While most of the waterfalls near Asheville in the North Carolina mountains require a long hike to enjoy, here are five roadside beauties that are accessible for all to see! Plus, see eight more that can be viewed with a short walk from the car. (Photo above is Walker Falls.)
Roadside Waterfalls near Asheville
Dry Falls
This spectacular 75-ft. waterfall has two great features: it's roadside and you can walk behind it! It's located in the Nantahala National Forest along US Highway 64 near Highlands.
This spectacular 75-ft. waterfall has two great features: it's roadside and you can walk behind it! It's located in the Nantahala National Forest along US Highway 64 near Highlands.
Looking Glass Falls
Roadside 60-ft. waterfall in Pisgah National Forest along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Enjoy from the parking area or take the steps down for an up-close look. 10 miles from Blue Ridge… read more
Roadside 60-ft. waterfall in Pisgah National Forest along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Enjoy from the parking area or take the steps down for an up-close look. 10 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway.
Bridal Veil Falls, Highlands
Located on the Waterfall Byway, stop to walk behind this roadside cascade. It's located near Highlands. Just a mile away, walk behind a much bigger Dry Falls, along US Highway 64.
Located on the Waterfall Byway, stop to walk behind this roadside cascade. It's located near Highlands. Just a mile away, walk behind a much bigger Dry Falls, along US Highway 64.
Walker Falls
Roadside 40-ft. waterfall en route to Douglas Falls in Pisgah National Forest, north of Asheville, along a scenic woodlands drive.
Roadside 40-ft. waterfall en route to Douglas Falls in Pisgah National Forest, north of Asheville, along a scenic woodlands drive.
Waterfalls Park
See multiple cascades at the roadside Waterfalls Park in Newland, complete with picnic tables. Three falls total about 50 ft., with a short trail to get a closer look at the different tiers.
See multiple cascades at the roadside Waterfalls Park in Newland, complete with picnic tables. Three falls total about 50 ft., with a short trail to get a closer look at the different tiers.
Toxaway Falls
This roadside waterfall can be viewed from the top on a walkway along US Highway 64 at Lake Toxaway, located between Brevard and Cashiers.
This roadside waterfall can be viewed from the top on a walkway along US Highway 64 at Lake Toxaway, located between Brevard and Cashiers.
Shunkawauken Falls
This 150-ft. waterfall cascades down a mountainside beside the road, so you enjoy it from your car as you drive by! It's located near Columbus, about 10 miles from Pearson's Falls.
This 150-ft. waterfall cascades down a mountainside beside the road, so you enjoy it from your car as you drive by! It's located near Columbus, about 10 miles from Pearson's Falls.
More Waterfalls Via a Short Walk (click names for complete guides)
Silver Run Falls: Located a few miles south of Cashiers in the Nantahala National Forest, walk just a quarter of a mile on a mostly level trail. It's a great wading spot for kids of all ages.
Soco Falls: This twin waterfall is along the highway between Maggie Valley and Cherokee. A short, paved trail leads to an observation deck.
Upper Whitewater Falls: See this 411-ft. beauty from across the valley via a quarter-mile paved trail.
Tom's Creek Falls: This Pisgah Forest National Park waterfall is an easy half-mile hike, located near Little Switzerland.
Second / Lower Falls: Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike about 1/3 of a mile down to the base of this waterfall. There are some stairs and uphill sections on the way back.
French Broad Falls: See a twin waterfall tucked away behind a retreat, just a short walk from the road.
Elk River Falls: This popular swimming hole is a short walk from the parking area. Easy stroll to the top of the waterfall. Short, but steep, trail to the base.
Google Map of These Easy-to-See Waterfalls
