Waterfalls
Whitewater Falls
One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, Whitewater Falls stands at 411 feet and boasts a newly-paved path to an overlook and shelters for picnicking.
View LocationTom Branch Falls
Be sure to see this one in winter or early spring, as the post-rain flows make it one of the most beautiful in the Smokies, while in summer, overflowing foliage can obstruct it from the views of passing hikers.
View LocationSugar Creek Falls
A great setting for nature photographers, Sugar Creek Falls offers not one waterfall, but two.
View LocationSilver Run Falls
It may not be the tallest or largest waterfall in the Smokies, but Silver Run Falls is lovely to look at.
View LocationSchoolhouse Falls
The most well-known waterfall of Panthertown Valley, 18-foot Schoolhouse Falls, a mix of small cascades ending in a free fall from Greenland Creek, is best visited on a sunny summer day.
View LocationRufus Morgan Falls
One of North Carolina’s most beautiful wildflower trails, the hike to Rufus Morgan Falls is best trekked during the second half of April.
View LocationRough Butt Creek Falls
Far off the beaten path and fed by Rough Butt Creek, this scenic, 30-foot waterfall features cascading falls, a small pool, and banks overflowing with fern and rhododendron, and rocks coated in moss.
View LocationRock Slab Falls
A gentle waterfall flowing over smooth rocks sparkling with bands of quartz, Rock Slab Falls is a former logging camp littered with reminders of those who used to call it home.
View LocationMoses Creek Falls
Calling all daredevils: While this 100-foot waterfall is a bit difficult to see, those comfortable with steep climbs and limber exploration might enjoy the thrill of finding the right angle for the perfect snapshot.
View LocationMoore Cove Falls
With its frozen cascade in the winter and its wildflower variety in the spring and summer, this waterfall offers year-round sights.
View LocationMingo Falls
A photographer’s dream, this cascade is a multitude of waterfalls pouring from smaller ledges—making for spectacular wide shots and closeups alike.
View LocationLooking Glass Falls
Best seen in winter, the cascade freezes over, with large icicles dangling from the upper edge and the base pool turning to ice as well.
View LocationJuney Whank Falls
A perfect stop on the hike to Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls.
View LocationJawbone Falls
A sandy oasis of rosebay rhododendron, laurel, and white pine, this waterfall features a small island at the downstream end of its pool—perfect for just the right photo angle.
View LocationHigh Falls
Fed by the West Fork Tuckasegee River, High Falls includes a two-section free fall over a looming cliff.
View LocationGreenland Creek Falls
At 45 feet high, the two-part cascade tumbles from Greenland Creek into a wide pool of moss- and lichen-blanketed boulders and often clear water.
View LocationGranny Burrell Falls
Bring the kids here on a summer day for sliding, swimming, and sunbathing on the sandy beach of one of the largest pools of any waterfall in the state.
View LocationGina Falls
Most travelers through Pinnacle Park don’t know this beauty of nature exists, despite its lack of geographical obscurity.
View LocationFrolictown Falls
Don’t be alarmed by the orange-brown color of Frolictown Falls’ water—it’s natural, colored by the tannic acid in the local soil.
View LocationDry Falls
The most popular waterfall in the region, Dry Falls offers a brand-new visitors’ center, featuring a handicapped-accessible viewing platform, an upgraded trail, odoriferous toilets and free entry.
View LocationCullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls and its similarly-named river source were named for the Cherokee word meaning “honey locust place” due to the prevalence of the trees in the area, the pods of which the Native Americans used as a sweetener.
View LocationCourthouse Falls
Situated near the scene of a Cherokee myth, this waterfall offers both scenery and folklore, but beware the fast currents below.
View LocationChasteen Creek Falls
A great stop for campers staying at Smokemont Campground, Chasteen Creek Falls boasts gorgeous wildflowers in late spring and a challenging hike year round.
View LocationCarlton Falls
Rhododendron, hemlock, and mountain laurel adorn this chute, which commemorates a man as memorable as the scenery itself.
View LocationBridal Veil Falls
This historic beauty, fed by the tributary of the Cullasaja River, transforms into a wall of icicles in the winter, veiling a portion of US 64—hence the name.
View Location
Waterfalls
TAKE THE PLUNGE
You want waterfalls? We got ’em. Some can be spotted with just a short walk, while others take a little more effort. Either way, they are all totally worth the hike.
Whitewater Falls
Tom Branch Falls
Sugar Creek Falls
Silver Run Falls
Schoolhouse Falls
Rufus Morgan Falls
Rough Butt Creek Falls
Rock Slab Falls
Moses Creek Falls
Moore Cove Falls
Mingo Falls
Looking Glass Falls
Juney Whank Falls
Jawbone Falls
Indian Creek Falls
High Falls
Greenland Creek Falls
Granny Burrell Falls
Gina Falls
Frolictown Falls
Dry Falls
Cullasaja Falls
Courthouse Falls
Chasteen Creek Falls
Carlton Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
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