?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near Raleigh, including Little Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Raleigh?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Raleigh, including Lanier Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Raleigh?

There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near Raleigh, including Lanier Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Raleigh?

The shortest waterfall hike near Raleigh is Eagle Point Falls (historical) at 0.6 miles round trip.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Raleigh?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near Raleigh have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Raleigh?

The closest waterfall to Raleigh is Lanier Falls, approximately 29.4 miles away.

Waterfall Hikes Near Raleigh, NC Pinterest Guide

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Where to Stay

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RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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