There are several hundred waterfalls in the Asheville area – there are over 250 in nearby Transylvania County alone! It’s hard to choose which ones to see and rank them, but I personally like to group them – so which ones are closest to each other? If I can see eight waterfalls in a concentrated area in one day vs. driving around a larger area to see six, I’m going to stay in one area!
There are tons of guides and waterfall information posts, but this one will how you eight (and growing as I can get to more) that are all on Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, which begins about an hour from Asheville in Brevard, NC. Brevard makes a wonderful trip in the North Carolina mountains, and it’s much less busy than Asheville. Not to mention, most of these aren’t even mentioned by other websites. How’s that for unique waterfalls in the North Carolina mountains?
Furthermore, many of these waterfalls are considerably less busy than all the “top waterfalls” (except, you know, the few that are definitely a top waterfall, because of course they must be mentioned). But they are still just as gorgeous! And I don’t know about you, but less busy attractions are a huge plus. Most of these falls do not have signage, so you’ll need to take maps or print this post (and hiking instructions for Moore Cove and French Broad/Mill Shoals/Cathedral Falls) for directions!
And remember, these are listed in the order you can get to them along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway starting in Brevard. For exact mileage and directions, visit the comprehensive guide to the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway.
Table of Contents
1. Looking Glass Falls
2. Moore Cove Falls
3. Sunburst Falls
4. Unnamed Fall
5. Dill Falls
6. French Broad Falls
7. Mill Shoals
8. Cathedral Falls
9. Waterfall Safety Tips
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is arguably the most popular and busy waterfall in Transylvania County. It’s right off the road (5.6 miles down Forest Heritage), has an easy viewing platform, and is breathtaking. With a solid sheet of water 65ft 919.8m) tall and 35ft (10.7m) wide, the appeal to apparent. It was named after the nearby Looking Glass Rock Hike, which forms a reflective layer of ice in the winter. If you are lucky, you might even be able to visit in the winter and see sections of Looking Glass Falls frozen too!
There are stairs to reach closer to the base of the fall, but if there is also a viewing platform at the top if stairs aren’t an option. Keep in mind since this waterfall is so popular, it gets crowded early and stays crowded. I went before 10am and there were three groups, including myself. By the time I left a half hour later (photographer problems), there were at least ten more groups of people.
Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls is another popular waterfall on this list (6.6 miles down Forest Heritage). It’s a small hike to get to and has no signage, but what makes it popular is the “cove” behind the falls – apt name, huh? People love walking behind the cascade and seeing different perspectives or eating lunch. (Remember to leave no trace!) Try and go after a decent rain because this 50ft (15.2m) waterfall can become just a trickle.
Sunburst Falls
Sunburst Falls is an adorable waterfall that isn’t given enough credit next to the bigger falls in the area. It’ 41.5 miles into Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (if you take the long way – feel free to turn onto the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile 13 for a bit shorter drive). The view above is easily seen from the road on the bridge. Another unsigned waterfall, it’s named for the community nearby and comes in at 18ft (5.5m).
This waterfall might sound unimpressive compared to others in the area, but I love it because of the bridge and area. It’s easy to access, and if you scramble down the hill next to the bridge (more context in the comprehensive guide), you can see the bigger cascade under the bridge and walk a ways down the river. Just walking for a few minutes provides a few more small cascades that are fun to see – all for minimal work!
Unnamed Fall near Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
Bubbling Springs Branch Cascades is another waterfall that you’ll have to climb down a steep grade next to a bridge to reach; however, I wasn’t so brave to climb this grade – I was alone, tired, and had too much gear to find the cost “worth it.” To get here, you’ll drive 2.5 miles past Sunburst Falls and reach a parking area with guardrails on the left. There is a section of the guardrail near the center that you can go under to reach Bubbling Springs, but if that sounds as unpleasant to you as it did to me, there’s a consolation prize just past this area, about .4-miles down – this cutie! Admittedly, it’s very short, but I was happy to see it. It’s in a little nook-grove that barely fit my tripod, so be aware of that. To get here from the “guard rail parking area” (What do I even call that?), you’ll pass another pull out parking area before there’s another set of guard rails on the right. It’s a short guardrail right before the turn in the road, but just past the rail you will see the very top of a fall. You can park across the road on the left to see this waterfall.
I guess technically you can see nine waterfalls if you are brave enough to go under the guard rail!
Dill Falls
To get to Dill Falls, this amazing 50ft (15.2m) cascade, you’ll have to take a slight detour off Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Technically, it’s in Nantahala National Forest (the rest are in Pisgah National Forest), but it’s only a 2.5-mile off shoot. It’s at mile 48.5 of the drive, but there are several shortcuts you can take (for example, about a half hour is removed from the total drive if you take the Blue Ridge Parkway). From Forest Heritage (NC-215 at this point), Forest Service Road 4663 will be marked and on the right. It is also called Bittern Road. Turn and head down the road – it will not be paved, so keep that in mind. After two miles, Forest Service road 4663B will be on the left. Drive .4 miles down until you reach the dead end.
I suggest parking to the left to see the (two short) trails more easily. It’s a bit difficult to see them, but once you are on them, there’s an obvious path. To see the full cascade, walk toward the front left end of the parking area. It’s about half a mile until you reach Dill Falls! To see the top section closer up, you can take the second trail to the right of the parking area. Also, keep in mind these aren’t super cared for by the forest service, so when I was there quite a few trees were in the way.
I honestly can’t believe it doesn’t make more lists because I think it might be my favorite. But it was also super quiet and empty when I went, so I’m sure that has something to do with it!
French Broad Falls
French Broad Falls is just as it sounds – broad! It’s short at 15ft (4.6m), but paired with its neighbor Mill Shoals, it’s exciting and cool! These falls are located at the junction of two rivers meeting – French Broad and Shoal Creek. To get here, you’ll have to park next to a private retreat, Living Waters, in the Balsam Grove community about 55 miles into the drive. There are several signs marking it as private property, but if you park in the street and be respectful, they welcome visitors. Keep in mind, the parking area has some very deep dips – my low car would’ve scraped, but I chose to wait for the people in front of me to leave.
From the parking area, it’s a quick hop to get to the boulders overlooking French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals.
Mill Shoals
Mill Shoals is right next to French Broad Falls, but there is a lovely red mill on the other side that makes for an amazing photo. The building is no longer a mill, but instead used by Living Waters. There are plenty of rocks and boulders to view the falls from, and some people even wade in the water, but I don’t recommend that. Make sure to continue down the path to see Cathedral Falls and a few tiny cascades!
Cathedral Falls
Cathedral Falls can be reached using the same directions as French Broad Falls (they are on the same trail). Luckily, it’s an extremely short and easy to navigate trail. You’ll see Cathedral Falls at the end of the less than 0.5-mile path, but be careful. The top can be very slippery! There is a scramble down to the base of Cathedral Falls (aka Bird Rock Falls) past where the trail seems to end if you’d like to take that.
Waterfall Safety Tips in the North Carolina Mountains (And Beyond)
- Stay on developed trails, observation decks, and platforms. Not only does this practice protect you, it protects the vulnerable wildlife that grow in these areas.
- Watch your footing. Rocks may seem dry but not be. Even well-tractioned shoes are no match for slick, slippery rock. Do make sure to bring shoes made for the outdoors (like sturdy hiking boots or microspikes if necessary), though! (If my mother is reading: yes, that means no flip flops.)
- Algae covered rocks are most dangerous than you’d imagine – try to stay off them.
- Do not lean over the edge at the top of a waterfall. It’s the most dangerous area, and the view isn’t worth your life.
- Pay attention to warning signs – they are there for a reason!
- Some waterfalls have pools you can swim/jump in. If you choose to do that, make sure to first check the depth of the water and check for branches or other objects that could hurt or ensnare you.
- If you plan on getting near water, avoid wearing denim or cotton as these stay wet for long periods of time. No hypothermia for my readers!
- Carry a flashlight/headlamp, not just your phone light. You might be out longer than anticipated and don’t want to solely rely on one form of light.
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This place sounds awesome, thanks for sharing! Gonna put it in my bucket list!
Hope you make it!