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Top 6 Waterfall Hikes: A Guide to Waterfall Chasing in NC

What is Waterfall Chasing

For those lucky enough to grow up in the 1990s era of grunge, soft rap, and smooth R&B, the term “chasing waterfalls” might conjure up the classic TLC hit about avoiding self-destructive behavior. 


However, there's a new meaning to waterfall chasing, and it's quite literally about exploring beautiful waterfalls! There’s even a National Waterfall Chaser Challenge that encourages you to find and capture 90 waterfalls across the U.S. in 10 days.


For those traveling through North Carolina, we invite you to take advantage of the vast marshlands and numerous waterfalls in the Appalachian region. Grab your best pair of shoes, squish the kids in the minivan, and don’t forget your camera—you’re not gonna wanna miss any of these picks!



Top 6 Hiking Trails in NC With Waterfalls

Do you enjoy falling asleep while listening to running water or white noise? Go experience this relaxing soundscape in person! Here are our crème de la crème picks (ranked in order of distance from our property in Franklin, NC):

A waterfall is surrounded by trees and rocks in the middle of a forest and photo displays Sliding Rock Falls in NC

Sliding Rock Falls

Let’s kick things off with one of the most popular spots in North Carolina which provides hours of aquatic summertime fun. Siding Rock has an 8-foot pool to jump into but the main draw is the slippery, 60-foot rock face visitors can slide down.


There are observation decks at Sliding Rock so even if you don’t want to swim, this moderately challenging trek is worthwhile.



Located: Pigsah National Forest, NC

Difficulty: Moderate

Miles In & Out: 0.3 Miles

Pack a Swimsuit: Definitely!

Dog & Kid-Friendly: Yes

Catawba Falls

Catawba Falls is located east of Asheville off I-40, and features tumbling rivers flowing over a mossy riverbed. This trail splits into two separate sections; Upper and Lower.


For novice hikers or groups with small children, we recommend you stick to Lower Catawba Falls. Although there isn’t enough water for swimming at Lower Catawba Falls, you can dip your toes in! 


Located: Old Fort, NC

Difficulty: Easy

Miles In & Out: 2.7 Miles

Pack a Swimsuit: No

Dog & Kid-Friendly: Yes

A waterfall is surrounded by trees and rocks in the forest and photo displays Catawba Falls in NC
A waterfall in the middle of a forest with trees in the background and photo displays Hooker Falls in NC

Hooker Falls 



Many people recommend starting a waterfall-chasing trip at DuPont State Forest because it's truly a waterfall lover’s paradise.


Hooker Falls is an enjoyable hike that provides the perfect swimming hole on hot days and has many spots to spread out and relax. This one is great for small children and offers a peaceful stroll through the woods.


Located: Hendersonville, NC

Difficulty: Easy

Miles In & Out: 0.9 Miles

Pack a Swimsuit: Yes

Dog & Kid-Friendly: Yes

Triple Falls

Just as Katniss discovered a camouflaged Peeta in the rockface, so can you discover scenic beauty at Triple Falls. This captivating spot was one of the filming locations for The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. As the name implies, Triple Falls features 3 cascades, pouring into one another. 



If you're a Suzanne Collins fan or you’re looking for a BOGO trailhead, this one is perfect as it directly leads into Hooker Falls. Brave the elements just like the District tributes did and finish both in one day!


Located: Pisgah, NC (DuPont National Forest)

Difficulty: Moderate

Miles In & Out: 2.9 Miles

Pack a Swimsuit: Yes

Dog & Kid-Friendly: No

A waterfall is surrounded by trees in the middle of a forest and displays Triple Falls in NC

Crabtree Falls

You can walk right up to this gorgeous 70-ft. waterfall located deep within the forest of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Crabtree Falls is a must-see in the summer as wildflowers populate the landscape and vibrant scarlet and orange hues cover the trees in the Fall. The hike itself is a bit challenging with steep and rocky terrain but offers a nice, woodland atmosphere in a convenient loop.


Located: Elk Park, NC

Difficulty: Moderate

Miles In & Out: 2.6 Miles

Pack a Swimsuit: No

Dog & Kid-Friendly: Yes

A waterfall in the middle of a forest surrounded by trees and displays Crabtree Falls in NC

Elk River Falls



Formerly called Big Falls, Elk River Falls is a short family-friendly hike that can be completed in less than an hour.


This one is perfect for small children as there are some beachy areas with sand and pools. Be sure to mind the steep stairs as you climb up to the access point.


Located: Elk Park, NC

Difficulty: Easy

Miles In & Out: 0.3

Pack a Swimsuit: Yes

Dog & Kid-Friendly: Yes

scenic shot of a waterfall cascading into the water

How to Prepare

We’ll bet that this list has inspired you to start your waterfall-chasing journey right NOW, but we have to talk about preparation to help you make the most of your time.


Clothing 

Shoes: Even if you’re not planning on swimming or stepping in water, hikes can get muddy and slippery. Pack some water-proof shoes with high-quality grip and tread. This will also be beneficial for offering arch and heel support as you walk.


Swimsuit: What's the best part about waterfalls? Duh-playing in the water! Pack your swimsuit if you think you’ll be diving into any of the natural pools and keep in mind the ones that aren’t good for swimming.


Remember to bring dry clothes for a more comfortable hike back to the car.


Weather-appropriate clothing: The symptoms of sunstroke and heat poisoning can be subtle and many times you won’t realize it's taking place until it's too late. Both conditions can occur in forest environments if the conditions are right. 


If you’re visiting during warm months, pack a hat or visor and light clothing along with sunscreen and water. On the flip side, if the weather is cold and frosty, pack clothes suited for those conditions.

A person is standing next to a backpack and a thermos in the woods.
A woman is taking a picture of a tree with a camera.

Energy & Hydration

When you’re outside exploring, energy and hydration are your best friends. Pack protein-rich food that will give you fuel throughout the day such as granola bars, nuts, dried meats, and cheese.


Seriously, we can’t stress water intake enough, and heat-related conditions are less likely to occur if you’re taking in more liquid than you're losing. A good rule of thumb: Drink water and then drink some more water! 


Camera

As good as your memory might be, snapping a few pictures of your experiences is the best way to remember your adventures in detail.

Stay at Treehouse Hollow and Cabin Rentals

We hope you enjoyed our little list of the best waterfalls in NC and pro tips, but remember we only mentioned a few and North Carolina has hundreds of waterfalls. Choose a few to visit and then come back and pick new ones! North Carolina offers something for everyone; don’t get us started on hiking the iconic Appalachian Trail during the fall! It’s a must! 


Complement your trip with a luxury cabin and vacation rental at our property in Franklin, NC. Maybe we’re a little biased, but we think our State is worth visiting and Franklin is incredibly scenic. Book your stay with us; we’re excited to have you!

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