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Waterfalls in the Carolinas
See also www.Waterfalls-Guide.com for great waterfalls throughout the U.S.A.
North Carolina Waterfalls (skip to SC waterfalls) Bottomless Pools, Lake Lure While, admittedly, it is really reaching to include the Pools in this Waterfalls Section, the Bottomless Pools are really worth seeing. Carved by the grinding of water-borne sediment over thousands of years, it is as though they were molded in place by some great power. This is privately owned but the admission is only $3 for adults (children 7 to 12, $1, under 7, free) . Relax awhile and enjoy natures charm. Only April 1, thru October 31, 10a until 5p. Picnic tables and hiking trail are available, pets kept under control are welcome. Phone: 828-625-8324. Bradley Falls, (Little and Big), Saluda Can't tell you exactly how to get to them as the trails are not marked, however they are located as follows: From Interstate Hwy 26 take NC-108 (at Columbus) towards Rutherfordton approximately 4 miles. Turn left at NC-9 and very next left onto Silver Creek Rd. Go approximately 3 miles, driving past Silver Creek Campground (offers tubing for the Green River). The next left (after campground) is Holbert Cove Rd. Turn onto it (left), go approximately 5 miles; it will become a dirt road, but in good condition. The road is hilly and curvy and when it bottoms after about 5 miles there will be some very large culverts in the creek that the road crosses over. This is the parking area (either side of the culverts) The trail is across from the parking pull-offs. It goes through a small field (may be overgrown in the summer). Bear left after field - trails go both to the left and to the right. (Right requires fording the creek.) Care should be taken as with any falls. Do not get into the water above the falls. People have gone over and lost their lives. It is about a 300 ft. drop. Another access to Holbert Cove Rd. is to take the Saluda exit (#28) off I-26 and, if coming from Hendersonville, turn left. Go approximately 4 or 5 miles to same bottom area with culverts. If coming from Spartanburg, it would be a right turn at the Saluda exit. Our thanks to David and Barbara King for these directions. Bridal Veil Falls, Franklin/Highlands Just west of Highlands on US-64, just past Lake Sequayah, is a fun waterfall: the 120-foot Bridal Veil Falls. There is a little loop off the highway so you can drive right under the falls, - perhaps even get a quickie car wash (if the water flow is sufficient). Highlands is about 40 miles from Brevard, the falls about 2 miles further west. The falls are a little less that 20 miles from Franklin. (See also: Dry Falls and Culasaja Falls a little further west on US-64). Warning: US-64 in this area is narrow and winding. Travel is mostly at speeds under 25mph. Phone: 828-526-3765. Location Map: http://www.franklin-chamber.com/fallsmap.html Connestee Falls, Brevard Just south (about 6 miles) of Brevard on US-276, the twin falls (on your right) are about 110 feet high and are easily reached by a staired walkway. In fact, the walkway, up to a vantage point from which you can view the falls, is very nice, level, brick-paved, and wheel-chair accessible. Connestee Falls are on private land and are accessible free of charge through the generousity of the owner. The Cherokees have legends about many of the waterfalls in Cherokee country. In a story, Connestee Falls is named after a Cherokee princess who had been married to an Englishman. When her husband deserted her to return to his own people, she jumped off the falls to her death. At least the Issaqueena story had a happy ending. Phone: 828-885-2610. Our thanks to Zzyvko Marjanovitch for this description and directions More information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/connesteefalls.html Courthouse Falls, Balsam Grove (Pisgah Nat. Forest) In the rugged wilds of the Beech Gap area on Courthouse Creek in the Beech Gap area of the Pisgah National Forest. From Cashiers, follow US-64 east 16 miles to NC-215. Turn right (north) and continue to Balsam Grove and Courthouse Creek. Kiesee Falls is in the same vicinity. Phone: 828-526-3765. More information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/courthousefalls.html Location Map: http://www.franklin-chamber.com/fallsmap.html Cove Creek Falls, Pisgah Nat. Forest From its intersection with US-64 and NC-280 just east of Brevard, follow US-276 north about 5 miles to the Fish Hatchery (on your left). Turn left (this is FR-475) and proceed to Cove Creek Campground. The falls is about a mile from the parking lot and a fairly decent trail. (Incidentally, Slick Rock Falls is a very short side trip on 475-B which you will pass on your way to Cove Creek Falls. And Daniel Ridge Falls is just beyond Cove Creek Falls.) Our thanks to Zzyvko Marjanovitch for this description and directions Crabtree Falls, Blue Ridge PkwyAt Crabtree Meadows at milepost 339.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you're in for a vigourous 40-50 minute descent down the mountain to the Falls. Crabtree Meadows has a snack shop, gas station, shop with film and other tourist items and the NPS maintains an extensive picnic area for your convenience. Your view of the falls is at the base looking up. It is impressive, especially in the Spring after the snowmelt and rains. Cullasaja River Gorge, Franklin/Highlands As the name implies, this is a deep canyon created by the Cullasaja River. US-64 has been carefully cut out of the north wall and follows the river all the way to Franklin. Three major waterfalls grace the route: Bridal Veil Falls followed by Dry Falls and, finally, Cullasaja Falls. Cascading about 250 feet it is a fitting climax to the trio. It is not very visible from the highway and there is no designated parking area. But there is an extended wide spot which is well used. The trail to the base of the falls is steep and rocky. And remember, you have to climb back up again. The Cullasaja gorge is between Highlands and Franklin on US-64 which, though very curvy and narrow, is bi-directional and can accommodate up to medium size recreational vehicles if driven with great care. Be prepared for a slow but rewarding ride. Phone: 828-526-3765. Our thanks to Zzyvko Marjanovitch for this description and directions More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/cullasajafalls.html Location Map: http://www.franklin-chamber.com/fallsmap.html Daniel Ridge Falls, Pisgah Nat. ForestFrom its intersection with US-64 and NC-280 just east of Brevard, follow US-276 north about 5 miles to the Fish Hatchery (on your left). Turn left (this is FR-475) and proceed to Daniel Ridge Falls. The falls are just a couple hundred yards from the parking lot along an old logging road. (Incidentally, you pass right by Slick Rock and Cove Creek Falls on the way.) Drift Falls, Cashiers From Cashiers follow US-64 10 miles east to Sapphire. Turn right on the 'Whitewater' Road and then south about 3 miles to the Horsepasture River. (see also Horsepasture Falls, Rainbow Falls and Whitewater Falls, all in the immediate area.) Phone: 828-526-3765. More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/driftfalls.html Map of Waterfalls in Transylvania County: http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/map.html Dry Falls, Franklin/Highlands Dry Falls is just beyond Bridle Veil Falls in the Nantahala National Forest (on US-64 about 3.5 miles west of Highlands and 16.5 miles east of Franklin). It is free and you can see it from the road. No, it's not dry! There is an old log shelter at the trailhead. The trail descends a series of steps to the base of the 75-foot falls. Not particularly challenging but, wait, you have to climb back up to the top. If you descend to the base of the falls, you can walk behind the falls (be prepared to get wet). (See also: Bridal Veil Falls, a little further east, and Culasaja Falls a little further west on US-64). Phone: 828-526-3765. Our thanks to Zzyvko Marjanovitch for this description and directions Location Map: http://www.franklin-chamber.com/fallsmap.html Glassmine Falls, Blue Ridge ParkwayBest viewed in the spring when water is more plentiful, the Falls are very narrow the rest of the summer. It occasionally dries up completely. You can view the falls from Glassmine Falls Overlook at milepost 361.1. The overlook is about 75 yards north of the parking area which is on the right when driving north from Asheville. Look across the valley to locate the Falls. Although the stream of water is narrow it is about 800 feet high so you should be able to see them easily even from this distance. Our thanks to Ron Price for this description and directions Glen Falls, HighlandsFrom Highlands, travel 3 mi. south on NC 106. Turn left on U.S. Forest Service Rd. with "Glen Falls" marker. One-mile trail to falls is steep and rough. Consists of three large falls, each dropping approx. 60 feet.. Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock Hickory Nut Falls is in the privately-owned Chimney Rock Park in the western part of Rutherford County near Lake Lure. Open only from late spring to early autumn, a fee is charged for admission. The falls are a series of drops for better than 900 feet, the main falls swoops over a granite ledge and drops some 400 feet to the pool below. You don't have to walk any trail; you can view the whole thing through special telescopic viewers just outside the town (Chimney Rock). But, if you really want to experience the might of this marvel of nature, you hike. (There are some other 'nature trails' in the park, also.) From Hendersonville, take US-64 to the intersection of US74-A, turn right and the park entrance (well signed) will be on your right a few miles down the Broad River. There are wide areas here and there along the river where you can pull off and enjoy the sights of the rapids. This can be a vicious river and has caused millions of dollars of damage in several spectacular floods. Chimney Rock Park phone: 828-625-9611. Our thanks to Zzyvko Marjanovitch for this description and directions More information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/hickorynutfalls.html High Falls, Pisgah Nat. Forest On the Mills River near Pink Beds, 135 feet of drop are probably enough of an inducement to get you to make the 2.5 mile, rugged hike (the trail is very rough and steep). No parking area, try to find a good spot on the road. Take US-276 north from Brevard into Pisgah National Forest to Yellow Gap Road. There is a sign. Phone: 828-877-3265. Map of Waterfalls in Transylvania County: http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/map.html Sorry, we do not have a write-up on this one. However we do have directions to find High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park (near Morganton).
Horsepasture Falls, Cashiers Named after the river, this is one of a series of magnificent waterfalls on the Horsepasture River. (See also Drift Falls, Rainbow Falls and Whitewater Falls.) From Cashiers follow US-64 east 10 miles to Sapphire. Turn right on the 'Whitewater' Road and then south about 3 miles to the Horsepasture River. Phone: 828-526-3765. Location Map: http://www.franklin-chamber.com/fallsmap.html Indian Creek Falls, Bryson City Follow Deep Creek Rd. north 3 miles to Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Height of falls is 60 ft. The one-mile hike to the falls is classified as "easy". Juneywhank Falls and Tom's Branch Falls are nearby. Juneywhank Falls, Byrson City Follow Deep Creek Rd. north 3 miles to Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Juneywhank Falls are one-quarter mile downstream from Indian Creek. Indian Creek Falls and Tom's Branch Falls are nearby. Kiesee Falls, Balsam Grove From Cashiers, travel 16 mi. east on U.S. 64, to "Glouchester Road." Falls located on Kiesee Creek in Balsam Grove, near Courthouse Falls. The Cape Fear River "falls" a few feet at this spot. And not just running over rocks, but suddenly dropping a few feet in a few places. Perhaps some would call spots like Lanier Falls "rapids". And they are "Class I" rapids. All of the rapids in this section of the Cape Fear River are called "falls". Others may call features like these "shoals". Our thanks to
Linville Falls, Linville Falls At the head of the Linville Gorge, Linville Falls is actually two falls, Upper Falls (50 feet) and Lower Falls (60 feet). A well used (and maintained) trail leads you in the climb to both lower and upper falls. The climb is strenuous but the rewards are great. The view of the Linville Gorge from the upper vantage point is well worth the effort. An information station at the parking lot has brochures about the falls (read it before you start your climb) and has other reading material, etc., for sale. Off the Blue Ridge Parkway (between milepost 316 and 317). Phone: 828-652-2144. More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/linvillefalls.html Sorry, we do not have a write-up on this one. However we do have directions to find Little River Falls in South Mountains State Park (near Morganton).
Looking Glass Falls, Pisgah Nat. Forest Looking Glass Falls is actually a 30-foot wide cascade over a sloped 60-foot surface of polished granite (said to be the largest single granite rock in the southern Appalachian Mountains). Looking Glass Falls is on US-276 22 miles south of Waynesville and about 5.5 miles north of SC-280 in Brevard. (See description of this drive at Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway.) Parking area is well marked on east side of hwy. It's just a short walk to the falls. You will surely want to continue a little further after looking at Looking Glass Falls: there is Moore Cove Falls and then Sliding Rock Falls. A little further and you will be on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Phone: 828-877-3265 More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/lookingglassfalls.html Map of Waterfalls in Transylvania County: http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/map.html Moore Cove Falls, Pisgah Nat. Forest Just up the road (US-276) from Looking Glass Falls, and just before Sliding Rock Falls, is Moore Cove Falls (on your right as your heading away from Brevard). This is a well developed recreation area and there are plenty of picnic tables, trash cans and even an occasional rest room. (See description of this drive at Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway.) More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/moorecovefalls.html Map of Waterfalls in Transylvania County: http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/map.html Pacolet Falls, Saluda Very difficult to access, Pacolet Falls is on private land on the North Pacolet River above the NC-108 bridge. (Trout fishermen know how to get there.) Pearson's Falls, Tryon Pearson's Falls are located on private property and a fee is charged for access. They close their little park in inclement weather and for about two weeks around Christmas. We recommend you phone for current policies. The falls have a total descent of about 100 feet. A nicely maintained wildflower garden, with adjacent picnic tables, is included in the admission fee. Take US-176 north from Tryon to Pearson Falls Road (about 4 miles). Take this gravel road another 3.5 miles to parking area. Phone: 828-749-3031. More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/pearsonsfalls.html Rainbow Falls, Brevard Rainbow Falls is for waterfall adicts. It is on private land and only accessible by a poorly marked, narrow, very rocky trail. (The last time we were there there were no signs at all but you can see where other people have walked.) The falls are some 200 feet high and, especially after the spring rains, are really worth the effort. The mist created by the water splashing furiously against all the rocks creates a permanent rainbow - hence the name. Take US-64 west from Brevard to NC-281. Turn left (south), another 2 miles and park on the side of the highway just before you cross the bridge (Horse Pasture River: quaint!). (see also Horsepasture Falls, Drift Falls and Whitewater Falls, all in the immediate area.) Our thanks to Max Weber for this description and directions Map of Waterfalls in Transylvania County: http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/map.html Shunkawauken Falls, Tryon Privately owned near the summit of White Oak Mountain, this 150 foot cascade of Horse Creek was named after an old Indian chief. The falls can be viewed from NC-1136 (just north of Columbus). More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/shunkawaukenfalls.html Slick Rock Falls, Pisgah Nat. ForestFrom its intersection with US-64 and NC-280 just east of Brevard, follow US-276 north about 5 miles to the Fish Hatchery (on your left). Turn left (this is FR-475) and continue another 1.5 miles to 475-B. Turn right, go another mile and you're at Slick Rock Falls. Just up the road at Cove Creek Campground is a short, 1 mile trail to Cove Creek Falls. And a little further on FR-475 is Daniel Ridge Falls, both of which you will want to see. Our thanks to Max Weber for this description and directions Sliding Rock Falls, Pisgah Nat. Forest On US-276, in Pisgah National Forest, it's one (Looking Glass Falls), two (Moore Cove Falls) and three, Sliding Rock Falls. On your left, is the entrance to the large, paved parking area which accommodates recreational vehicles, - even buses. You will probably hear the screeching of the kids (and even some adults) as they slide down the 150 foot water slide. The river rushes over a slick, granite face at about 11,000 gallons a minute, into a pool just deep enough to be safe. And for safety's sake, there's a life guard or two watching the fun and aiming to keep it that way. (See description of this drive at Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway.) Phone: 828-877-3265 Map of Waterfalls in Transylvania County: http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/map.html Our thanks to Max Weber for this description and directions Soco Falls, Cherokee From Cherokee follow US-19, 6 mi. north to Soco Falls located on slopes of Soco Bald. Sorry, we do not have a write-up on this one. However we do have directions to find Stone Mountain Falls in Stone Mountain State Park (near Sparta).
Tom's Branch Falls, Bryson City Follow Deep Creek Rd. north 3 miles to Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A quarter-mile walk from Deep Creek Campground. Indian Creek Falls and Juneywhank Falls are nearby. Toxaway Falls, Cashiers From Cashiers, take U.S. 64 east. Highway passes over falls about 16 mi. east of Cashiers. Whitewater Falls, Cashiers NC Located 10 miles south of Cashiers NC on NC-281, and 10 miles north of Salem SC on SC-130 in the Sumter National Forest, Whitewater Falls is really two waterfalls, the Upper (411 feet) and the Lower Falls (285 feet). The highest set of falls east of the Rockies, at a total drop of almost 700 feet, these falls are awesome. There is a well maintained trail from the paved parking lot (complete with rest rooms) and it is an easy walk to the many vantage points. (see also Horsepasture Falls, Rainbow Falls and Drift Falls, all in the immediate area.) For information on these falls you may call the U.S.Forest Service at 828-526-3765 or the SC Department of Natural Resources at 803-734-3944. Our thanks to Max Weber for this description and directions More Information: http://www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/caroclips/wfalls/whitewaterfalls.html Map of Waterfalls in Transylvania County: http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/map.html Yellowstone Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway NCAt milepost 418.8 is Graveyard Fields. A black-top trail descends to the East Fork of the Pigeon River, crosses on a sturdy wood footbridge from which you can go downstream (to the right) to Lower Falls. Go upstream, instead, about a 1.5 mile walk, to Upper Falls. The main waterfall, Yellowstone Falls, is really best viewed from the scenic overlook just before the Graveyard Fields parking lot. Trying to access it by foot is very difficult and dangerous.
See
also www.Waterfalls-Guide.com
for Chauga Narrows Falls, Walhalla Located in the Chauga River in Sumter National Forest, Chauga Narrows is accessible by a primative trail which runs along the west bank. The narrows includes the Riley Moore Falls and many cascades and rapids along its 14 mile length. Access is from Walhalla via SC-28. Phone: 864-638-9568 Go to TOP of SC List <> Go to DIRECTORY Issaqueena Falls, Walhala Located in Stumphouse Tunnel Park, this nearly 200 foot waterfall is one of the most visited in South Carolina. An old Cherokee Indian legend relates that Issaqueena, a young maiden in the attempt to escape from pursuers, faked her suicide by pretending to jump off the falls. Actually, or so the story goes, she hid behind the falls until the pursuers departed. (This is certainly a much happier ending than the story about the Cherokee princess, Connestee.) Take SC-28 north about 5 miles from Walhalla to park entrance (on right). Phone: from inside the US call 800-862-1795; from outside the US please call 864-646-3782 Go to TOP of SC List <> Go to DIRECTORY Raven Cliff Falls, Caesars Head Imagine 420 feet of tumbling water, roaring non-stop! Raven Cliff Falls is spell-binding and is probably the Queen of waterfalls in South Carolina. Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area near Caesars Head at the North Carolina border, you will have to hike about 2 miles to reach vantage point from which you can see the falls. Take US-276 north from Travelers Rest. For information on these falls you may call the SC Department of Natural Resources at 803-734-3944. Go to TOP of SC List <> Go to DIRECTORY Reedy River Falls, Greenville A welcome respite to the hustle and bustle of downtown Greenville, the Falls include two beautiful waterfalls and a series of cascades in the Reedy River and right in the heart of the downtown business district. Bordered by a carefully landscaped park, complete with nature trails (both shores of the river), scenic overlooks and even a foot bridge which provides an exceptional vantage point from which to view nature's spectacle. In downtown Greenville, under the South Main Street Reedy River Bridge - in the shadow of the Peace Center Theater. Phone: 864-421-0042 or 864-467-4350. E-mail: frankljo@greatergreenville.com. Our thanks to Max Weber for this description and directions The Camperdown Way vehicle bridge that used to partially obscure this local landmark has been removed, and a new pedestrian bridge has been put in its place as part of a $4.5-million Falls Park improvement project. The unusual curved cable-stay design of the Liberty Bridge now allows visitors an impressive and expansive view of the falls. (See http://www.fallspark.com/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/80651083@N00/127885660/.) Visitors also can stroll or picnic along the banks, and many even wade in the river above and below the falls. Liberty Bridge and Falls Park are visually striking enhancements to both the downtown and West End districts of Greenville. Our thanks to David Bennett for this update Go to TOP of SC List <> Go to DIRECTORY Riley Moore Falls, Walhalla Riley Moore Falls is located in the Chauga River in Sumter National Forest. Chauga Narrows, which includes the Chauga Narrows Falls and many cascades and rapids along its 14 mile length, is accessible by a primative trail which runs along the west bank. Access is from Walhalla via SC-28. Phone: 864-638-9568 Go to TOP of SC List <> Go to DIRECTORY
See
also www.Waterfalls-Guide.com
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