There are hundreds of waterfalls and miles and miles of hiking trails in Western North Carolina for you to explore. Western North Carolina is fortunate to have over a million acres of national forests, national parks, state parks, and other public lands for our enjoyment. Waterfalls are one of the great thrills offered at the end of many hikes in NC. We have gathered a list of our favorite hikes that lead to beautiful waterfalls in Western North Carolina. There are hiking trails for all skill levels.
Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls is an easy 1.4 mile hike located in Pisgah National Forest right after you pass the viewing area of Looking Glass Falls. Moore Cove Falls is a beautiful walk through fern-filled woods and is easy enough for families with young children to take. The trail climbs gently at a total elevation gain of 160 feet. Once you reach the falls you can even walk underneath it. For experienced hikers, you can take the trail on the left side of the falls and head to the very top.
DuPont Waterfalls Tour
The DuPont Waterfalls Tour is an easy 2.6 hike and you get to see 3 beautiful falls throughout your hike. Hooker Falls Trailhead may serve as the trailhead to all 3 falls. Park in the large gravel parking lot and the trail will begin at the back right corner of the parking lot.
Hooker Falls will be the first falls you see on the trail after only 0.25-mile into the hike. To continue hiking up to Triple Falls and High Falls continue along the trail. Triple Falls will be just a short hike up from Hooker Falls. You will start at the base of Triple Falls and continue your hike up to a more close-up view of the falls. Continue on to High Falls just beyond and slightly uphill from the Triple Falls staircase. After you have visited all 3 falls follow where you came back to the parking lot.
Fun Fact: The Hunger Games, the major motion picture released in 2012, was filmed at various locations at DuPont State Forest, including Hooker Falls and Triple Falls.
Cedar Rock Falls
Cedar Rock Falls is a short and easily-missed trail. Begin your hike from the parking area by following Forest Service Road 475C on the left if you are facing the Wildlife Center in Pisgah National Forest. After you cross the bridge, turn right onto the Cat Gap Loop Trail. The trail is blazed orange and after about a mile up the trail you will hear the waterfall. Look for a short trail to the left and it will take you straight to Cedar Rock Falls. If you return to the main trail, you can find Grogan Creek Falls, a small waterfall near a campsite on the left.
Twin Falls
The hike to Twin Falls is an easy to moderate 4.1 miles round trip. Twin Falls is located in Pisgah National Forest off of 276. Once you pass the Ranger Station on your right, continue along 276 and turn right onto the first gravel road (Avery Creek Road, FS 477). Once you have turned on the gravel road, continue about a mile and a half until you see the stables. You can either park near the stables or drive up 0.5 miles to the trailhead.
Avery Creek Trail marks the trailhead. You will continue along this trail until you turn onto Buckhorn Gap Trail. The trail is blazed blue and is easy to follow. After you intersect with the Buckhorn Gap Trail, the trails run together for a short stretch (with blue and orange blaze). When the trails fork, follow the Buckhorn Gap Trail to the right for about a mile to the side trail to Twin Falls. After you turn onto the side trail for Twin Falls, it's about 1/3 mile walk to the falls.
Contact Vista
These are just some of the beautiful hikes to waterfalls that the Western North Carolina area has to offer. If you are looking to make the Western North Carolina Area your new home or would like more information on living in the area contact Vista Developers today!
