This beautiful weather has me itching  to spend as much time outside as I can manage. Though I am blessed to live in the Lake Norman area, I was curious to know what other types of scenic water that the Charlotte area has to offer. Since waterfalls are of mother nature’s most beautiful views, I thought it would be fun to compile a list of the best waterfalls in our area. Some require more physical exertion than others, but I can guarantee that all of these falls (and the time  you spend getting to them) will leave you feeling blessed to live in such a beautiful area. Maybe I’ll see you out on the trails!

Elk River Falls 

Location: Pisgah National Forest (36.199009, -81.969009)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 28 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 5 minutes, easy
Falls height: 50 feet
What you should know: There’s no real hike involved here, just a short walk to the top. It’s a great spot for swimming and sunning on the rocks, but because of this, it’s often crowded. Get there early and stake your claim.

 

High Falls

Location: West Fork Tuckasegee River (35.204157, -83.160125)
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 2 miles, moderately difficult
Falls height: 150 feet
What you should know: The hike is steep and somewhat rough, so pack actual hiking boots rather than just sneakers. If you’re looking to experience the full force of this fall (there are two main drops that flow into each other), come when the water is high, but know that you can’t get as close as you might want to if you’re looking to go exploring or for a photo-op. If that’s what you want, go when it’s low.

 

Log Hollow Falls

Location: Pisgah National Forest (35.323663, -82.808118)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 38 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 10 minutes, easy
Falls height: 150 feet
What you should know: These falls are perfect for people who are looking for something not often visited and feels like an accidental find. It’s also perfect if you’ve got kids, as it’s just a process of crossing a few bridges and takes around 10 minutes at an average pace.

 

Looking Glass Falls

Location: Pisgah National Forest (35.296144, -82.768821)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: .05 miles, easy
Falls height: 45 feet
What you should know: There’s no hike involved with this one, as it’s a roadside stop. You can view it from a few platforms or head all the way down to the creek.

 

Rainbow Falls

Location: Nantahala National Forest (35.090649, -82.965973)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 46 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 3 miles
Falls height: 150 feet
What you should know: The trail is mostly downhill on your walk there, but does get hilly on the way back up. About halfway through the hike, the trail turns from gravel into dirt. Don’t panic – you’re still on the right track. If you want to see the rainbows the falls are named for, get there early in the morning to view them through the mist.

 

Second Falls

Location: Pisgah National Forest (35.322279, -82.846631)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 42 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 0.6 miles, moderately difficult
Falls height: 70 feet
What you should know: It’s a steep, but quick, climb to the falls comprised mostly of stairways. The pool at the bottom is great for sunbathing and swimming.

 

Sliding Rock

Location: Pisgah National Forest (35.311027, -82.786506)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 0. It’s a park and walk situation.
Falls height: 60 feet
What you should know: Sliding Rock isn’t so much a waterfall as it as a natural and gentle slide into the pool of water below. Make a day of it a and bring a picnic.

 

Triple Falls

Location: Dupont State Forest (35.199799, -82.617058)
Distance from Charlotte: 
2 hours, 10 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 0.29 miles, easy
Falls height: 75 feet
What you should know: The part of the trail that leads to the overlook is steep. When you get to the viewing area, stay put on the acre of dry area – that’s where it’s safest.

 

Upper Falls

Location: Pisgah National Forest (35.31813, -82.866753)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 54 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 2.9 miles, somewhat rough
Falls height: 50 feet
What you should know: Take the natural trail rather than the paved one, and be prepared to battle a few hills before climbing over rocks to reach the falls.

Wintergreen Falls

 

Location: Dupont State Forest (35.1978, -82.583748)
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Hike length and level of difficulty: 3.1 miles, moderate
Falls height: 25 feet
What you should know: There are some wet areas along the way, but nothing to really worry about. It’s also a climb up a few rocks to get to the falls, so be mindful of that element.

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