Looking for some incredible waterfalls near Charlotte, NC? We can help! We’ve rounded up some of the very best waterfalls to hike to and bask in the beauty of waterfalls near the Queen City.
The city of Charlotte sits only at 751 feet above sea level, which isn’t terribly high. Why does this matter?
Because to see amazing waterfalls, you need the water to fall from heights, which means you need to get higher into more mountainous territories.
We’re about to tell you exactly where to find them!
The closest waterfalls to Charlotte are at the beautiful South Mountains State Park, a little over an hour and 15 minutes away. But, we’ll tell you about more waterfalls within a couple of hours from Charlotte and give you information about more than just one in those areas because, really, you will probably want to see more than just one waterfall when you’re driving that distance.
Waterfalls Near Charlotte, NC (1-2 Hours Drive Time)
South Mountains State Park
Waterfall: High Shoals Falls
Hike: Yes; 2.5-mile moderate loop. Currently closed due to Helene Damage.
Distance from Charlotte: 1.25 hours
Check out our Kidding Around Review of the hike to High Shoals Falls at South Mountain State Park.
Also at South Mountains State Park
Waterfall: Big Bear Falls
Hike: Yes, easy
This trail and swimming hole is OPEN. Get all the details in our review of South Mountain State Park.
3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC
Watch! Our Hike to High Shoals Falls
Green River Gamelands
Waterfalls: Lower Big Hungry Falls, Milton Bradley Falls, Green River Narrows, Little Bradley Falls
Hikes: Some. Lower Big Hungry Falls is roadside. There is a short, dirt trail next to the bridge to walk down. Lots of people swim here over the summer. Milton Bradley Falls is a 5-mile roundtrip easy hike. And the Green River Narrows is a 3-mile out-and-back hike that is easy except for the very steep part heading down to the river.
It involves ropes that aren’t good for dogs and smaller kids. As for Little Bradley Falls, the hike is about 1.8 miles roundtrip. This is an easy hike except for the big water crossing. You’ll probably get wet. The trailhead is across from the Big Bradley Falls trailhead.
Distance from Charlotte: 1.45 hours
Lower Big Hungry: 2193 Co Road 1802, Flat Rock, NC
Milton Bradley Falls: 3772 Green River Cove Road, Saluda, NC
Green River Narrows: Pulliam Creek Trailhead, 4134 Big Hungry Road, Flat Rock, NC
Little Bradley Falls: 5336 Holbert Cove Road, Saluda, NC
Catawba Falls
Waterfall: Catawba Falls
Hike: Yes, an easy/moderate four mile out-and-back trail.
Distance from Charlotte: 1.5 hours
3074 Catawba River Road, Old Fort, NC
Chimney Rock State Park
Waterfall: Hickory Nut Falls
Hike: Yes, an easy two mile trail leads to this beautiful waterfall inside Chimney Rock State Park. Take the lower route. The upper route only leads to the top of the waterfall, is a much longer hike, and you cannot see the waterfall. For a view of the falls, take the lower route. Please note that there is an entrance fee to Chimney Rock State Park.
Distance from Charlotte: 1.5 hours
431 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC
Waterfalls 2-3 Hours From Charlotte, NC
Linville Gorge
Waterfall: Linville Falls
Hike: Yes – there are two hikes to see this waterfall. One is parking at the Visitors Center off the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking the Plunge Basin Trail down to the river for a 2-mile out-and-back hike. It’s easy on the way down but hard on the way back up. The other is hiking to the high overlooks along the rim of the Gorge for about a total of 1.5 miles. Add on Crabtree Falls or a visit to Linville Caverns for a fun day trip.
Distance from Charlotte: Just over 2 hours
Warrior Lane, Marion, NC
Crabtree Falls
Waterfall: Crabtree Falls : Parts of the trail currently closed due to Helene damage.
Hike: Yes, a moderate 2.5 loop hike. This is an absolutely beautiful hike and waterfall.
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours and 10 minutes
39000 Blue Ridge Parkway, Marion, NC
DuPont Recreational State Forest
Waterfalls: Several, including High Falls, Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, Bridal Veil Falls
Hike: Yes, the easiest hike is a quarter-mile trail to Hooker Falls in Dupont State Forest, a popular swimming spot. You can see both High Falls and Triple Falls doing a 3-mile hike from the same parking lot as Hooker Falls. When you visit, go early in the morning or on a weekday as this forest is wildly popular. Parking areas are now limited due to overuse. Also, be sure to bring a map as the trail system is vast and trails overlap.
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC
Pisgah National Forest
Waterfalls: Several, including Looking Glass, Moore Cove, and Sliding Rock
Hike: Looking Glass Falls is roadside. You can get to Moore Cove Falls doing an easy 1.7 mile roundtrip hike, and Sliding Rock is not really a hike either, maybe a couple hundred yards from the parking lot. You must pay to park there over the summer as it’s a popular waterfall for sliding down into the cold water. Visit the Pisgah Ranger Station for information on other waterfalls in the area.
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours and 10 minutes
1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC
Sliding Rock
If you’ve ever wanted to slide down a huge natural waterslide into the freezing cold water during the heat of summer, Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest, is the place to go. It is easily accessed from a nearby parking lot, no hiking required!
You can read our whole story on the Sliding Rock Experience.
Watch our visit to Sliding Rock and see what’s like on the natural waterslide!
Toms Creek Falls
Waterfall: Toms Creek Falls
Hike: Yes, an easy 0.4-mile trail leads to the base of this scenic 60-foot, multi-tiered waterfall.
Distance from Charlotte: ~2 hours and 40 minutes
Toms Creek Falls offers a great payoff for minimal effort. The trail is kid-friendly and ends at a viewing platform with opportunities to explore nearby rock formations.
Address: Huskins Branch Road, Marion, NC
Toms Creek Falls
Bird Rock Falls (aka Cathedral Falls)
Waterfall: Bird Rock Falls
Hike: Yes, an easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail.
Distance from Charlotte: ~2 hours and 45 minutes
A secluded triple cascade nestled along the French Broad River near Balsam Grove. It’s a peaceful and photogenic spot with far fewer crowds than nearby DuPont or Pisgah sites.
Address: 3637 Tanasee Gap Rd, Balsam Grove, NC
Bird Rock Falls
Worth the Drive: Waterfalls 3-4 Hours from Charlotte
Ok, we realize we are really stretching the definition of “near Charlotte” with these waterfalls. But, though they are a little farther out, we think they’re well worth the drive. Whether you’re chasing the tallest cascades in the East or exploring lesser-known spots with magical views, these falls will not disappoint.
Whitewater Falls
Waterfall: Whitewater Falls
Hike: Yes. A short 0.6-mile paved path leads to an overlook. There is also a 0.5-mile staircase to a lower viewing platform for a better view.
Distance from Charlotte: ~3 hours
Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, plunging an incredible 411 feet into the Jocassee Gorge. It’s dramatic, accessible, and one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the Southeast.
Address: 19035 Rosman Hwy, Sapphire, NC
Whitewater Falls
Rainbow Falls (Gorges State Park)
Waterfall: Rainbow Falls
Hike: Yes, a moderately strenuous 1.5-mile one-way trail from the Grassy Ridge parking area.
Distance from Charlotte: ~3 hours
This stunning 150-foot waterfall is known for its shimmering mist that often creates rainbows—hence the name. It’s one of the most powerful and breathtaking waterfalls in the area.
Address: Grassy Ridge Access, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC
Rainbow Falls
Deep Creek Waterfalls (Great Smoky Mountains)
Waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls
Hike: Yes, a ~2.5-mile loop trail visits all three falls, or you can do shorter out-and-backs.
Distance from Charlotte: ~3 hours and 15 minutes
Deep Creek near Bryson City offers a triple-waterfall loop with easy hiking, tubing, and lots of summer fun. These are family-friendly hikes that combine nature with adventure.
Address: Deep Creek Trailhead, 1090 W Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC
Deep Creek Waterfalls
Elk River Falls – Avery County, NC
NEW! Reopened after Helene Damage!
Waterfall: Elk River Falls (also called “Big Falls”)
A beautiful, powerful 50‑ to 65‑feet tall waterfall with a cascade plunging into a large oval plunge pool—one of the region’s most impressive waterfalls
Hike: Yes, an easy 0.3 mile (≈0.6 mi round-trip) trail leads from the parking area to the base.
The path is well-marked and mostly flat, with a short descent via stairs or a rocky walkway right before the falls
Distance from Charlotte: ~3.5 hours
Elk River Falls
Mingo Falls (Qualla Boundary near Cherokee)
Waterfall: Mingo Falls
Hike: Yes, a short but steep 0.3-mile climb up 160+ steps.
Distance from Charlotte: ~3 hours and 40 minutes
At 120 feet tall, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most striking waterfalls in the southern Appalachians. Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, it’s a must-see when visiting western NC.
Address: Big Cove Rd, Cherokee, NC
Mingo Falls
Best Practices Around Waterfalls
Please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and keep our lands and waterfalls as pristine – or better than – as you found them, which involves staying on the trail, packing out what you pack in, and not littering. Obey all leash laws and remember to never stand on top of a waterfall, no matter how awesome that Instagram photo will be. Many people have died doing the same thing.
Lastly, be sure to assess the hiking abilities of all in your party before heading out and choose trails according to those abilities so everyone has fun.
Happy waterfalling!
Just Cool: Waterfalls with no hikes
Go see waterfalls in NC with no hiking. You’ll find our NC Waterfall Driving Tour (with no hiking) on our sister-site.
Want to swim?
We have a long list of places to swim near Charlotte, including fun lakes and swimming holes!
For more waterfalls, check out Waterfalls of the Southeast which is a long list of great waterfalls to visit with families.
Or, visit our list of Waterfalls near Greenville, SC. It has options in the Upstate and into Western North Carolina including Gorges State Park.
