Best Waterfalls Near Charlotte NC United States
Best Waterfalls Near Charlotte NC United States ,In the heart of North Carolina’s natural wonders, nestled between the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the enchanting Outer Banks, Charlotte, NC, emerges as a leading gateway to the United States’ most splendid waterfalls. A manageable less than three-hour drive from Charlotte’s bustling city center takes locals and tourists alike to these waterfalls, where they can create lasting memories with unique day trips and lavish weekend getaways. At BearTravel, our all-encompassing travel platform, we present valuable guides and practical tips that equip you to craft your idyllic nature retreats. These mesmerizing Charlotte waterfalls, resplendent in their beauty and majesty, do more than just offer breathtaking panoramic overlooks; they draw adventure enthusiasts with exhilarating activities like swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and waterfall chasing.
Whether the best swimming waterfalls near Charlotte captivate you, stunning waterfall overlooks on North Carolina hiking trails await you, or picturesque waterfall picnic spots scatter across the landscape, each trip provides the opportunity to embrace the natural beauty that NC has to offer. Waterfall hikes near Charlotte pave the way for seasoned hikers looking for a challenge, leading them to hidden trails with awe-inspiring cascades. BearTravel showcases an extensive collection of NC waterfall hikes and prime nature spots near Charlotte with comprehensive itineraries and expert route guidance. Photography aficionados can find a wealth of photo opportunities, allowing them to capture the spellbinding beauty of Charlotte waterfalls, the multi-hued rainbow waterfalls near Charlotte, or the vibrant fall foliage in NC. As we journey through these treasured outdoor adventures in NC together, BearTravel always encourages you to confirm the current operating hours of these attractions ahead of your visit, to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Looking Glass Falls
Located just over two hours from Charlotte, Looking Glass Falls decorates the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway within Pisgah National Forest. This accessible roadside waterfall stands out as a renowned spot for waterfall viewing. Its family-friendly setting makes it a suitable option for individuals with mobility concerns. The waterfall, cascading from a 45-foot cliff, shares its name with Looking Glass Rock, which freezes and reflects sunlight like a mirror in winter. Viewing platforms allow visitors easy access to the waterfall, and a staircase leads them down to the neighboring creek for more intimate creek views.
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Address/Location: US-276, Brevard, NC 28712
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Best for: Family trips, Nature lovers, Photographers, Winter activities
Ideal for: Day trips, Adventure seekers, Families with children, Individuals with mobility concerns
Elk River Falls
Elk River Falls, the most voluminous waterfall in Pisgah National Forest, is situated about two and a half hours from Charlotte, near Beech Mountain and Elk Park. A steep footpath provides easy access to this 50-foot waterfall’s pristine base pool without requiring a hike. Flat rock boulders scattered at the top and bottom offer ideal spots for picnicking and sunbathing. While parts of the base pool accommodate swimming and wading, visitors must beware of the potential danger from strong currents.
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Address/Location: Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622
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Best for: Hiking, Picnicking, Sunbathing, Swimming
Ideal for: Day trips, Nature lovers, Adventure seekers, Families
High Falls
High Falls, soaring at 150 feet, presents an impressive sight within DuPont State Forest, its waters cascading into the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River. This waterfall, just a two-hour drive from Charlotte, offers easy access via the High Falls Visitor Center. Visitors can pick between two trails, one of which is the High Falls Loop trail that also reaches Triple Falls. When water levels are low, adventurous visitors can rock hop along the river bank for a more intimate waterfall experience. High water times transform the falls into a photogenic spectacle, and mesmerizing ice formations adorn the falls in winter.
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Address/Location: Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
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Best for: Hiking, Nature lovers, Photography
Ideal for: Day trips, Adventure seekers, Families, Photographers
Sliding Rock
Nestled in Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock, a distinct water slide, presents a fun summer attraction. This family favorite, located about three hours from Charlotte near Brevard, plunges visitors down a 60-foot rock slope into a seven-foot pool. Lifeguards maintain safety during summer months. Observation platforms and changing room facilities are available on site. The peak season imposes a nominal admission fee, while children under six get in for free.
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Admission Fee: Yes (Nominal, free for children under six)
Address/Location: 7851 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
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Best for: Family Excursions, Summer fun, Outdoor activities
Ideal for: Families, Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers
Log Hollow Falls
Nestled within Pisgah National Forest, Log Hollow Falls ranks among four accessible waterfalls in North Carolina via the Log Hollow Trail, including Upper Log Hollow, Logging Road, and Discovery Falls. Positioned about two and a half hours from Charlotte, these falls offer a perfect natural excursion near Charlotte, particularly for those hiking with kids. A convenient, 10-minute hike from the parking area leads visitors to these falls. Many adventurers identify the 30-foot Log Hollow Falls as a secluded treasure in Pisgah National Forest. While leaning trees may pose challenges for photography at Log Hollow Falls, visitors can wade at the falls base for improved photo angles.
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Address/Location: North Carolina 28761
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Best for: Hiking, Family outings, Photography
Ideal for: Day trips, Adventure seekers, Families with children, Nature lovers, Photographers
Stone Mountain Falls
Welcome to the mesmerizing allure of Stone Mountain Falls, the centerpiece of Stone Mountain State Park. Soaring to a mighty 200 feet, this waterfall captivates visitors with its robust cascade. A meticulously crafted wooden staircase provides access to the falls for those less inclined to hike. Meanwhile, the Upper and Lower Trailheads invite hiking enthusiasts on invigorating routes. Another enchanting journey worth undertaking is along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Take time to appreciate scenic views like the Hutchinson Homestead and the New Stone Mountain viewpoint on your journey. Nestled along the Frank Parkway in Roaring Gap, this park stands as a must-visit North Carolina attraction.
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Address/Location: 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, North Carolina 28668
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Best for: Hiking, Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts
Ideal for: Family outings, Adventure seekers, Nature photographers
Catawba Falls
Nestled just a short distance from the Old Fort, the mesmerizing spectacle of Catawba Falls, one of the most striking waterfalls in North Carolina, stands tall. Rising to 100 feet, this cascade stars in Pisgah National Forest, a favored destination for Asheville hikers. The journey to the falls offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Old Fort; explorers must navigate mossy grounds, weave through a verdant forest valley, and tackle river crossing trails. A bonus? Numerous captivating waterfalls dot the Catawba River banks, delighting hikers along their journey. The trail to Catawba Falls extends 2.7 miles, providing a moderate challenge and welcoming dogs. The hike begins at the Old Fort’s singular trailhead, and hikers can choose to bypass the river using a recently erected metal span bridge.
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Address/Location: 3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort, North Carolina 28762
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Best for: Hiking, Sightseeing, Dog walking
Ideal for: Nature lovers, Hiking enthusiasts, Families
Crabtree Falls
Situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Asheville, Crabtree Falls offers a thrilling hiking adventure. The trail demands about 2.5 hours of exertion and courage to cross rocky terrains, guiding hikers through a dense oak forest and a rhododendron thicket. At the summit, a rugged stone face of a 60-foot waterfall greets adventurers, graced by a cooling spray, wildflowers, and ferns.
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Address/Location: 39000 Blue Ridge Parkway, Marion, North Carolina 28752
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Best for: Hiking, Nature Photography, Outdoor Enthusiasts
Ideal for: Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers, Photographers
Wintergreen Falls
Within the expansive DuPont State Forest, a two-hour journey from Charlotte, the tranquil Wintergreen Falls nestles. The adjacent Grassy Creek Gorge, abundant with evergreen ground cover, gives the falls their name, offering a captivating panorama of natural beauty. The waterfall, a significant feature of this Forest, shows off a 25-foot plunge, reachable via a 3.1-mile trail from the Guion Farm parking lot. This journey, suited for dogs, horses, and mountain bikers, typically requires around 40 minutes. To reach the prime viewing point, you must navigate several moist patches and rocky terrain along the trail.
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Address/Location: Wintergreen Falls Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Phone: 828-877-6527
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Best for: Nature enthusiasts, hikers, dog walkers, horse riders, and mountain bikers
Ideal for: A day trip, family outing, or adventurous excursion
High Shoals Falls
Situated in South Mountain State Park, High Shoals Falls challenges adventurers with a rewarding hike. The 80-foot waterfall, surrounded by tranquil mountain streams in Connelly Springs, North Carolina, offers a rugged appeal. To reach the falls, hikers tackle a demanding 2.7-mile trail loop with steep gradients and a river crossing. Adjacent camping grounds provide opportunities for extended nature immersion.
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Address/Location: 3001 South Mountain Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, North Carolina 28612
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Best for: Hiking, Adventure, Camping
Ideal for: Hikers, Nature Lovers, Adventurers
Triple Falls
Triple Falls, famous for its appearance in “Last of the Mohicans,” showcases a three-tiered drop maneuvering through various angles to reach a height of 125 feet. Nestled in DuPont State Forest, about two hours’ drive from Charlotte, the falls are accessible from the Hooker Falls or High Falls Access parking lots. A short 0.3-mile hike brings visitors to the falls, and a flat rock platform lets them stand in the middle of the cascade for a unique perspective. For safety, visitors must remember the steepness of the trail leading to the viewing overlook and should stick to dry areas.
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Address/Location: Little River, NC 28739
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Best for: Hiking, Viewing Waterfalls, Photography
Ideal for: Nature Enthusiasts, Hikers, Photographers
Upper Falls
Upper Falls, nestled in Pisgah National Forest’s Graveyard Fields Valley, offers a three-hour journey from Charlotte to a 50-foot waterfall that captivates with its enchanting atmosphere. However, the moderately challenging 2.9-mile hike, especially towards the end, may deter novice hikers. Nearby, the Second Falls and Yellowstone Falls promise delightful waterfall viewing, and Yellowstone Prong provides opportunities for wild trout fishing.
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Address/Location: Pisgah National Forest, Graveyard Fields Valley, NC
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Best for: Hiking, Waterfall Viewing, Fishing
Ideal for: Adventure Seekers, Hikers, Fishing Enthusiasts
Rainbow Falls
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rainbow Falls forms a misty rainbow on sunny days, creating a radiant spectacle. This 150-foot waterfall, part of the Horsepasture River’s picturesque cascade series, sits adjacent to Gorges State Park, three hours from Charlotte. Starting from the Grassy Ridge parking area in Sapphire, NC, visitors can access the waterfall via a three-mile hiking trail, which includes an uphill return journey. Side trails offer multiple views of the waterfall, but for safety reasons, visitors should avoid climbing the waterfall face or venturing into its upper sections.
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Address/Location: 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774
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Best for: Hiking, Nature Photography, Viewing Scenery
Ideal for: Nature Enthusiasts, Hikers, Photographers
Second Falls
Second Falls, situated in Pisgah National Forest’s Graveyard Fields valley, offers a captivating view. Tree stumps resembling tombstones populate this valley, which lies about two hours and forty-five minutes from Charlotte. Visitors can reach this 70-foot waterfall via a moderately challenging 0.6-mile hike, filled with stairs, that starts from a parking area on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The falls cascade over multiple tiers, providing an excellent photography spot. Visitors can sunbathe and swim here, but they must be cautious. A newly built boardwalk offers a fantastic observation point.
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Address/Location: East Fork, NC 28716
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Best for: Hiking, Photography, Swimming, Sunbathing
Ideal for: Nature Enthusiasts, Hikers, Photographers, Swimmers
Frequently Asked Questions about the topic delimited by triple backticks
Q: How do I get to Charlotte, United States?
A: Charlotte has a major airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is served by many airlines with domestic and international flights.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Charlotte, United States?
A: The best time to visit Charlotte is from March to May or from September to November when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.
Q: What are some interesting facts about Charlotte, United States?
A: Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and is known as the “Queen City.” It is also the second-largest banking center in the United States after New York City.
Q: What is the weather like in Charlotte, United States?
A: The weather in Charlotte is generally mild with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in July is around 90°F (32°C) and in January is around 50°F (10°C).
Q: What language do they speak in Charlotte, United States?
A: The official language of the United States is English, and most people in Charlotte speak English.
Q: What is the currency used in Charlotte, United States?
A: The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar.
Q: What kind of food can I expect to find in Charlotte, United States?
A: Charlotte offers a variety of food options with specialties like BBQ, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and sweet tea. There are also many international restaurants and trendy food spots.
Q: What time zone is Charlotte, United States in?
A: Charlotte is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Q: What is the electricity voltage in Charlotte, United States?
A: The electricity voltage in the United States is 120 volts.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Charlotte, United States?
A: It depends on the country you are coming from. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country to see if you need a visa.
