Most North Carolina state parks have more than just one waterfall. As you hike through miles of trails, see how many you can find or choose one of the following as a special destination point.
Dupont State Forest is less than an hour's drive from Asheville and boasts 10,000 acres and three fantastic waterfalls: Hooker Falls (15 feet), High Falls (150 feet) and Triple Falls (75 feet).
Waterfalls are located throughout Gorges State Park, and next door to it, Drift Falls, Rainbow Falls (150 feet) and Turtleback Falls (20 feet) cascade along the Horsepasture River.
Hanging Rock State Park is in the eastern part of the mountain region of the state, in the Sauratown Mountains. Five of the many waterfalls in this state park are the Upper Cascades, Lower Cascades, Hidden Falls, Window Falls and Tory's Den Falls.
Among the many waterfalls in North Carolina, these ostentatious waterfalls are among the most popular, whether it's with the tourists or with the locals who frequent them.
Chimney Rock Park contains Hickory Nut Falls, which is one of the most dramatic waterfalls on the East Coast at 404 feet high.
In Pisgah National Forest, there's a 60-foot waterfall that doubles as a waterslide for the children and adults who know it as Sliding Rock.
Cullasaja Falls in the Nantahala National Forest can be found at an elevation of 2,480 feet, where it flows for 250 feet. But this multi-streamed waterfall is notorious for being dangerous and difficult to access.
The best waterfalls are perhaps those that aren't surrounded by a big crowd--just the mountain and the trees and the endless feeling of serenity.
South Mountains State Park is located in a region of North Carolina that isn't well known for waterfalls. High Shoals Falls, however, is a lesser-known gem, with a high, vertical plunge that leads to a beautiful pool and yet more cascading water.
Stone Mountain State Park has beautiful Widow's Creek Falls, 25 feet of gorgeous flowing water.
