In the bustling city of Raleigh, North Carolina, life revolves around its vibrant tech industry, acclaimed universities, and the rich culture of the state capital. However, in the city’s outskirts, and a little beyond, nature has its own spectacular show on display.
This article will guide you on a journey to the best waterfalls near Raleigh within a 1 to 2-hour drive, as well as introduce some more popular gems a little further away.
Waterfalls Within an Hour of Raleigh, North Carolina
While not natural waterfalls because they are created by dams, below are 6 of the easiest waterfalls near Raleigh that you can visit.
1. The Dam at Lassiter Mill Park
- Parking: 95 S Hawthorne Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Hike Length: Less than a mile, easy walk from the parking area
Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, the Dam at Lassiter Mill Park is a tranquil oasis. This historic site, once a grist mill’s power source, now creates a picturesque waterfall cascading over the old mill structure. The park itself is a great place for picnics and leisurely strolls. With lush greenery surrounding the area, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.
The dam’s history adds a touch of nostalgia to the natural beauty of the site, making it a must-visit for both history buffs and nature lovers. Though not large, the waterfall is a beautiful sight, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color.
2. Historic Yates Mill County Park
- Parking: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Hike Length: 1-mile loop around the mill pond
Steeped in history, Yates Mill County Park is home to Wake County’s last operable water-powered gristmill. The mill’s waterfall, approximately 20 feet high, becomes a roaring spectacle after a good rain. Wildlife abounds in the park, and the variety of plant species adds to its charm. The historic mill, dating back to around 1756, adds a unique charm to the park.
The waterfall, created by the mill’s dam, is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. The park also features an array of wildlife and a variety of plant species, making it a great place for nature photography and bird-watching.
3. Little River Park
- Parking: 301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont, NC 27572
- Hike Length: 1.5 miles, moderate difficulty
Tucked away in Durham County, Little River Park is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Well-maintained trails make it an ideal spot for a family hike, and the surrounding trees in full bloom create a stunning backdrop for the waterfall in spring.
The park also offers picnic areas and fishing spots, making it a perfect place for a day trip. It’s also a great destination for camping near Raleigh if you’re looking to spend a night or two outdoors.
The waterfall, though not large, is a beautiful sight, especially in the spring when the surrounding trees are in full bloom.
4. West Point on the Eno
- Parking: 5101 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704
- Hike Length: 2 miles, easy to moderate difficulty
Spanning 404 acres along the Eno River, West Point on the Eno is a city park that’s a nature lover’s dream. A historic mill dam creates a beautiful waterfall, and the park also boasts a variety of trails, picnic areas, and historic structures. Photographers will find the waterfall’s picturesque setting irresistible, and the park’s cultural and environmental education programs add a touch of learning to your adventure.
The park’s waterfall, created by a historic mill dam, is a beautiful sight. The park also features a variety of trails, picnic areas, and historic structures. The waterfall is a popular spot for photographers due to its picturesque setting. The park also hosts several cultural and environmental education programs, making it a great place for learning and exploration.
5. Bynum Dam on the Haw River
- Parking: 950 Bynum Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312
- Hike Length: Less than a mile, easy walk from the parking area
Bynum Dam on the Haw River offers a unique view of a waterfall cascading over a dam. Perfect for picnicking and bird watching, the area around the dam is a haven for local anglers. The cascading water, bathed in the golden glow of the early morning sun, is a sight to behold. The dam is also a popular spot for local anglers. The waterfall is particularly beautiful in the early morning when the rising sun casts a golden glow on the cascading water. The surrounding area is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
6. Cedarock Park
- Parking: 4242 R Dean Coleman Rd, Burlington, NC 27215
- Hike Length: 2.5 miles, moderate difficulty
Cedarock Park is a large, 414-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities. The park’s waterfall, located on Rock Creek, is a peaceful spot that’s perfect for relaxation. The park also features historical farm buildings, a disc golf course, and equestrian trails.
The waterfall, though not large, is a beautiful sight, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color. The park’s diverse landscape makes it a great place for nature photography. The park’s waterfall, located on Rock Creek, is a peaceful spot that’s perfect for relaxation. The park also features historical farm buildings, a disc golf course, and equestrian trails.
Waterfalls Within Two Hours From Raleigh, North Carolina
If you’re looking to venture a little further away from Raleigh, you’re presented with more options that you can visit such as those in Hanging Rock State Park.
7-10. Hanging Rock State Park
- Parking: 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016
- Hike Length: Varies, with several trails leading to different waterfalls:
- Hidden Falls
- Window Falls
- Hanging Rock Falls
- Cascade Falls
A paradise for nature lovers, Hanging Rock State Park boasts several waterfalls, each with its unique allure. From the secluded Hidden Falls to the impressive 25-foot drop of Cascade Falls, every hike promises a rewarding view. The park’s stunning rock formations, diverse flora and fauna, and recreational activities like rock climbing, fishing, and camping make it a must-visit. The park features several waterfalls, each with its unique charm.
From the secluded Hidden Falls to the impressive Cascade Falls, which drops about 25 feet, each hike offers a rewarding view. The park also offers rock climbing, fishing, and camping.
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Other Beautiful Waterfalls in North Carolina
While there aren’t an overwhelming amount of waterfalls near Raleigh that you can reach in under two hours, there are several others throughout the state that you can visit if you’re up for a further drive. Some of our favorites are below.
Western North Carolina
Some of the popular waterfalls near Boone and Asheville below are sure to pique your interest if you’re up for a 3-4 hour drive from Raleigh.
11. Crabtree Falls
- Parking: Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Hike Length: 2.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous difficulty
Crabtree Falls, one of North Carolina’s most beautiful waterfalls, cascades overa 70-foot rock cliff. The trail to the falls is a loop offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Especially enchanting in the spring when the surrounding rhododendrons are in bloom, the trail offers several vantage points for viewing the falls.
The waterfall, which cascades over a 70-foot rock cliff, is a sight to behold. The trail to the falls is a loop that offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The waterfall is particularly beautiful in the spring when the surrounding rhododendrons are in bloom.
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12. Catawba Falls
- Parking: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
- Hike Length: 3 miles round trip, moderate difficulty
Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Catawba Falls is a majestic sight. The hike to the falls follows the beautiful Catawba River, revealing several smaller cascades along the way. The main waterfall, a stunning two-tiered cascade, drops over 100 feet in total, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the area.
The surrounding forest is home to a variety of wildlife, adding to the overall appeal of the hike. The trail is well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels.
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13. Triple Falls
- Parking: 89 Buck Forest Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
- Hike Length: 2.9 miles round trip, moderate difficulty
Triple Falls Trail in DuPont State Forest leads to three stunning waterfalls on the Little River. The trail offers several viewpoints from which you can admire the cascades. Each of the three waterfalls has its unique charm, with the combined height of all three falls reaching approximately 120 feet.
The surrounding forest, with its diverse plant and animal life, adds to the overall beauty of the hike. Each of the three waterfalls has its unique charm, from the wide, even flow of the first falls to the dramatic drop of the third.
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Southwestern North Carolina
14. Dry Falls
- Parking: US-64, Highlands, NC 28741
- Hike Length: 0.3 miles round trip, easy difficulty
About 10 minutes outside of Highlands, North Carolina, Dry Falls is a unique waterfall that you can walk behind without getting wet, hence the name. The waterfall is part of the Cullasaja Gorge and is easily accessible from the road.
he waterfall drops about 65 feet, and the roar of the water and the feeling of the mist on your face is an unforgettable experience. The waterfall is particularly beautiful in the winter when icicles form on the surrounding rocks, creating a stunning ice palace.
15. Glen Falls
- Parking: Glen Falls Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
- Hike Length: 2 miles round trip, moderate difficulty
Glen Falls is a series of three large waterfalls, each more impressive than the last. The trail descends into the scenic Blue Valley and offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding forest. Each of the falls drops about 60 to 80 feet, and it’s a bit of a hike, but the beauty of the falls makes it worth the effort.
The trail offers several overlooks, each providing a unique view of the falls and the lush valley below.
16. Bridal Veil Falls
- Parking: US-64, Highlands, NC 28741
- Hike Length: Visible from the road, no hiking required
Bridal Veil Falls is a picturesque waterfall that you can drive under, making it a unique sightseeing experience. The waterfall, which cascades over a ledge onto the road, is a popular spot for photos.
Despite its accessibility, it retains a sense of enchanting beauty. The falls drop about 120 feet, and they are particularly beautiful in the winter when they freeze into a curtain of ice. This waterfall is a must-see, not just for its beauty, but also for its unique feature that allows visitors to walk or drive under it.
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17. Cullasaja Falls
- Parking: US-64, between Highlands and Franklin, NC
- Hike Length: Visible from the road, no hiking required
Cullasaja Falls, the largest waterfall in the Cullasaja Gorge, is a breathtaking sight. The waterfall cascades down a steep ravine into the Cullasaja River, dropping about 250 feet in total. The falls can be viewed from several pull-offs along the highway, and the surrounding area, rich in biodiversity, is a great spot for wildlife viewing.
The falls are a powerful display of nature’s force, with the water tumbling down the rocky cliff face into the gorge below. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing.