North Carolina is known for its waterfalls. Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and other popular destinations throughout the state host dozens you could choose from when looking for a waterfall near Charlotte.
This guide will explore 6 of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state that are easily accessible without the hardship of a strenuous hike. All of them are within 3 hours of the Queen City.
Continue reading to find the information you need to plan an escape to some of the best waterfalls that North Carolina has to offer.
READ MORE: The 8 Best Hiking Trails Near Franklin, NC
The Best Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC
1. Linville Falls

Hiking Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
Located 2 hours outside of Charlotte near Milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the state of North Carolina. There’s an option to see this stunning waterfall no matter what level hiker you are.
A visitor center with a gift shop, maps, and restrooms is located shortly from the parking area and there are two different routes you can take to reach Linville Falls from there.
Erwin’s View Trail is the upper trail and an easy 1.6 mile moderate hike that takes you to 3 different gorgeous viewpoints. Your first stop will be the Upper Falls Overlook where you can hang out and take photos with the other hikers on this popular trail.
After that, continue down a couple of steep flights of stairs until you reach Erwin’s View Overlook and Chimney View Overlook, where you can take in the views from some of the highest points along trail.
The Linville Gorge Trail, a 3-quarter mile strenuous hike is the other option here where you can explore the scenes from the base of Linville Falls. That’s much more challenging but allows you to experience the roar of the water from a lower vantage point.
2. Crabtree Falls

Hiking Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Crabtree Falls is a spectacular 60-foot waterfall just off milepost 339.5 of the infamous Blue Ridge Parkway 2-hours from Charlotte in Western North Carolina.
Once you arrive at the campground, you can stop at a parking lot with restrooms before you begin the 3-mile loop trail towards Crabtree Falls.
The hike in is an easy downhill trek along a running stream and across a few bridges until you will start to see views of the falls through the trees as you approach them.
Cross another bridge once you reach the base of Crabtree Falls to catch different viewpoints of the water spilling over the cliff as it cascades 60 feet down to the rocks below where you can explore. However, some of the rocks can get really slipper so beware of where you’re climbing.
READ MORE: 10 Gorgeous Waterfalls Near Boone NC
3. High Falls

Hiking Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Want multiple waterfalls you can hit in the same trip? Reach both of these next waterfalls (plus others) on the same trail in the Dupont State Forest 20-minutes south of Hendersonville, North Carolina
Rolling 150-feet down varying levels of rocks, High Falls is the largest waterfall along the 2-mile High Falls Loop Trail and a gorgeous place to stop and take photos.
It’s quite the experience based on the water level. The falls will roar over the rocks when its high, but you can get much closer or walk along some rocks when it’s lower. However, do not try to sit on top of any of the large boulders if they’re slippery because it could be dangerous.
READ MORE: 17 Unforgettable Waterfalls Near Raleigh, North Carolina
4. Triple Falls
Hiking Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Continue onto the next stop on our list after you rock hop or relax for a while at High Falls, which is only a quarter-mile away on the High Falls Loop Trail in the Dupont National Forest.
Famous for its appearance in The Hunger Games and other movies, Triple Falls streams down over 120 feet into the water below and will be your first stop along the 2-mile Triple Falls/High Falls loop trail.
Cross a bridge from the parking area to find a clearly marked trailhead where you can begin the walk to the falls. The hike up has a gradual incline that you may struggle with if you’re a beginner hiker, but it’s not very strenuous overall.
Get to the parking area early if you’re visiting during a busy time! It can fill up quickly and spots are hard to come by later in the day.
Note: You can extend this hike for a total of 3 miles and also view Hooker Falls before returning to the parking area if you’re up for a longer adventure.
READ MORE: 12 Best Hiking Trails in Black Mountain, NC
5. Whitewater Falls

Hiking Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Near the South Carolina state line is the highest waterfall in North Carolina. Whitewater Falls, about 3 hours west of Charlotte in the Nantahala National Forest, drops an incredible 411 feet overall and offers one of the most lovely views in the whole state.
From the parking area off NC 281, the hike to the upper falls is a paved trail that is easy and manageable for dogs and children. There’s a viewing platform about a half-mile from the trailhead where you stop, hang out for a while, and take some incredible pictures.
You can extend your hike beyond the viewing platform and travel along the Foothills Trail to the Lower Falls for more spectacular views. Along the trail, you’ll walk alongside the Whitewater River which supplies all the water to both the roaring Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls.
Note: There is a $3 fee per vehicle to visit Whitewater Falls. One-day or season permits can also be purchased at Dry Falls.
6. Dry Falls

Hiking Distance: .25 miles
Difficulty: Easy
While not as high as the last destination, Dry Falls is only 40-minutes away from Whitewater Falls and one of several stunning waterfalls you can check out in the Highlands area.
Get to these views in no time with its convenient location off Highway 64 and short walk from the parking area until you’re under them.
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit dry falls as the trail provides stunning photo opportunities of the foliage encompassing the falls from multiple angles. You can almost touch the water if you try because the walkway lets you get so close. When the water level is high, you might even feel drifts of the wind pushing the water toward you.
Plan the Ultimate Day Trip in Western NC
Start your adventure in Western North Carolina with these 6 gorgeous waterfalls near Franklin, North Carolina and hit Dry Falls, 5 other waterfalls, and Whitewater falls all within a day or two’s time.
Or explore the list below for more of the best hikes, waterfalls, and campgrounds throughout the state.