Linville Falls

  • Location: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316
  • Waterfall height: 150 feet
  • Hike distance: 1.5 mile loop
Beautiful Linville Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

I enjoyed many drives on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway while living in beautiful Asheville. With continuous lush greenery for 469 miles and easy access to incredible parks and waterfalls, it’s no wonder it has been nicknamed “America’s favorite drive.” The drive connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains, with many beautiful sights in-between.

If you are staying in Asheville, you are in luck as you will have easy access to one of the more scenic portions of the drive. Linville falls, an incredible 150 foot multi tiered waterfall, is a sight not to be missed. The total distance of this hike is about 1.5 miles RT with numerous breathtaking overlooks along the way. The hike is a bit steep, although not overly taxing. The natural splendor of the Linville Gorge, nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of the East,” is hard to top.

Upper Whitewater Falls

  • Location: Cashiers, North Carolina
  • Waterfall height: 411 feet
  • Hike distance: 1/2 mile out-and-back, plus optional 308 step stair climb
Upper Whitewater Falls in Western North Carolina

Upper Whitewater falls is an incredibly powerful 400 foot waterfall near the North Carolina/South Carolina border. This waterfall is super easy to access via a simple 1/2 mile paved trail. For a closer view, challenge your legs to a 154 foot step climb – it’s worth the extra effort! Visit during the spring to enjoy the blooming mountain laurel.

Although quite busy most weekends, the setting truly is spectacular enough to put up with any crowd levels. Whitewater is located within the beautiful Nantahala Forest. Lower Whitewater Falls can be accessed via a 2 mile trail in South Carolina. Together, the combined 800 foot Upper/Lower falls come in as one of the highest east of the Mississippi. A great sight to see and easily accessible from cities like Greenville and Asheville.

Kaaterskill Falls

  • Location: Haines, New York
  • Waterfall Height: 260 feet
  • Hike distance: 1/2 mile out-and-back
Kaaterskill Falls in Upstate New York's Catskill Mountains

This two tiered beauty in the Catskill Mountains region comes in tall at 260 feet. I really love this part of New York – it so beautiful – a world’s away from NYC. Of the more than 2000 waterfalls in the state, this one is really worth putting on your bucket list. The hike is just a half mile long, although portions of it are a bit rocky and steep. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be too difficult for anyone in decent shape.

The scenery is beautiful and the ambiance very serene despite the oftentimes heavy foot traffic. It’s a lovely walk through the wilderness with pretty creekside views throughout. Nature lovers will be pleased with this one. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears. The Catskills is home to the largest bear population in New York. Although attacks are very rare, you should always be bear aware.

Tom’s Creek Falls

  • Location: Marion, North Carolina
  • Waterfall height: 60 feet
  • Hike distance: 1/2 mile out-and-back
Enjoying a gorgeous view of the Tom's Creek waterfall in Western North Carolina

One of the hidden gems of Western North Carolina’s incredible waterfall scene is Toms Creek, a beauty that remains isolated due to its’ off-the-beaten path location. The 60 foot 2 tiered beauty looks much bigger and more powerful in person. You really cannot beat the serene uninterrupted setting. Home to an old mica mine, the mica embedded in the rocks adds an extra tough of beauty as it glistens in the sun. To date, one of my favorites out of the dozens of waterfalls I’ve explored in the region.

Catawba Falls

  • Location: Old Fort, North Carolina
  • Hike distance: 1 mile out-and-back
  • Waterfall height: 100 feet
Catawba Falls in Western North Carolina

This gorgeous waterfall is a popular daytrip destination for tourists staying in nearby Asheville. As the closest waterfall to the city, this one sees a steady stream of traffic year round. Fall is definitely the best time to plan your visit as the forest is ablaze in colorful hues this time of year. The leaf peeping is really incredible here – it was definitely some fo the best foliage I have seen on any trail in the state.

In exchange for moderate effort (the hike is just 1 mile with little elevation gain), you will be treated to a prime view of a gorgeous multi tiered waterfall. During the autumn months, this is by far the most picturesque waterfall in the Western North Carolina region. This is no small feat as this area is home to more than 200 stunning waterfalls!

FAQ

What is the best time to hike?

Spring (after the snow melts) is typically the rainy season and when most falls are at their most powerful.

What should I wear?

I recommend workout attire and hiking shoes. It’s always good to wear layer during the spring months, which can be unpredictable weather wise.

What should I bring with?

A hiking stick always comes in handy for extra traction. Also, I usually bring with a backpack and stuff it with a rain jacket, trail mix, water bottles, sunglasses, sunblock, and any other essentials.

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Each trail has different rules. Check with the official park website for details. Most allow leashed dogs.

Is there anythign else I should know?

Always follow all trail signs. Never venture off the marked trailhead. Many deaths have occurred as a result of hikers who did not follow the signs. Stay vigilant about wildlife – attacks are rare, but do occasionally happen. Check with the National Park/forest office for safety tips.