North Carolina Waterfalls
North Carolina has 11 named waterfalls on record across 5 counties. 2 waterfalls are free to visit. 7 need a hike. 11 have a closure or hazard note on file.
- Closed, or no soaking or swimming
No waterfalls match.
| Name | Height | Flows | Access | Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | Development – | Access 3.5 mi hike (round trip), paved road | Fee – | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 45 ft | Development – | Access 0.3 mi hike, gravel road | Fee – | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 60 ft | Development – | Access 2.5 mi hike (round trip), paved road | Fee – | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 75 ft | Development – | Access 0.1 mi hike, paved road | Fee $3 per vehicle day-use; $15 annual pass (also valid at Whiteside Mountain and Whitewater Falls) | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 45 ft | Development – | Access 1.6 mi hike (round trip), paved road | Fee – | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 60 ft | Development – | Access paved road | Fee None | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 50 ft | Development – | Access 0.7 mi hike, paved road | Fee Free (NPS place page lists no entrance fee for Moore Cove Falls). | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 150 ft | Development – | Access paved road | Fee No day-use fee for Gorges State Park access. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 30 ft | Development – | Access 0.8 mi hike, paved road | Fee No Blue Ridge Parkway entrance fee. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 60 ft | Development – | Access paved road | Fee $6 per person daily when staffed; ages 5 and under free. Cash and credit accepted. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| 411 ft | Development – | Access paved road | Fee $3 per vehicle day-use; $15 annual pass (also valid at Dry Falls and Whiteside Mountain) | Status Closure or warning on file |
Photo credits (11)
- Catawba Falls: Korlandella, CC0
- Courthouse Falls: Kadoka1, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Crabtree Falls: Wncoutdoors, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Dry Falls: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Linville Falls: P. Hughes, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Looking Glass Falls: Bill McMannis, CC BY 2.0
- Moore Cove Falls: Urban Versis 32, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Rainbow Falls: Wncoutdoors, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Skinny Dip Falls: Jason D. Layne, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Sliding Rock: USDAgov, Public domain
- Whitewater Falls: P. Hughes, CC BY-SA 4.0
Common questions
Where are the waterfalls in North Carolina?
11 named waterfalls are on record: Catawba Falls, Courthouse Falls, Crabtree Falls, Dry Falls, Linville Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and 5 more.
Are there free waterfalls in North Carolina?
Yes. No fee on record for Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls. Each page cites its source.
What is the tallest waterfall in North Carolina?
Of the waterfalls on record here with a stated height, Whitewater Falls is the tallest, at about 411 ft.
Are any waterfalls in North Carolina closed?
A closure or hazard note is on file for Catawba Falls, Courthouse Falls, Crabtree Falls, Dry Falls, Linville Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and 5 more. Each page has the dated detail.
