Fontana Dam, NC

See the view from atop Fontana Dam in North Carolina. It's the highest dam east of the Rockies, equivalent to a 50-story skyscraper! Walk or drive across the top for panoramic mountain and lake views. The Visitor Center has information about the construction in the 1940s. For more info, go to www.romanticasheville.com/fontana_lake.htm.

Turtleback Falls, NC

Watch the fun at Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Park, a super summer swimming hole in the North Carolina mountains. Hike from Gorges State Park. It's a 3.5-mile roundtrip moderate hike to the cascading waterfall that creates a natural water slide. A short distance down the river is gorgeous Rainbow Falls. Located about 55 miles from Asheville near the scenic US 64 Highway. For more info, go to www.romanticasheville.com/turtleback-falls.

Lake Glenville, NC

Take a tour of beautiful Lake Glenville, high in the North Carolina mountains near Cashiers. Located in Jackson County, the lake features a beach, islands and waterfalls to explore. Rent a pontoon boat at Signal Ridge Marina for a relaxing day on the water, surrounding by mountain scenery. Read more: www.romanticasheville.com/lake_glenville.htm

Roan Mountain, NC - Appalachian Trail Hike

Hike with us on the Appalachian Trail across the balds of Roan Mountain on the North Carolina and Tennessee state line. It's one of most scenic sections of the entire AT. Right now, see the massive displays of rhododendron in bloom. See panoramic mountain views as you hike across several balds, with the first peak just 3/4 of a mile from the parking area! Take a picnic. This is definitely one of our favorite hiking trips in the Asheville area. See many details: www.romanticasheville.com/roan.htm

Tryon International Equestrian Center

Check out the fun at the amazing Tryon International Equestrian Center near Asheville - with the best horse jumpers in the country competing for Olympic qualifying and international titles. The Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix includes added fun, food, and live music. Read more about Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Moore Cove Falls, NC

Walk behind and stand under Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville. This waterfall in the North Carolina mountains is a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike from the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Nearby are many other waterfalls including Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. It is eight miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the cool small town of Brevard. For much more information, see our Moore Cove Falls guide.

25 Waterfalls Near Asheville NC

The mountains of North Carolina are home to hundreds of waterfalls.With so many choices, where to begin? Here are some must-see waterfalls near Asheville in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, divided into five regional areas:

Blue Ridge Parkway

• Linville Falls: The most photographed waterfall in North Carolina is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a 1.6-mile hike with four overlooks to enjoy a variety of views of the falls and Linville Gorge.
• Crabtree Falls: This beautiful 70-foot waterfall, near Linville Falls, is along a 2.5-mile loop woodland hiking trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Skinny Dip Falls: This refreshing swimming hole on the Blue Ridge Parkway has several cascades, perfect for a hot summer day dip. And it's a beautiful setting any time of the year.
• Graveyard Fields: The highland meadow on the Blue Ridge Parkway features trails to two waterfalls. Second Falls is just a third of a mile from the parking area. Upper Falls requires a four mile hike.

Nantahala National Forest

• Dry Falls: Located in Highlands, this 75-foot roadside waterfall allows the rare treat of walking behind it. Nearby, drive behind Bridal Veil Falls.
• Glen Falls: This beautiful waterfall deep in the forest has two separate falls, accessed via a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike.
• Rainbow Falls: This powerful 150-foot waterfall is accessed by a hiking trail in Gorges State Park. Enjoy the falls from the base, side and the top. Swim at nearby Turtleback Falls.
• Upper Whitewater Falls: The highest waterfall east of the Mississippi plunges 411 feet and is viewed across the valley by walking a short paved trail.

Great Smoky Mountains

• Soco Falls: Located along busy US Highway 19 between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, the roadside twin waterfall is a beauty (photo at top). 
• Deep Creek Smoky Mountains Waterfalls: See three waterfalls (Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a loop hike near Bryson City. During the summer, go tubing down Deep Creek.
• Mingo Falls: Located near Cherokee, this 200-foot waterfall is a short walk from the parking area.

Hendersonville Area

• Hickory Nut Falls: his 404-foot waterfall in Chimney Rock State Park was featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans.
• Pearson’s Falls: This 90-foot waterfall in a beautiful glen is located between Saluda and Tryon, convenient to Interstate 26.
• DuPont State Forest: A three-mile easy hike takes you to the base of three waterfalls: High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls.

Pisgah National Forest

• Catawba Falls: Hike 1.5 miles to the lower falls, a 100-foot cascade with best views in the winter since leaves hide the top of the falls.
• Looking Glass Falls: You don't have to get out of your car to see this 60-foot roadside waterfall, located on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.
• Moore Cove Falls: An easy 1.5-mile roundtrip hike takes you to this 50-foot tall waterfall that you can walk behind.
• Sliding Rock: During the summer, cool off as you slide down this 60-foot cascade.

See more info: Waterfalls Near Asheville NC.