Picture this: it’s a sunny spring day in Western North Carolina with delightful temperatures and a cool breeze in the air, and your adventure leads to a hidden waterfall; it’s a common occurrence Jackson County, home to some of the Southeast’s most beautiful waterfalls, including some of the tallest east of the Rocky Mountains.

Set out on a scenic drive through the region, where astounding waterfalls await at every turn. Let this guide lead you to nature’s most stunning cascades, each with its own story to tell.

Stop 1: Cashiers-Highlands Plateau Loop – You will find several waterfalls in short distance from each other all along the US 64 corridor that stretches east-west along the southern areas of Western North Carolina. Located in the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau loop, you will find these gorgeous waterfalls waiting for you on your scenic road trip:

• Dry Falls – Just north of the Georgia border, Dry Falls is a 75-foot waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest. The most popular waterfall in the region, Dry Falls’ name comes from a common game among visitors that involves stepping behind the cascade and trying to stay dry. Be sure to bring $3 for parking!
• Bridal Veil Falls – Not too far from Dry Falls, you’ll find Bridal Veil Falls conveniently located on the side of the road, which was once the only waterfall in North Carolina that you could drive behind. Now, the section of the road behind the falls is blocked off for cars, but it makes for a very unique view.
• Silver Run Falls – Heading towards Cashiers, Silver Run Falls is a great stop during a hike to cool off in its large, sandy pool. It may not be the tallest or largest in the region, but its beauty makes up for its size. Visitors can enjoy free parking and a fairly short path to the waterfall.
• Whitewater Falls – As the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, Whitewater falls stands at 411 feet and features a lovely area for picnics; it is also highly accessible for hikers with disabilities. With a short (half-mile roundtrip) paved path to the overlook and views of neighboring South Carolina along the way, you’ll enjoy the falls, as well as the convenient amenities including covered picnic benches, restrooms, ample car and bus parking and a large grassy field for the kids to play in! Like Dry Falls, make sure you have $3 for parking on-site.

Stop 2: Soco Falls – As you head north closer to Sylva and Cherokee, Soco Falls is one of the few double waterfalls in Western North Carolina. This hidden gem featuring a 120-foot cascade is the most stunning as the sun rises and sets through the foliage behind it. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the path down to the waterfall can be muddy and slippery.

Stop 3: Mingo Falls – Located in Cherokee just five miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this cascade is a collection of waterfalls pouring from smaller ledges. The beautiful 1/4-mile hike to the waterfall along the rushing stream is short, but you must climb 161 steps for the worthwhile view.

Prefer to take in your waterfalls by boat? Then consider a waterfall cruise on Lake Glenville! Captain Mark’s Scenic Boat Tours depart from Signal Ridge Marina on a 28-foot luxury pontoon yacht. Be sure to check out Mill Creek falls, one of four hidden waterfalls only accessible by boat.

After exploring the area’s beautiful waterfalls, enjoy a delicious meal and unwind with a refreshing drink a beloved local restaurant or bar. For a quick bite, check out Haywood Smokehouse in Dillsboro, recognized on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants of 2024, Meatballs Pizzeria in Sylva or The Ugly Dog Pub in Cashiers. Exploring the outdoors was a lot of work; spend the night at nearby boutique hotels before heading home, like Hotel Cashiers, The Wells Hotel or Hotel Sylva.

Chasing waterfalls in the Western NC mountains offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors after a long winter. While these are a few great places to start, Jackson County is full of other adventures for you and your loved ones to explore! Visit DiscoverJacksonNC.com for more information on accommodations, dining and seasonal activities.