During the summer months, visitors looking to cool off and spend time outdoors can find no shortage of waterfalls throughout Jackson County, North Carolina. Shaded trails, rushing water and cooler mountain air make waterfall hikes one of the best ways to experience the region during warmer months. From cascades tucked deep within the Nantahala National Forest to easy roadside stops like Silver Run Falls, the area offers plenty of ways to enjoy the mountains on a warm afternoon.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or stopping during a scenic drive, these waterfalls highlight some of Jackson County’s most scenic landscapes. Many waterfalls are woven into the surrounding mountain towns and trail systems, making it easy to turn a waterfall stop into a full day of exploration in the mountains.
Located near Cashiers in the Nantahala National Forest, Whitewater Falls drops more than 400 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies. It is also one of the area’s most accessible waterfalls, reached by a short half-mile round-trip paved path to the overlook.
The main overlook provides wide views of the waterfall, while a staircase leads to a lower viewing platform for a closer look at the cascade and surrounding gorge. Early mornings and weekdays often offer a quieter experience, especially during the busy summer season.
Located in Panthertown Valley within the Nantahala National Forest, Schoolhouse Falls is known for its swimming hole and peaceful forest setting. The waterfall flows into a pool popular for wading and cooling off during the summer months.
Schoolhouse Falls takes its name from a historic schoolhouse that once stood in the area when the valley was home to a small community. Visitors can access the falls via the Panthertown Valley Trail with a 1.4-mile hike from the Cold Mountain trailhead on the eastern side of the valley or a 2.4-mile hike from the Salt Rock Gap trailhead on the western edge.
The hike itself is part of the experience, winding through shaded forests and one of the most scenic backcountry areas in Western North Carolina.
Panthertown Valley is proudly cared for and maintained by Friends of Panthertown, the non-profit organization dedicated to protecting this special wilderness. Visit their website to learn more.
Silver Run Falls offers one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Jackson County. Located south of Cashiers, the short trail leads visitors to a waterfall surrounded by smooth rock formations and shallow pools.
Known for its stepping stones and inviting swimming area, Silver Run Falls is a popular summer stop for families and hikers alike. Visitors can pair the hike with lunch in Cashiers or continue along Highway 107 and U.S. 64 for a scenic waterfall drive through the southern part of the county.
High Falls, also known as Cullowhee Falls, is a dramatic 100-foot, two-tiered cascade fed by the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The waterfall is reached by a one-mile round-trip hike, descending several hundred steps to a large rock amphitheater at the base.
The trail is especially popular in warmer months when visitors can enjoy shaded forest sections on the descent and relax at the sandy swim beach near the base. Summer afternoons often bring hikers, picnickers and families looking to cool off in the mist and mountain water.
Plan Your Waterfall Excursion
From roadside lookouts to secluded swimming holes, Jackson County’s waterfalls offer a variety of ways to experience the North Carolina mountains during the summer. Each waterfall invites you to slow down, explore, and experience the mountains in their most timeless form. Visitors can spend the day hiking shaded trails, stopping in nearby mountain towns or exploring scenic drives throughout the county.
Start planning your waterfall escape at DiscoverJacksonNC.com and discover why Jackson County is one of North Carolina’s most remarkable places to chase the falls.
While waterfalls are some of the region’s most popular outdoor attractions, safety should always come first. Heed posted warning signs and stay on established trails and viewing areas. Never climb on or around waterfalls or enter the water above a waterfall, as rocks can be slippery and conditions can change quickly.
Take no chances — only photographs for memories.