10 Moderate Waterfall Hikes near Asheville
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I had never even visited the Asheville region until relocating here. Sure, I knew of the city’s reputation as a foodie oasis, but I was unaware of the stunning nature surrounding the city. To say the area is gorgeous is an understatement. Within an easy drive, you can get to so many stunning waterfalls, both on the Blue Ridge Parkway and in surrounding forests like the massive Pisgah and Dupont.
Spectacular waterfalls encompass the entirety of the the WNC region. In fact, there are 200 in Transylvania County alone. Fortunately, “The Land of Waterfalls” (as the area has been appropriately nicknamed), is a quick daytrip from Asheville, a great vacation base for exploring the Parkway and other natural sites in the area.
After living in the region for several years with much experience hiking all sorts of trails, I have compiled my list of what I believe are the top moderate hikes, each ranging from 2-5 miles. Due to the length/and or elevation gain, these trails are best suited for regular hikers/gym goers. If you are seeking something a bit easier, I will refer you to my easy hikes guide (don’t worry these ones are still gorgeous too!).
Also, each trail featured in my guide is located within approximately an hour drive of the downtown limits, making for an easy daytrip. I’ve included a variety of options including: a wonderful leaf peeping trek (Catawba), a wonderful bang-for-your-buck triple falls trail (Dupont State Forest), and a Parkway stunner (Crabtree).
1. Catawba Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 30 min (3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort)
- Hike distance: 2.6 miles (1.3 out-and-back)
- Waterfall height: 100 ft
- Highlight: Amazing fall leaf peeping
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
I think Catawba is one of the more impressive falls within the Pisgah National Forest. It’s a gorgeous 100 foot beauty with multiple dazzling cascades. Best of all, it’s just a half hour away from the city. Of course, this means it gets a lot of traffic especially during the colorful fall season.
For anyone wanting to explore a mesmerizing waterfall without traveling too far, this is your best option. Add in that the hike is fairly short and not overly intense, and you have a real winner here. You will get in a great workout, but you will still have enough energy left over to go out to lunch post-hike. The forest is shady and lush during the summer months and alive with fall color each October.
A mesmerizing sight anytime of the year, especially during WNC’s amazing leaf peeping season. The colors out here are amazing so the area is always flooded with tourists (good luck trying to drive the Parkway unless you leave super early!).
Read more about my experience hiking Catawba.
2. Linville Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour 20 min (Parkway Milepost 316)
- Hike distance: 1.6 miles (0.8 out-and-back)
- Waterfall height: 150 ft (combined total of 4 drops)
- Highlight: Spectacular views of the Linville Gorge wilderness
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
This stunner is conveniently located right along the Parkway at Milepost 316. While it’s quite a popular trail due to its’ easy accessibility, it’s also one of the most beautiful. First of all, you get to drive the gorgeous Parkway to get here. Driving just a small section of this incredible drive should definitely be on your bucket list.
Even if you don’t plan on hiking, there are many scenic overlooks where you don’t have to put in any effort. The drive from the city is gorgeous with unending mountain vistas and lookouts to enjoy the view. This alone makes it worthy of a daytrip in my opinion.
It is located within the Linville Gorge area, the 3rd largest wilderness area in the state at a whopping 11,786 acres. It has been called “the Grand Canyon of the East.” After visiting, I can see why!
The easier of the 2 hikes, the Erwin’s View trail, will take you on a moderately difficult trek up to 4 different overlooks. Spectacular views of the Linville River, the gorge area, and both the Lower and Upper Falls can be enjoyed at these vista points. After working up a sweat, you will reach Erwin’s View Overlook (at 0.8 miles). From here, you will be treated to a 360 degree “on top of the world” view of both the falls. It’s one of the most majestic sights in all of WNC.
Note: Be sure to take a browse around the visitor’s center and get your NPS Passport book stamped.
Read more about my experience hiking Linville.
3. Triple Falls (Dupont State Forest)
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min (89 Buck Forest Rd. Cedar Mountain)
- Hike distance: 3-3.5 mile loop
- Waterfall height: 125 ft (Triple & High Falls), 20 ft (Hooker Falls)
- Highlight: 3 waterfalls via 1 hike
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
On this incredible trail, you will have the opportunity to see two fantastic 125 feet waterfalls (High Falls and Triple Falls), a 12 foot tall, but powerfully wide waterfall (Hooker Falls), and a historic covered bridge. Each of these photo worthy wonders are located along a moderate hike of just over 3 miles (a bit longer if you take the bridge detour). Movie buffs will recognize Triple Falls, featured in both The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. I am not a fan of these movies, but I know a lot of people are so this might appeal to you.
I would consider this the top bang-for-your-buck option if your time is limited. With 3 incredible waterfalls, lovely views of the forest, 2 movie filming locations, and amazing fall foliage, what more could you ask for in a beautiful day out in nature? I love leaf peeping here – the forest is so alive with all different colors.
Note that the trail will be a bit shorter or longer, depending on how many spurs you take. In my experience, it is definitely worth the extra hassle to see the gorgeous covered bridge, as well as the base of Triple Falls.
Read more about my experience hiking in the Dupont.
4. Crabtree Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (Parkway Milepost 339.5 – Crabtree Falls campground)
- Hike distance: 2.5 mile loop
- Waterfall height: 70 ft
- Highlight: One of the most gorgeous on the Parkway
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required). Note – the trail is a bit rocky near the waterfall
This spectacular 70 foot waterfall, which beautifully cascades down a 60 foot rock wall, is a definite contender for best in WNC in my opinion. I can’t believe this hike is just 2.5 miles! Crabtree is so photogenic!
The hike begins at the Crabtree Falls campground about an hour outside of the city. Like Linville, the drive over is equally gorgeous. You have two options here – a moderate 2.5 mile loop or a 0.9 mile out-and-back trek, just to the falls and back, which is much easier (downhill to the falls, uphill on the way back, but nothing overly strenuous).
If you have the time, I would recommend the full loop (requires a 1.7 miles hike after the initial 0.9 mile walk to the falls). After a short section of steep switchbacks, you are taken on a beautiful quiet journey through the oak-hickory forest. I like getting back to nature in the trees as much as possible, so I like this route. Most of the tourists are long gone as they opt for the shorter out-and-back route.
Along this shady trek, you will pass another smaller waterfall, enjoy tranquil views of the creek, and be surrounded by beautiful dense trees. During the fall, magnificent foliage surrounds you in every direction. Overall, it’s a wonderful trail offering (anyone up for a decent workout) a much needed break from our modern hustle and bustle.
Read more about my experience hiking Crabtree.
5. Rainbow Falls at Gorges State park
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour and 15 min (976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire)
- Hike distance: 3 miles (1.5 out-and-back)
- Waterfall height: 150 ft
- Highlight: Best state park in North Carolina
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
Gorges is easily one of the most scenic state parks I’ve come across thus far in the state. Access to multiple waterfalls, backcountry trails, ample wildlife watching, and a fantastic visitor’s center makes this an easy tourist pick.
Rainbow Falls is the premier attraction here. This woodsy 1.5 mile out-and-back trail meanders through a gorgeous forest. It’s peaceful here no matter the time of the year. The trail is moderate in intensity and quite steep at times, although totally worth the effort for a view of an insanely gorgeous and extremely powerful 150 foot waterfall.
On a sunny day, you may see a rainbow over the falls, hence the name. I really loved both the hike itself and the waterfall viewpoint. This is a really strong flow volume, so really exciting. I was actually surprised at how little traffic this trail receives.
Avid hikers may want to continue on another quarter of a mile or so along an unmarked trail to see another smaller waterfall. Turtleback Falls is also a beauty, although it’s a steep hike, especially after working up a sweat hiking uphill to Rainbow for over an hour. It’s best to skip this one unless you are in really great shape and up for a longer adventure.
6. Raven Cliff Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC)
- Hike distance: 4.4 miles (2.2 out-and-back)
- Waterfall height: 420 ft
- Highlight: The tallest waterfall in South Carolina
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
This beautiful park in the underrated Upstate South Carolina region features a heavily wooded trail leading to the state’s tallest waterfall. Despite being in another state, the trailhead isn’t any further than others on my list.
The park gets its’ name from a huge granite outcropping on the Blue Ridge escarpment. This is a scenic overlook everyone can enjoy whether or not you are hiking. Bird watching (167 species have been identified) is super popular here and the park is an official Hawk Migration site. Also be on the lookout for wildlife (black bears occasionally make an appearance) and beautiful spring wildflowers.
If you are up for a moderate challenge, I recommend a 2.2 mile hike through the trees which will lead you to an overlook of 420 foot tall Raven’s Cliff Falls. While the waterfall is quite far off in the distance, the setting with the lovely foliage surrounding the falls is near picture-perfect. I mostly love the leaf peeping here (even the drive to get here is breathtaking).
For a longer adventure and a closer view of the falls, you can opt for a 6+ mile hike to a suspension bridge via the Dismal trail. For most regular hikers, the trek to Raven Cliff Falls should satisfy your need for adventure and give you more than enough of a workout.
Read more about my experience leaf peeping & hiking to Raven Cliff.
7. Wintergreen Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min (3045 Sky Valley Rd, Hendersonville)
- Hike distance: 3.4 miles (1.7 out-and-back)
- Waterfall height: 20 ft
- Highlight: Pretty setting
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
Another fantastic waterfall in the Dupont State Forest is Wintergreen Falls. This hike is a bit easier than Triple Falls, so a perfect family-friendly alternative. The trail is highly trafficked all year-round, so you will want to get here early to ensure parking.
A moderate 1.7 mile out-and-back hike leads you to a beautiful 20 foot waterfall surrounded by evergreen trees. There are some boulders you can climb up to get a better view at the base. As with all others on this list, never attempt to climb the falls – many deaths and serious injuries have resulted. I’ve heard many horrible stories since moving here. Just stick to the trail please!
Overall, the trek to get to Wintergreen is almost entirely flat and mostly downhill. Unfortunately, this means you will get in a decent uphill workout on the way back. Nothing overly strenuous, but comparable to a good day at the gym. I don’t know about you, but I would much rather see trees than stare at a treadmill.
Overall, I think this is one of the prettiest in the region, especially if you arrive before the afternoon crowds. The gorgeous setting and intensity more than make up for the lack of height. It makes my list of most underrated hikes.
On a side note, the trail start is a bit hard to find. You will park at the Guion Farm access lot and walk through the grassy field. Follow Tarkiln Branch Road until you see the sign for Wintergreen.
8. Jones Gap Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min (303 Jones Gap Rd. Marietta, SC)
- Hike distance: 3 miles (1.5 out-and-back to waterfall – full hike is 5.3 miles)
- Waterfall height: 50 ft
- Highlight: Picturesque secluded setting
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
This South Carolina beauty is located in Greenville County within the gorgeous Jones Gap State Park. While this hike does not get as much press as tourist favorite Rainbow Falls, the hike is much easier, and thus, open to pretty much anyone who wants to enjoy a beautiful wonder of nature. I don’t recommend Rainbow Falls unless you are on tip top shape.
While the full trail is nearly 5 miles, you can hike just out to Jones Gap and back. The trek is about a mile and a half and relatively easy apart from a few rocky sections. Nothing too difficult, and thus, a great bang-for-your-buck adventure for the little effort required.
Jones Gap is only 50 feet tall, however, the setting is quite incredible as the falls cascade down a beautiful stone wall. Add in the fact that this trail is underused, so you get to enjoy a tranquil stroll through the beautiful woods, followed by peaceful reflection time all to yourself. I’ve never seen more than a handful of people around.
This is one of my favorite hikes in the Upstate area, especially during the fall. I would put this on my list of top leaf peeping spots in the Upstate. When moving to Greenville a few years ago, I was shocked at how gorgeous this area was during the autumn months – I was not expecting New England!
9. Graveyard Fields Loop
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min (Parkway Milepost 418.8)
- Hike distance: 3.5 mile loop
- Waterfall height: 55 ft (Second Falls), 40 ft (Upper Falls)
- Highlight: Amazing leaf peeping
- Dog friendly: Yes (leash required)
This moderate 3.5 mile hike to two beautiful falls is one of the most popular destinations along the Parkway. This is mainly due to the fact that it is an easily accessible hike, located just an hour from Asheville, and features 2 picture-perfect waterfalls within a relatively short hike. There is also a great overlook here even if you don’t feel like working up a sweat.
It is easy to see why so many tourists flood this area, especially during the colorful autumn months. If you time your visit just right, you will enjoy an amazing view of the Lower Falls surrounded by the bright hues of the fall. Early-mid October, you will want to get out here early to ensure a parking spot.
The trek to the main falls (55 foot tall Second) is easy and short. The hike is under a half mile and includes about 60 steps. As the more beautiful of the 2, this one should be first on your to-do list. It’s easy enough for families and anyone who can handle a few staircases.
On the other hand, the trek to the 40 foot Upper Falls is a bit more intense as it climbs gradually uphill and involves climbing over rocks and exposed roots. Consider adding on this hike for a better workout and more time out in nature. Keep in mind you will be adding in 3 miles. For those who can’t hike, the view from the overlook are stunning enough to warrant a visit.
Read more about my experience hiking Graveyard.
10. Deep Creek Falls Three Waterfalls loop (Smoky Mountains)
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (1040 West Deep Creek Rd. Bryson City)
- Hike distance: 2.5 mile loop
- Waterfall height: 90 ft (Juney Whank), 60 ft (Tom Branch), 25ft (Indian Creek)
- Highlight: Three incredible waterfalls viewable via moderate effort
- Dog friendly: No
On this enjoyable moderate hike of just 2.5 miles, you will get to see 3 gorgeous falls. Known as the “Three Waterfalls Loop,” this is easily the best bang-for-your-buck hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. Unlike super touristy Gatlinburg, this hike is located in Bryson City.
This small mountain community located on the quieter North Carolina side of the Smokies is the perfect place to enjoy the mountain scenery minus the heavy tourist crowds. There is a great little Main St. here and a number of galleries and history attractions too so a great daytrip.
On this loop, you will come across Juney Whank, Indian Creek, and Tom Branch Falls. All 3 are mesmerizing, especially following heavy rainfall. Peaceful views of the forest and creek will keep you company along the way. And, best of all, as all Smokies hikes, parking is free! UPDATE: A parking fee is now in place ($5 daily and $15 weekly – still pretty affordable).
Read more about my experience hiking the Three Waterfalls Loop.
My hiking tips
Eat in Asheville before setting out. It’s a long day if you include driving there and back plus hiking. Fortunately, this foodie city offers no shortage of great local dining options. Here are a few of my favorite breakfast spots.
Bring with plenty of water. Most trailheads do not have any water access.
Use a hiking stick and wear appropriate hiking shoes.
Layer up in the fall/winter. It can get really cold on some of the higher elevated hikes. You may want to start with a sweater or jacket. Also, sections of the Parkway sometimes closes due to ice and snow. Here’s some winter recreational tips from the NPS.
Get here as early as possible to beat the crowds, especially during the busy fall months. The Parkway gets exceptionally crowded this year, so you will want to hike Graveyard, Linville, and Crabtree early in the morning.
This area can get hot during the summer months. This is a great time to head out to the higher altitude hikes like Linville and Crabtree.
Do not disturb any wildlife. Bear encounters are rare but you need to be prepared. I’ve never seen any while hiking, but here are some helpful tips on what to do if you see one via the NPS.
