The 10 Most Stunning Waterfalls Near Asheville, NC

It’s hard not to be awestruck by the sweeping, mountainous landscape surrounding Asheville, North Carolina. A forest of trees and grassy fields stretches far in the distance, while waterfalls make their way through gorges and river basins. The mountains and rivers surrounding Asheville make a great place to find waterfalls. Interested in hitting the road and discovering waterfalls around Asheville? Then check out our list of the ten most stunning waterfalls near Asheville for some tips on where to go!

1. Rainbow Falls

One of the most spectacular waterfalls near Asheville, NC is Rainbow Falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 150-foot waterfall is magnificent, especially when the Horsepasture River fills after heavy rainfall. The best part of Rainbow Falls is that tourists can view it from the front, bottom, side, and top!

2. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning waterfall located in DuPont State Forest. Take in the beauty of the waterfall’s 120-foot tall cascade from an observation platform or flat rocks at its base. There are picnic areas and photo opportunities at the base of the waterfall as well. It is interesting to note that this area was also a Hunger Games film location!

3. Catawba Falls

Catawba Falls, located in the Pisgah National Forest just east of Asheville, North Carolina, is a beautiful place to explore at any time of year. It has a succession of waterfalls that cascade over mossy rocks. The 100-ft. tall waterfall can be reached by a 1.5-mile hike (3 miles roundtrip) that follows along the Catawba River. It’s a fun, light hike before you head off to one of the restaurants around Asheville.

4. Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is a spectacular 70-foot waterfall located in Western North Carolina’s legendary Black Mountains. You can hike a modest loop off of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Crabtree Falls’ towering cascades. This route passes through a lovely wooded area with rhododendrons and mountain laurel, before looping around Upper Crabtree Falls and going alongside a rocky creek.

5. Schoolhouse Falls

With a drop of approximately 20 feet, Schoolhouse Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall, but it’s breathtaking! There are many waterfalls in Panthertown Valley in the Nantahala National Forest, but this is the most popular. Panthertown Valley is described as the “Yosemite of the East,” featuring breathtaking rock formations, canyons, and waterfalls. This is a waterfall near Asheville, NC that you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting!

6. Linville Falls

Linville Falls is possibly North Carolina’s most photographed waterfall. The falls are located in Burke County and plunge 90 feet into the 12-mile-long Linville Gorge, with rocks towering above the river. The Visitors Center has two paths leading to five overlooks. At the Visitors Center, there are restrooms, a picnic area, and an information center – ideal for those who want to spend all day viewing this waterfall.

7. Graveyard Falls

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Asheville, there are waterfalls and wildflowers to be seen all along the Graveyard Fields. Throughout the parkway, wildflowers, blueberries, and blackberries grow – making it a spectacular hike to enjoy. Take the three-mile hike to the upper and lower Graveyard Fields Falls, passing through some beautiful scenery. This is a gorgeous waterfall near Asheville, NC if you’re interested in a popular swimming hole as the lower falls serve as one! 

8. Skinny Dip Falls

When the weather is warm, Skinny Dip Falls is a great swimming hole spot for both locals and visitors. Skinny Dip Falls consists of three tiers and is approximately 30-40 feet high, with both a swimming hole and jumping rock. Interestingly enough, the Graveyard Fields’ Upper and Lower Falls share the same water running through Skinny Dip Falls. As this is a popular spot, you’ll see a ton of people here, especially on weekends – so be prepared for that.

9. Whitewater Falls

With an impressive 811 feet, Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains! The Upper Falls, located 60 miles from downtown Asheville in the Nantahala National Forest, drops 411 feet. There’s an excellent viewpoint of Upper Whitewater Falls at the upper overlook, which is a paved 1/4-mile walkway. However, be very careful as you try to get better views, as the rocks can be quite slippery. 

10. Dry Falls 

Near Highlands, there’s a waterfall called Dry Falls where you can take a stroll safely behind a waterfall. The 75-foot waterfall plunges over a cliff in the Nantahala National Forest so that you can walk behind it while remaining dry – which explains the name. However, when the rain is bad, you won’t be completely dry because of how much volume there is in the spray of the fall.

Summary of The 10 Most Stunning Waterfalls Near Asheville, NC

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Scott Alan Ritchie/Shutterstock.com