Discover a Waterfall Wonderland in Western North Carolina
Waterfalls are at the heart and soul of Transylvania County. There’s a reason we’ve earned the name Land of Waterfalls — there are 250 cascades throughout the county. Some are tucked deep into the hillsides of our forests and parks, while others require just a short trek from your vehicle. No two waterfalls are alike, and each one takes on a different personality through the changing seasons. Unsure which waterfall you should see first? Check out our map below, we’ve compiled some of the best waterfalls to get you started.
Let’s Go Chasing Waterfalls
Our interactive map is your ticket to exploring the most enchanting cascades in the area! Whether you’re up for a waterfall hike or just want a scenic spot to pull off the road and relax, this map will lead you to some truly magical places. Discover hidden gems and well-loved favorites, each one a stunning example of nature’s beauty. If you prefer a printed map, request a free Adventure Guide & Waterfall Map and we’ll send it right to your door.
Click on any waterfall or visitor center to learn more about each location.
Upper Whitewater Falls
0.5 miles round trip
The tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, Upper Whitewater Falls is a jaw-dropping cascade at 411 ft. tall.
Turtleback Falls & Rainbow Falls
3.5 miles round trip
When the sun sits just right in the sky, Rainbow Falls creates a lovely rainbow from the great mist caused by its cascade. Turtleback Falls is just 0.25 more miles up the trail.
Upper Bearwallow Falls
1 mile round trip
Visible from a designated overlook, the trail to Upper Bearwallow Falls requires a short trek to see a stunning waterfall.
Toxaway Falls
Hwy 64 passes right over the top of this staggering 150 ft waterfall, making it an easy and scenic stop.
French Broad, Mill Shoals, and Bird Rock Falls
0.6 miles round trip
Located on the property of the Living Waters Ministry, these three falls are just a short walk from the road.
Daniel Ridge Falls
1 mile round trip
Whatever you call it, there’s no denying the sheer size of this waterfall, standing at a whopping 150 ft. tall.
Cove Creek Falls
2 miles round trip
Cove Creek Falls tumbles and slides in scenic fashion over several rocks and stands tall at an impressive 50 ft.
Slick Rock Falls
This 35 ft. cascade drops from an overhanging cliff, and is especially scenic after a heavy rain.
Log Hollow Falls
1 mile round trip
Small, yet scenic, the way that Log Hollow Falls sits tucked into the woods looks like something from a fairytale.
Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is Pisgah’s natural water slide. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is a $5 per person fee.
Moore Cove Falls
1.5 miles round trip
This unique waterfall is a 50 ft., uninterrupted cascade that flows in front of a unique rock overhang.
Looking Glass Falls
An icon of the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Falls is a 60 ft. cascade that is visible from Hwy 276 in Pisgah National Forest.
Twin Falls
4.4 miles round trip
Get two waterfalls in one hike — this cascade is actually two beautiful falls that sit close together.
Hooker Falls
0.5 miles round-trip
This wide, 12-ft cascade drops into a scenic pool along Little River. It’s a popular spot for splashing around on hot summer days.
Triple Falls
1.2 miles round-trip
This jaw-dropping waterfall has not one, but three cascades (hence the name), resulting in a spectacular natural display.
High Falls
1.6 miles round-trip
You’ll hear the incredible roar of High Falls before you see it. At 120 ft. tall, this is the largest waterfall in DuPont.
Bridal Veil Falls
4.5 miles round-trip
Featured in several popular movies, Bridal Veil Falls is the first cascade on the Little River, and it is a beautiful sight.
Wintergreen Falls
2.75 miles round-trip
Though it’s one of the smaller falls in DuPont, Wintergreen Falls is no less scenic than its towering neighbors. And, there are typically lesser crowds.
Connestee Falls & Batson Creek Falls
View these falls from a viewing deck at the entrance of Connestee Realty. Batson Creek and Connestee Falls are protected by a conservation easement.
Key Falls
Located on the property of Key Falls Estate, this scenic fall is a gorgeous sight to see after a short walk.
Pisgah National Forest Visitor Center
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Closed for the holidays from December 24 – January 1.
Located at:
1600 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Brevard/Transylvania Visitor Center
LOCATION
175 E Main St.
Brevard, NC 28712
HOURS
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
Sun: 12pm-3pm (Memorial – Labor Day)
Gorges State Park Visitor Center
LOCATION
976 Grassy Ridge Rd
Sapphire, NC 28774
HOURS
Open daily from 9am to 5pm
DuPont State Forest Visitor Center
LOCATION
High Falls Access Area
89 Buck Forest Road
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
HOURS
March 15 to December 31
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm
January 1 to March 14
Open weekends from 9am to 5pm
Discover the Waterfalls of Transylvania County
Our directory of waterfalls offers descriptions and photos of each cascade, making it easier than ever to plan your visit. Whether you’re planning your trip with our Interactive Waterfall Map or browsing the directory, both paths lead to the same stunning destinations. Let the magic of the Land of Waterfalls inspire your next adventure.
BE Waterfall Wise
Exploring waterfalls without caution can have serious, and potentially fatal, consequences. We encourage visitors to Be Waterfall Wise while taking in the beauty of Transylvania County.
OBSERVE all posted signs leading to waterfall areas.
STAY on marked trails and observation areas.
DO NOT jump off of waterfalls or dive into pools.
DO NOT climb on rocks above waist height.
DO NOT swim or wade upstream near a waterfall.
WATCH for slick rocks around waterfalls.
WATCH your children and pets at all times.
Go with a Guide
Forests & Parks with Waterfalls Waiting
Our public lands are full of waterfalls waiting to be explored. Plan your next adventure!
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