Your Guide to Waterfalls near Hendersonville

The mountains of Western North Carolina are celebrated for their breathtaking beauty throughout every season, with each offering its own unique charm. Among the region’s most beloved natural wonders are its waterfalls, which captivate visitors and locals alike with their serene and awe-inspiring presence. Whether you’re exploring public parks or venturing onto private lands, the gentle roar and mesmerizing sight of cascading water provide a tranquil escape into nature.

Hendersonville, nestled in the heart of this stunning landscape, is surrounded by some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the region. Find either a peaceful retreat or an adventurous day out, using this guide to lead you to the best and most accessible falls near Hendersonville, where you can immerse yourself in the soothing sounds and sights of nature at its finest.

In this guide, you will find waterfalls at DuPont State Recreational Forest, Pisgah National Forest, The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Green River Game Lands, and more.

 

This aptly named 120-foot cascade is known for being a filming location for Hollywood sensations, The Hunger Games and the Last of the Mohicans.

Access Bridal Veil Falls by parking at the High Falls Parking Area for this 4.4-mile round trip hike. Start on Buck Forest Road, turn right onto Conservation Road after crossing the High Falls Covered Bridge, then turn right onto Bridal Veil Falls Road. One you arrive, to get close to the falls, some climbing on rocks is required, so use caution on slippery rocks.

One of DuPont State Recreational Forest’s lesser-known waterfalls, Grassy Greek Falls is approximately a 60-foot waterfall and is easy to reach.

Access Grassy Creek Falls by parking at the High Falls Parking Area, taking Buck Forest Road, across the Covered Bridge. Eventually, turn left onto Lake Imaging Road and shortly thereafter, left onto Grassy Creek Falls Road. The trail takes you to the top of the falls, and you can climb down to about the middle of the waterfall, but please use extreme caution on wet rocks.

 

One of Western NC’s most spectacular sights, this 150-foot waterfall is reachable by either the High Falls Parking Area or Hooker Falls Parking Area.

From High Falls Parking Area: Take the High Falls Loop trail, and eventually, you will see the majestic falls to the right of the trail. To get to the bottom of the falls (use caution on wet rocks, it is VERY easy to slip), continue downhill. At the split in the trail, turn right onto River Bend Trail (turning left will take you to Triple Falls).

From Hooker Falls Parking Area: Cross the footbridge under the roadway onto Triple Falls Trail. (This section has a steep incline, so remember, there is no shame in taking a water break!) As you come up upon Triple Falls, veer left onto the High Falls Loop Trail. After a short time, the River Bend Trail will be on your left. Take this trail to see the bottom of the falls or continue uphill on the High Falls Loop Trail to see the falls from afar.

This waterfall is very popular, so expect crowds, especially on weekends. High Falls is a great winter hike option.

Located near Triple Falls, Hooker Falls is an easy 1/2-mile roundtrip hike from the Hooker Falls parking area. This 12-foot fall may not sound as impressive as the taller waterfalls upriver, but its width and the pool (perfect for swimming!) located below the falls is what makes this one so popular.

Another of DuPont’s lesser-known waterfalls, Merry Falls is a smaller roadside waterfall. Drive up DuPont Road through the forest, and at the split, turn right onto Cascade Lake Road. After almost 2 miles, Merry Falls is on the left side of the road. There is limited parking, but you can park, get out and easily get closer to the falls.

One of DuPont State Forest’s best-known waterfalls after having been a filming location for The Hunger Games, this majestic beauty, which is split into 3 separate falls totaling approximately 120-feet, is reachable by either the High Falls Parking Area or Hooker Falls Parking Area.

From High Falls Parking Area: Take the High Falls Loop trail, and eventually, you will see the majestic High Falls to the right of the trail. Continue downhill and at the split in the trail, turn left. Eventually, you will see stairs down to Triple Falls.

From Hooker Falls Parking Area: Cross the footbridge under the roadway onto Triple Falls Trail. (This section has a steep incline, so remember, there is no shame in taking a water break!) After a short while, you will come up upon Triple Falls and stairs that take you down to the waterfall.

This waterfall is very popular, so expect crowds, especially on weekends. High Falls is a great winter hike option.

Wintergreen Falls is another of DuPont’s slightly lesser-known waterfalls. This 20′ waterfall is an easy 1.25 mile hike from the Guion Farms Access Parking Area (so 2.5 total).

Follow the Guion Parking Trail along the parking lot, then turn right onto Tarklin Branch Road. Take a left onto Wintergreen Falls Trail, and you will be taken directly to the waterfall. (For a slightly longer but easier hike, you can alternately pass the Wintergreen Falls Trail and turn left onto the next trail, Sandy Trail. When that ends, hang a left onto Grassy Creek Trail, and then a right onto Wintergreen Falls Trail — this bypasses one semi-steep portion of the trail.)

Probably Pisgah National Forest’s most-visited (and most-photographed) waterfall, Looking Glass Falls is set right on the side of the road, and offers roadside viewing for those that are less able to hike or climb stairs. Those that are more mobile can climb down the stairs and climb across a few rocks, and soon be swimming in the cool waters below the 60 foot waterfall. This is a great place for swimming and photos and is lovely year-round.

To get there, you can simply type “Looking Glass Falls” into your GPS, and it will pull up, but if you don’t have cell service, from Hendersonville, you simply follow US Route 64 (or 6th Ave in Hendersonville) headed west until you reach the entrance to the National Forest. Stay on this road (which at that point will be called Pisgah Highway/Route 276) and eventually (past the Pisgah Visitors Center and a few forest roads and picnic areas), you will begin seeing cars parked on your right, and soon you will see the falls from your car.

Another popular waterfall, parking for Moore Cove Falls is located right on the main road through the Forest, Pisgah Highway/Route 276, not far beyond Looking Glass Falls. The hike itself is approximately 1.4 miles total and while it has some stairs and a few inclines, it is rated easy, and even kids enjoy this hike. At the end, you will reach a 50-foot waterfall where you can actually stand under the falls.

From the roadside parking, cross a footbridge across a creek, and immediately uphill. You will remain on this trail until you reach the waterfall.

A much lesser-visited waterfall in Pisgah Forest, Slick Rock Falls is a 35-foot waterfall that cascades off a cliff-face. You can see the waterfall from the side of the road and easily access it after a very short walk along the trail from the small parking area, however, the road to the waterfall (Forest Service Road 475b) is certainly a rough, bumpy road.

To get here, either types “Slick Rock Falls” into your GPS, or from Hendersonville, follow US Route 64 West until you reach the Forest entrance, follow along that road ( Pisgah Highway/Route 276), then make a left onto Fish Hatchery Rd, and a right onto FS 475b Road for about 1 mile, until you see the waterfall on your right and a small parking area ahead.

Beloved by people of all ages, Sliding Rock offers a natural waterslide down a smooth 60-foot rockface into a pool of cold mountain water below, powered by 11,000 rushing gallons of water per minute.

This fun adventure is one of the few paid waterfalls in the region, and the small fee ($5 per person) helps to cover the cost of keeping this gem clean and covers to cost of having lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It tends to be busy each summer, so going early or on a weekday is recommended.

To get there, take Pisgah Highway/Route 276 past Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry, almost to the Blue Ridge Parkway Entrance, and parking will be on your left.

Graveyard Fields is a popular spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway because of its convenient parking, wild blueberry picking in late summer, vibrant foliage each fall, and access to 2 beautiful waterfalls.

The Lower Falls is only around 1/3rd of a mile from the parking area, though there are steps and some steep parts on the way back. To get to this waterfall, take the trail on the right side of the parking lot, closest to the restrooms. After crossing a footbridge across the river, eventually you will come to a split, go right onto the Lower Falls Trail, which will take you directly to the waterfall.

The Upper Falls is approximately a 3-mile hike that is considered moderately challenging because of the steps, uphill sections and some exposed roots and rocks. Starting at the parking area, take the left-most trail entrance, the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail. Eventually, you will turn left onto the Graveyard Upper Falls Trail, which will take you to the waterfall. To come back, it is recommended to go left on the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, crossing through the wild blueberry patch. Once you get past the bramble, you can easily add the lower falls to your hike, but otherwise will want to stay on the Loop until you reach the parking lot.

This shorter hike (approximately 0.9 miles) is a popular swimming hole and waterfall, so expect a crowd on weekends.

To get here, park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook and cross the road to take the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, following that until you reach the Yellowstone Prong and the waterfall. The bridge crossing the creek was destroyed after a tropical storm in 2021, and has still not been replaced, so you may need to cross through the water to get closer to the waterfall and swimming hole.

Located just off the road, this is a great option for those with limited mobility or families who want an easy access point to play in the shallow pools here. Parking is limited.

To get here: Use your GPS to navigate to Big Hungry Trail, or take I-26 to Upward Road, heading east, then turn right onto Big Hungry Road. Follow this road for about 2.3 miles until you reach the bridge crossing Hungry River, where the dam will be visible.

Home to the world-famous, Green River Race and Class-V rapids that only the bravest can survive, the Green River Narrows are a sight to see. Check out the video to see footage of the brave men and women who took on the Narrows in 2023’s Green River Race!

While the race is only once per year, the Narrows can be accessed via hiking any time of year, approximately 3 miles round-trip, and some sections are strenuous. Park at the Pulliam Creek Trailhead and head onto the trail. Shortly after you begin, there is a strenuous section. After about 1.2 miles, veer right at the fork onto the Green River Trail, which takes you to the river (there should be a pink ribbon). You will have to scramble down some rocks, but there is a rope to guide you.

 

Little Bradley Falls is a hidden gem nestled in the Green River Game Lands of North Carolina. The waterfall itself is a stunning 50-foot cascade that splits into two streams, creating a beautiful curtain of water that spills over moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool below. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, making it a perfect spot for photography, a refreshing dip, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the forest.

To reach Little Bradley Falls, you’ll need to embark on a moderate 2.3-mile round-trip hike. To get there, park at the Green River Cove Road trailhead. There is a small pull-off area on the side of the road where you can leave your vehicle. The parking area is not marked, but it is located about 4.3 miles down Green River Cove Road from the intersection with Holbert Cove Road. Be mindful of where you park, as the space is limited and can get busy on weekends.

The trailhead for Little Bradley Falls is on the right side of the road, across from the parking area. Look for a small footpath leading into the woods. There are no signs at the trailhead, so pay close attention to the location. The trail follows the creek upstream and crosses it several times, so be prepared for wet feet or bring water shoes. The trail is relatively easy but can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so take care as you navigate the terrain. After about a mile of hiking, you will hear the sound of the falls before you see them. Continue along the trail until you reach the base of Little Bradley Falls.

Lower Big Hungry Falls offers a beautiful waterfall, swimming and splashing areas, a sandy beach and peaceful area to picnic or relax, after only a short hike of approximately 1.5 miles. Parking is however very limited (less than 20 spots) and cell phone reception is sparse. One additional word of caution, wildlife, including copperhead snakes have been spotted here.

To get there: In your map program, search for the “Green River Narrows Put-In,” which takes you to Gallimore Road. When parking, be sure all 4 wheels are off the road. Go under the yellow arm that marks the end of the trail (to the left side of the road, just beyond where the few parking spaces are), and follow this trail straight until it takes you to the river. You’ll be able to hear the falls rushing as you get closer.

 

This truly majestic waterfall is probably best known for being one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River (coming in at 404 feet tall) as well as having been used in the filming of the 1990s hit movie, The Last of the Mohicans.

In the winter and early spring, when the trees are bare from leaves or are just starting to regrow their leaves, you can easily spot this waterfall on your right as you drive into the town of Chimney Rock from Hendersonville along Route 64.

To hike to the waterfall, you will need to park at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, which has a small fee to enter. Go to the Upper Parking Lot. You will pass the Hickory Nut Falls Trail on your right before you reach the Upper Parking Lot, so after you see the trailhead, park at the first spot you find. Follow the sidewalk back down until you reach the trail. Follow this moderately easy trail for about a 3/4ths of a mile before you reach the waterfall. There are some steps that lead to a viewing platform at the end of the hike, making it a great spot for a photo. 

 

Situated along the side of North Highland Lake Road in Flat Rock, this picturesque waterfall pours off manmade Highland Lake, at the site of an old mill. While you can’t really stop in the middle of the road to admire it, you’ll want to be sure to drive slowly, or you can turn into Highland Lake Inn‘s driveway, Lily Pad Lane. This waterfall is perfect for those less physically able to hike, but who still want to enjoy part of what makes Western North Carolina so lovely. (Please note: the lake itself is private, there is no public access.)

Much like the Highland Lake Inn waterfall mentioned already, this waterfall streams off the manmade Jordans Lake at an old mill, aptly named Mill House Lodge, located on West Blue Ridge Road in Flat Rock. Nowadays, the property offers condos for both vacation rental and long-term housing. This road tends to be busy, but you can easily pull into the parking area for Mill House Lodge for a few minutes and walk over to admire this small roadside display of beauty. (Please note: the lake itself is private, there is no public access.)

Pearson’s Falls is a breathtaking 90-foot waterfall located in a lush glen. The waterfall cascades gracefully over a series of rock ledges, offering a charming and easily accessible waterfall that gives visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a serene and well-preserved setting. Pack a picnic and enjoy, their are picnic areas by the parking lot.

Visiting Pearson’s Falls is pretty straightforward and accessible with its short hike and well-maintained trail. Drive to 2748 Pearson Falls Road, Saluda, NC. The parking area is spacious, with easy access to the entrance gate (there is a small fee). Follow the trail, which is only 0.25 miles to reach the waterfall. Your short hike will take you by small cascades, boulders, and a variety of plant life, creating a serene and immersive nature experience.