10 Gorgeous Waterfalls Near Boone NC (+Map)

Sitting along the infamous Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone, North Carolina, is one of several gorgeous mountain towns in Western North Carolina. 

Grandfather Mountain, Elk Knob State Park, and several hiking trails near Boone make the popular Blue Ridge Mountain destination the ultimate trip for outdoor enthusiasts.

Want to see some of the top places you can visit in a day? Explore some of the top waterfalls near Boone, NC throughout this guide!

Waterfalls in Boone NC on Google Maps

10 Gorgeous Waterfalls Near Boone, North Carolina

Discover the extraordinary beauty of nature with our selection of the top 10 most stunning waterfalls near Boone, North Carolina. This awe-inspiring journey will lead you through captivating landscapes that will captivate your senses and rejuvenate your spirit.

As you prepare to embark on this adventure, remember that these precious natural wonders require our respect and care. To ensure their preservation for generations to come, please adhere to the “Leave No Trace” principles. Pack out what you pack in, respect wildlife, and leave what you find.

Additionally, keep in mind that these areas can be treacherously slippery. Exercise caution to avoid accidents, especially when exploring near the waterfalls. Now, let’s dive into these hidden gems of Boone, North Carolina.

1. Glen Burney Falls

Glen Burney Falls near Boone, NC
  • Distance from Boone: 8 miles
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trail Length: 2.3mi 
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Located on New Year’s Creek within miles of downtown Blowing Rock is Glen Burney Falls, one of the most hardest falls to access nearby.

The path on the way in is not easy and can get quite steep and bumpy, which makes going the downhill and uphill trek difficult and exhausting.

Once considered to be a Native American pathway, Glen Burney Falls Trail is known for its rich history. The strenuous trek is worth the effort because it takes you along multiple gorgeous viewpoints of the falls at different elevation levels.

There is a large parking area on-site and you can use the restroom at the town park across the street if you need to stop off while you’re visiting.

2. Linville Falls

Linville Falls near Boone, NC
  • Distance from Boone: 30 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Length: Varies
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Just 40 minutes outside of Boone, North Carolina is Linville Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the area.

1.5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 316.4 is a small visitor operated by the National Park Service that offers opportunities for those of all fitness levels to get a view of this roaring waterfall and the gorgeous rock structures surrounding it. 

The Linville Gorge Hike to the right of the visitor center provides some of the most beautiful views of the falls. Although it’s the most difficult of all the options here. 

Take caution if you choose that trail because it descends sharply down a flight of stairs until you reach the river, where you can rock-hop and hear the roar of the thundering falls nearby.

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Hendersonville, North Carolina

3. Silvervale Falls

Silvervale Falls near Blowing Rock, NC

If you’re looking to avoid any hiking, this 80-foot waterfall sits roadside 30-minutes outside of Boone near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. 

There is a parking spot right next to the falls that allow you to easily walk up and snap pictures of the water streaming down the rocks.

Silvervale Falls is a great quick stop while you’re visiting some of the other waterfalls near Blowing Rock, like Green Mountain Creek Falls mentioned later on in this list.

4. Crabtree Falls

  • Distance from Boone: 47 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Length: 2.5mi 
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Sitting at Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls is one of the most picturesque views (and arguably most popular waterfalls) in all of Western North Carolina.

The moderate to strenuous loop trail will put you to the test but provide a spectacular reward.

The entrance hike to this popular destination can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours as you pass through a mixed oak-hickory forest and views of the various ferns and flowers native to Western North Carolina.

You’ll be rewarded with Instagram-worthy views of the 60ft waterfall cascading over the rocks into the pool below where you can cool off once you reach the base of the trail.

RELATED: 12 Stunning Waterfalls Near Hendersonville, North Carolina

5. Laurel Creek Falls

Laurel Creek Falls near Boone, North Carolina
Credit: CoastalCode – TripAdvisor
  • Distance from Boone:  12 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Length: .15 Miles
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Visiting Boone in the summertime and want a chance to cool off? Relax in one of the most popular swimming holes in Boone, North Carolina at Laurel Creek Falls.

This beautiful waterfall tumbles over 25 feet into the river down below, where you’ll find several others swimming around in the summer.

The falls can become very popular, so we recommend just stopping by and visiting for a few minutes if you’re not interested in swimming. 

At the end of the day, it isn’t as high as some of the others on this list but still packs a powerful punch.

6. Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls near Boone, North Carolina
Credit: Karen Frazier – AllTrails
  • Distance from Boone: 15 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy 
  • Trail Length: 1.2 miles
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Park in The Cascades Overlook, fifteen miles east of Boone in the heart of North Carolina’s High Country to experience the next beautiful waterfall on this list.

An easy 1.2-mile gravel trail equipped with markers and picnic tables will take you to the falls, where you can experience this 150-foot waterfall coursing down.

There are several spots along the hike where you can stop off, view the falls, and snap some photos if you need a break.

Pack some food and have a picnic if you want. The picnic tables along the trail make it easy to bring something along and stop to relish the sounds during lunch.

7. Hebron Falls

Hebron Falls near Boone, North Carolina
Credit: Matthew Robinson – AllTrails
  • Distance from Boone:  8 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy 
  • Trail Length: 3.1 miles
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Hebron Falls can be accessed from multiple trails, but one of our favorites is the Boone Fork Trail in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

This 3.1-mile out and back trail is probably one of the most popular trails at Julian Price Memorial Park. Although the distance is longer than the others in this list, it’s relatively flat overall.

You’ll drop down towards the falls at the turnaround point of this hike, where you can enjoy the views and take pictures, then hike your way back up. 

The trail guides you along a gravel path that turns to quickly turns to dirt. There are plenty of signposts along the way to help you navigate your way to the falls if you worry about getting lost. 

READ MORE: 8 BEST Hikes Near Highlands, NC

8. Otter Falls

Otter Falls near Boone, North Carolina
Credit: Jordan Dagenhart – AllTrails
  • Distance from Boone: 13 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Length: 1 miles
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Within reach of all the other waterfalls on this list lies one of our favorites, Otter Falls, a 25-foot waterfall in Valley Creek 13 miles outside of Boone.

The parking area for Otter Falls is located on Skyland Drive and splits off into four different marked trails that you can choose from based on the viewpoint you prefer.

Additionally, an observation deck was introduced in 2017 that you can use to view the falls if you can’t make the hike. 

9. Waterfalls Park

Waterfall flowing down a stream in waterfalls park near boone nc
Bobby Mclean Memorial Park / Tripadvisor

Located just over 30-minutes outside of Boone, North Carolina off Highway 194 lies the final waterfall on our list, and a great roadside stop if you’re leaving or entering town.

One of our favorite times to stop at Waterfalls Park in the wintertime. When it’s below freezing the water will be frozen over the cascades offering great photo opportunities. 

Elk River Falls in Banner Elk (not mentioned in this guide) in the Pisgah National Forest is a short trip away if you’re looking for another adventure nearby!

10. Green Mountain Creek Falls

About 30 minutes outside of Boone is Green Mountain Creek Falls, a lovely 20-foot high waterfall you can view from a small pull-off alongside the road.

It’s only about 8 miles from downtown Blowing Rock and a short drive from Silvervale Falls if you want to hit both of them in the same trip.

The falls are easy to get to from the parking area and you can walk right up underneath them if you want. They may be frozen over in the winter, though. 

READ MORE: Best Boone, NC Campgrounds & RV Parks