Triple Falls Trail (DuPont)
moderate · 2.6 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 20m · Dog friendly
Visit three stunning waterfalls in DuPont State Forest.
Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville
Discover the best waterfall hikes near Asheville, NC. From Looking Glass Falls to Graveyard Fields, explore curated trails with maps, difficulty ratings, and full-day itineraries.
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville are laced with cascading waterfalls tucked into deep gorges and old-growth forests. Whether you want an easy walk to a roadside waterfall or a full-day backcountry trek, we've mapped the best routes, rated them honestly, and built itineraries that pair each trail with the perfect post-hike meal or brewery.
49 Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville Trails
Catawba Falls Trail
moderate · 2.2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Recently improved trail to a spectacular 100-foot cascade.
Big Berea, Bull Creek & White Pine Loop
easy · 1.8 mi · +200 ft · ~50 min · Dog friendly
Easy loop through the Richmond Hill area with stream crossings.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
easy · 1.4 mi · +300 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to the base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.
Elk Falls Trail
easy · 0.4 mi · +100 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short path to a stunning 50-foot waterfall with swimming.
Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail
moderate · 3 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
AT section leading to a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Wash Creek Falls
easy · 1.2 mi · +150 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Short walk to a peaceful waterfall in the Bent Creek watershed.
Mouse Creek Falls
moderate · 4 mi · +600 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Continue past Midnight Hole to reach a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Flat Creek Trail
moderate · 5.2 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate trail to a scenic waterfall in the Heintooga area.
Neals Creek Falls
easy · 0.4 mi · +50 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a cascading roadside waterfall.
Roaring Fork Falls
easy · 1 mi · +150 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Easy trail to a scenic multi-tiered waterfall.
Walker Falls
easy · 0.8 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Short roadside walk to a pretty cascading waterfall.
Crabtree Falls Trail
moderate · 2.5 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Loop trail to a beautiful waterfall near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linville Falls Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +400 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Multiple overlooks of the famous Linville Falls and Gorge.
High Falls at Dupont
moderate · 4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Moderate loop past High Falls and other scenic waterfalls in Dupont.
Bridal Veil Falls at Dupont
moderate · 4.8 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Loop trail connecting multiple waterfalls in Dupont State Forest.
Hooker Falls
easy · 1 mi · +100 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a broad, beautiful waterfall in Dupont.
Panthertown Valley Loop
moderate · 6 mi · +800 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Stunning valley with granite domes and multiple waterfalls.
Schoolhouse Falls at Panthertown
moderate · 2.4 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate hike to a beautiful waterfall with a deep swimming hole.
Silver Run Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +75 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short trail to a popular swimming waterfall near Cashiers.
Bridal Veil Falls Highlands
easy · 0.1 mi · +10 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Unique roadside waterfall you can drive behind.
Glen Falls Trail
moderate · 1.4 mi · +500 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Trail past three tiers of beautiful waterfalls near Highlands.
Turtleback Falls
easy · 1 mi · +200 ft · ~25 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to a natural waterslide waterfall.
Bearwallow Falls
easy · 0.8 mi · +150 ft · ~15 min
Short trail to an overlook of a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Jerry Miller Trail
moderate · 3.8 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Forest trail to a scenic waterfall in the Big Ivy area.
Indian Creek Falls
easy · 3.6 mi · +300 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Easy creekside walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Smokies.
Juney Whank Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short trail to a pretty two-tiered waterfall.
Deep Creek Loop
moderate · 4.4 mi · +500 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Popular loop past three waterfalls with creek tubing in summer.
Grotto Falls Trail
moderate · 2.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m
Popular trail to a waterfall you can walk behind in the Smokies.
Laurel Falls Trail Smokies
easy · 2.6 mi · +400 ft · ~1h
Paved trail to an 80-foot waterfall, one of the most visited in the Smokies.
Ramsey Cascades Trail
hard · 8 mi · +2100 ft · ~5h
Strenuous hike to the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Moore Cove Falls
easy · 1.4 mi · +200 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Easy trail to a waterfall you can walk behind.
Daniel Ridge Falls Loop
moderate · 4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Loop trail past a beautiful 150-foot cascading waterfall.
Douglas Falls Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +400 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Moderate hike to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall in a mossy cove.
Hen Wallow Falls Trail
moderate · 4.4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 15m
Moderate trail to a delicate 90-foot waterfall in the Cosby area.
Setrock Creek Falls
easy · 1.4 mi · +200 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Black Mountains.
Dupont State Forest Triple Falls
easy · 2.4 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy walk to Triple Falls, famously featured in The Hunger Games.
Wintergreen Falls
easy · 1.6 mi · +200 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to a cascading waterfall in Dupont State Forest.
Greenland Creek Falls
moderate · 3.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Trail to a cascading waterfall in the Panthertown Valley.
Dry Falls
easy · 0.2 mi · +50 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Short descent to a waterfall you can walk behind.
Glassmine Falls Overlook
easy · 0.2 mi · +25 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Roadside overlook viewing a distant waterfall on the cliff face.
Rainbow Falls Trail Gorges
moderate · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Trail to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall in Gorges State Park.
Rainbow Falls Trail Smokies
hard · 5.4 mi · +1700 ft · ~3h 45m
Steep trail to an 80-foot waterfall en route to Mt. LeConte.
Abrams Falls Trail
moderate · 5 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 30m
Moderate trail from Cades Cove to a powerful waterfall with a swimming hole.
Big Laurel Falls
moderate · 2.8 mi · +650 ft · ~1h 30m
Short but steep descent to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole.
Graveyard Fields Loop
moderate · 3.2 mi · +500 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Popular Blue Ridge Parkway loop with two waterfalls and wildflower meadows.
Skinny Dip Falls
easy · 1 mi · +200 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
A family-friendly cascade with natural swimming holes tucked in the forest.
Catawba Falls
easy · 1.5 mi · +260 ft · ~50 min · Dog friendly
A scenic walk through forest leading to a stunning two-tiered waterfall.
Courthouse Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a gorgeous secluded waterfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular waterfall hike near Asheville?
Looking Glass Falls and Hooker Falls in the Dupont State Recreational Forest are among the most visited, offering easy access and stunning 60-foot cascades. For a wilder experience, the Graveyard Fields loop via the Blue Ridge Parkway rewards hikers with two impressive falls.
When is the best time to hike to waterfalls near Asheville?
Spring (March–May) brings peak water flow from snowmelt and rain, making waterfalls at their most dramatic. Fall foliage (October–November) frames the cascades beautifully. Summer is ideal for swimming holes. Avoid icy trails in winter unless you have microspikes.
Are waterfall hikes near Asheville dog-friendly?
Many are! Dupont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest allow leashed dogs on most trails. Always check individual trail rules and keep your pup leashed near fast-moving water.
Do I need a permit to hike to waterfalls near Asheville?
Most trails in Pisgah National Forest and state parks are free and permit-free. Some high-traffic areas like the Blue Ridge Parkway trailheads may require a timed-entry reservation on peak summer weekends.