Waterfall Hikes in North Carolina (NC)
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In North Carolina the southern Blue Ridge and higher Appalachian ridgelines produce most waterfalls, where steep escarpments, narrow river gorges, alpine creeks and piedmont river valleys create a mix of plunges, tiers and cascades across granite and metamorphic bedrock. Hikes are primarily moderate backcountry routes and rocky canyon scrambles, with a substantial number of short family-friendly trails and a few roadside drops; the state's distinctive high relief and varied geology yield concentrated corridors of long, multi-step falls. See waterfalls near major North Carolina cities .
Popular Difficulties
Trail Types
Featured Parks
Parks in North Carolina
Flowing strongest right now in North Carolina
Updated about 2 hours agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
- 1 High Falls Strong · 84 cfs 86th percentile
- 2 Glencannon Falls Strong · 84 cfs 86th percentile
- 3 Laughing Falls Strong · 84 cfs 86th percentile
- 4 Looking Glass Falls Strong · 84 cfs 86th percentile
- 5 Slick Rock Falls Strong · 84 cfs 86th percentile
- 6 Bridal Veil Falls Strong · 84 cfs 86th percentile
Best Waterfall Hikes in North Carolina
Our top picks based on trail quality and scenic value.
All Waterfall Hikes in North Carolina
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Major Cities in North Carolina
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