waterfall wednesday
waterfall
wednesday
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina
I moved to Asheville not realizing how much I loved to hike. I quickly made it my mission to go on many waterfall hikes, and see many sunsets. It was a learning process, getting stuck in random downpouring rain , or having to hike back soaking wet after spending the day at the swimming hole, hiking horror stories will have to be another blog post. I eventually found the right gear for it to be more enjoyable, no matter what nature tested me with. There are over 250 waterfalls in North Carolina and after reading Kevin Adam’s book, I tried to hit one waterfall a week while living in North Carolina, here are some of my favorite waterfalls in Asheville!
Crabtree falls
Moderate – 2.6 Miles
At milemarker 339 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the trailhead starts behind the parking area. Featuring an abandoned amphitheater and an old campground, the walk is scenic all the way through. When you arrive at the base of this 70 foot waterfall, there is a wooden bridge, perfect for pictures or just to catch your breath on the bench. The rocks are slippery and the mist of the waterfall is strong, if you choose to get a closer look please climb with caution. Proper gear for this fall would depend on time of year, although I recommend waterproof shoes year round. I’ve done this hike all times of the year, but autumn was my favorite time to visit Crabtree Falls. I’ve included some of my favorite pictures, shot with my iPhone 11.
Hooker falls, triple falls, high falls
Easy – 2.2 Miles
DuPont State Forest is one of my favorite places to bring any family or friends who visited me while staying in Asheville! An easy hike with numerous accessible waterfalls, it is the perfect place to show just how many waterfalls there are in North Carolina! Hooker Falls is a small 12 foot waterfall, but with many surrounding rocks to get a great picture standing in front of the falls. Triple Falls is just that, a series of three falls equaling 120 feet tall. This spot is famously seen in Hunger Games, and The Last of the Mohicans. Last but not least, High Falls consists of a 150 foot drop, flowing down granite, another scenic spot for a great photoshoot.
looking glass falls
Easy – .25 miles
Looking Glass Falls, not to be mistaken for Looking Glass Rock, is probably the most popular waterfall in North Carolina. Easy to find, right in Pisgah National Park, parking is on the road right next to the falls. Although parking is limited, you basically pull up right to the falls, descend down a simple stairway, pass the observation deck and you’re at the base! This 60 foot falls is facing NW, so it’s best to arrive early for best lighting, and of course to avoid crowds. If you’re hiking in Pisgah, you’re most likely passing this easy trail on your way, so might as well stop for some photographs!
soco falls
Easy – .2 miles
This photogenic waterfall is a quick yet steep hike. You descend down the muddy pathway with the assistance of a rope. There’s a wooden platform if you don’t want to get your shoes dirty, but I recommend going all the way down and resting on the rocks near the base of the falls for a nice majestic shot of the falls. However, I do not recommend any portraits here, as your outfit will get dirty and there aren’t the safest options to stand in front of the falls with good lighting.
dry falls
Easy – .4 miles
Dry Falls famously gets it’s name from the ability to stand behind the falls and stay dry! The easy pathway and monstrous 75 ft roaring waterfall puts this one high on my list when showing friends the wonders of North Carolina! I’ve even seen a rainbow here, making it even more picturesque. If you’re going here it’s always great to stop at Bridal Veil Falls , which is right along US Highway 64, sometimes allowing you to drive behind to snap a picture of your car under the falls!