5 Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls to See
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Since moving to Asheville, I have spent many weekends driving, hiking, and exploring waterfalls on the Parkway. During the hotter summer months, I like coming up here to enjoy the cooler temps (because of the higher altitude, temps are 10-15 degrees cooler).
With over 400 miles (469 to be exact) to explore, you will find pretty much endless opportunities for sightseeing. The Pisgah region (MP 339.5 – 469.1) and the Highlands Region (MP 216.9-339) are especially concentrated with waterfalls. Both of these sections are located within easy access of Asheville, Hendersonville, and Brevard, making a daytrip easily incorporable into your vacation plans. I highly recommend checking at least one off your bucket list.
I’ve organized a few of my favorite falls into a handy guide. These 5 are all located directly on the drive, so super easy to get to (each can be reached within approximately an hour). On a side note, a quick detour off the Parkway will lead you to many other waterfall wonders. There are so many beauties in this area, I have a hard time narrowing down the list.
Graveyard Fields
Milepost: 418.8
This easily accessible waterfall is a super popular tourist stop and I always see a lot of traffic here especially during the summer season. The quarter of a mile hike to get to the waterfall only takes 10-15 minutes (although it does involve some staircase climbing). If you are looking for something with not much effort involved, then this is it. On a side note, there is another more moderate trail to see the Upper Falls (more on this in a bit). It’s not all that scenic in my opinion, but I recommend adding it on if you want a longer fitness session.
Surprisingly, I’ve seen very few crowds in the early morning hours during the fall season (but I am sure afternoons are much busier). Few sights are so enchanting as a waterfall surrounded by the colorful hues of autumn. If you can time your visit just right, the leaf peeping is amazing. Head out early during the weekday if possible to beat the crowds.
Not a hiker? The viewpoint at the Graveyard Fields overlook alone is gorgeous enough to warrant a visit. Just driving a portion of the Parkway and enjoying the various overlooks is an activity in and of itself. Don’t feel like you need to hike if you are not up to it!
Read more about my experience hiking Graveyard
Linville Falls
Milepost: 316
This moderately challenging hike to a wonderful multi layered 90 foot tall waterfall is quite unique as you will get to enjoy views of both the waterfall and Linville Gorge (one of only 2 wilderness gorge areas in the Southern US).
The entire hike is 1.5 miles (round-trip) and fairly steep yet not too arduous. With 4 scenic overlooks, I would say this hike is amongst the best bang-for-your-buck options on the Parkway considering the mesmerizing scenery.
Tip: If you are seeking something a bit more relaxing, consider hiking just to the first overlook (about a half mile in) to enjoy a viewpoint of the upper falls.
Read more about my experience hiking Linville
Crabtree Falls
Milepost: 339.5
I find this exhilarating 70 foot waterfall the most impressive of those featured on my list. I only wish I would have known about it sooner!
Two moderate routes lead to this wonder of nature. The options are a 1.8 mile out-and-back hike which is a bit easier and a 3 mile loop which requires a bit of a climb. Length vs. difficulty – the choice is up to you. I usually pick a route based on what I feel up to that particular day. Most of the time, I prefer a steeper trek over a longer one.
This waterfall was named after the pink crabtree wildflower blossoms which bloom each spring. The hike itself is gorgeous and challenging enough where you will get in a great gym-free workout, no matter which route your pick. This one has been pretty quiet and I find it one of the better choices if you are seeking a low-key experience.
Read more about my experience hiking Crabtree
Second Falls
Milepost: 418.8
As I mentioned earlier, if you are seeking a longer hike, you can add the extra loop on to the Upper Falls at Graveyard Fields. The short stroll to the Lower viewpoint is best for those who just want to see a gorgeous waterfall without working up much of a sweat.
On the other hand, the moderately challenging 3.5 mile loop trail to the Upper section is long and a bit difficult, and thus, a good option for anyone who wants to get in an invigorating workout. The scenery is pretty, although not overly stunning.
The waterfall can be a hit or miss depending on the season. I recommend planning your hike in the spring after a big rainfall! On a side note, this trail is popular for summer blueberry picking. You can find out more info on the best time to pick wild berries in this Asheville Citizen Times article.
Glassmine Falls
Milepost: 361.2
If you want to see a waterfall with no hiking required, then Glassmine Falls is the one to put on your bucket list. While this one is easily accessible, it’s also quite hard to see unless you visit right after a storm. I’ve never seen it more than a trickle. Also, you are looking from quite a distance and the trees can in the way during the warmer months.
If you have the time and stamina, I also recommend hiking the Craggy Pinnacle trail while you are in the vicinity. This is a short (approx a mile) but steep trail where you will get to enjoy 360 degree vistas of the Craggy Mountains. There is also a nice mountain overlook if you don’t feel like hiking. You will know you are in the right spot as this is a tourist hotspot. Hoards of tourists arrive in June to see the colorful rhododendrons. I love both this overlook and trail!
More stunning falls located just off the drive
Here are a few more beauties located with a 10 mile detour off the drive. I highly recommend checking them out if you have the extra time. Each hike listed here is under 3 miles total, so a great distance for an easy vacation activity.
Catawba Falls: Moderate 3 mile RT hike to a gorgeous 100 foot multi layered waterfall. This one gets busy but is one of my favorite leaf peeping options! Address: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC
Tom’s Creek Falls: Secluded woody hike to a 100 foot double tiered waterfall. Very quiet and gorgeous. Small specks of mica can still be seen from the old mine. Address: 1250 Huskins Branch Rd Marion, NC
Roaring Creek Falls: Easy 2 mile detour to a spectacular cascading 100 foot waterfall. Features an easy flat forest road to get to the falls. Light traffic. Address: 208 Busick Work Center Rd, Burnsville, NC
Soco Falls: Beautiful roadside waterfall located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. You can hike a 5 minute trail for a better view of this mesmerizing double waterfall. Address: US-19, Maggie Valley, NC
For more options, check out my full guide to easy hikes and moderate hikes in the area. On a side note, I never knew Western North Carolina was so gorgeous until I relocated here. Honestly, everything I ever heard about Asheville typically revolved around the Biltmore and the foodie scene. There are so many wonderful hikes in this area – the true benefit of vacationing here in my opinion.
