Top Things to do in North Carolina
Top Hotels in North Carolina
- 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- 3. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- 5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 7. Tru by Hilton Fayetteville I 95
- 8. Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood
- 9. Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
- 10. The Dunhill Hotel
Top 10 Waterfalls in North Carolina, United States
North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina
1. Dry Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,566 reviews
Following paved walkways from the parking area, you can walk directly underneath the tumbling 75-foot waterfall.
Reviewed By dontchange - Tampa, United States
This is one of the best falls in the area and the walk to get to the falls is a short one that requires very little effort. This is a 65 ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest that flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry. You will get a nice mist from the falls when you stand behind them and the rocks do get wet so it can be slippery. They do have an overlook just steps away from the parking lot if you’re unable to manage steps that offers a pretty great view of the falls. The parking is limited and fills up pretty quickly. If the lot is full go to the Bridal Veil Falls up the road about a mile or so. The parking was $2 or $3 if I recall and they do have an outhouse type bathroom.
2. DuPont State Recreational Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 755 reviews
This forest covers more than 10,000 acres from Hendersonville to Brevard, North Carolina.
Reviewed By EclecticBull - Durham, United States
Parking at Hooker Falls Access we were able to see 3 waterfalls in 2.5 hours of hiking. We started by walking up the Triple Falls trail, down the steps to the top of the second tier of Triple Halls (which was fantastic), then continuing on along the river via the High Falls trail to the base of High Falls (even more spectacular). We returned to the parking area via the same trail, and took the short Hooker Falls trail to a nice swimming hole. Fantastic morning with a huge payoff for 4.5 miles of hiking. Get there before 9 am if going on a weekend and you'll enjoy the beauty before the crowds descend (as well parking near the trial head).
3. Tom's Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine172 - Aurora, United States
This was a quick easy hike of about 0.5 miles each way with a stunning waterfall at the end. You can park right at the trail head. There is limited parking of about 6 spaces.
4. Skinny Dip Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By helensrobinson - Winston Salem, United States
I went two years ago with a few friends and it was amazing! There’s an area where families can sit on rocks and eat, a shallow spot for kids to safely swim, and a rock you can jump off of into the water. The rock jump is my favorite part. It’s about a 5 or 6 foot drop but the worst injury I’ve heard of that happened was when I barley scraped a toe. 10/10 would definitely go here again!
5. Whitewater Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By LaurieLu - Pine Mountain, United States
A short walk up a paved path brings you to A stunning waterfall. There is an optional stairway that takes you down to the bottom for a whole different perspective.
6. Whitewater Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
A favorite spot for hikers and picnickers, this scenic area features the Whitewater River dropping more than 400 feet in a series of cascading falls.
Reviewed By mhgolf - Decatur, United States
Simply amazing. The best $3 I have paid in quite awhile. This may be the best combination of an easy walk; on a paved walk way to a fabulous waterfall in the world. Just awesome. At the end of the walkway, take the 150 steps down to an even better view.
7. Pearson's Falls Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Named after its founder, Charles William Pearson, this 268-acre area of wilderness offers an abundant variety of flowers.
Reviewed By JD3073 - Greenville, United States
Clean, well-maintained, easy 1/4 mile hike to a beautiful waterfall. $5 each adult, $1 for 12 years and under - they do take credit cards. Restroom on site, picnic tables and benches throughtout. Stairs and uneven stone path. Not suitable for stroller or wheelchair.
8. Pearson's Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
When visiting Pearson's Falls Glen, nature lovers and hikers are attracted to the scenic waterfall that plunges 90 feet and the many scenic trails bordered by native plants.
Reviewed By FlirtGarden - Suwanee, United States
Pearson’s Falls & Glen is a botanical preserve consisting of 268 acres, which has been owned and maintained by the Tyron Garden Club since 1931. The falls and glen are designated a Blue Ridge National Heritage Site, and they are also included in the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens. Over 200 species of trees, plants, wildflowers, fungi and ferns thrive in this unique, nearly year-round, freeze-free thermal-belt, providing a long growing season in the narrow glen. A short hike along Colt Creek leads up to this spectacular 90-foot waterfall. There are benches and picnic tables tucked along the trail, for those wanting to pause and wonder.
9. Sliding Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Waterfall slide, sending 11,000 gallons of water down a huge rock each minute.
Reviewed By TheRobinsons57 - Pembroke Pines, United States
This place always delivers fun, and you must slide down the rocks aleast once in your life.. Was here three years ago. And nothing change except now there charge to use the restroom thsts a bummer.. .
10. Mingo Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,144 reviews
Reviewed By CastleBe0wulf - The Villages, United States
This was my first time visiting. I knew from doing my research that there would be quite a very steep staircase up the side of the mountain. Woof those 160 steps are pretty rough. They're not impossible even if you're not in the best shape. The staircase is wide and has rails on both sides. And once you reach the top of the stairs it's a level short walk to the waterfall. the waterfall is actually quite high and has a long fall, luckily we were there after a rainstorm so the water was coming off of the mountain quite heavily. there's a small wooden bridge close to the base of the waterfall where you can set up a tripod and take an amazing photo of the water. Mingo falls is what I would clarify as off the beaten path there is only one sign that tells you when to turn into the parking lot other than that if you don't do your research you'll have no idea how to get there. Overall is the drive and the staircase worth it, I say YES.
