Marvelous Waterfalls Surrounding Asheville Worthy of Your Bucket List
Asheville, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a haven for nature lovers seeking breathtaking waterfalls. Here's a roundup of some of the most popular and easily accessible waterfalls near the city.
Just over an hour's drive from Asheville, you'll find Graveyard Fields Falls. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this hike is a 3.5-mile round trip, offering two waterfalls - one easily accessible and another more hidden. The trail passes through open areas formed after a 1925 fire, providing a unique and picturesque experience [1][2].
Another favourite is the Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest. This popular three-waterfall hike covers 2.2 miles round trip and is considered one of the best hikes for waterfalls close to the city [2]. The falls are located a bit under two hours from Asheville.
Linville Falls, about an hour and a half from Asheville, is one of the tallest and most popular waterfalls in the region. The hike to the viewpoints is 2 miles round trip and family-friendly. For a more challenging route, the Plunge Basin Trail (1.75 miles round trip) leads to the bottom of the falls [1][2].
Silver Run Falls, located about 67 miles from Asheville, offers a short and easy 400 yards round trip hike. The trail is very easy but parking is limited. This 20-foot waterfall has a beautiful pool at the base and is near Upper Whitewater Falls [1][2].
Roaring Fork Falls, approximately half a mile from the trailhead near Burnsville, north of Asheville, is an accessible 75-foot waterfall. This picturesque spot is near Setrock Creek Falls, another scenic spot with a short trail [1].
Catawba Falls, near Old Fort, about a 30-minute drive from Asheville, offers a variety of trails, with the trail to the lower falls being relatively easy and pet-friendly, while the upper falls require a steeper, intermediate hike [3]. The full loop offers great views but is somewhat challenging and recommended for those in good shape.
Some waterfalls require a bit more effort to reach. Wright Creek Falls, located in Lake Jocassee, which is in Devil's Fork State Park, about 1.5 hours from Asheville, is one such waterfall. Known for its crystal-clear lake water perfect for swimming, Wright Creek Falls is only accessible by boat [1].
Dry Falls and Cullasaja Falls are roadside waterfalls that can be easily spotted from the highway. However, the walk down to the base of Cullasaja Falls is steep, and Dry Falls has a trail length of less than 0.2 miles and an elevation gain of 49 ft. However, a $3 parking fee is required for Dry Falls [1].
Crabtree Falls, located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Asheville, is a favourite among locals with a trail length of 2.2 miles and an elevation gain of 541 feet. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed at this waterfall [1].
Lastly, Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock State Park, which reopened in June 2025 after being affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024, is another must-visit waterfall. More details about this waterfall will be available as the park continues to recover and reopen its attractions [4].
These waterfalls offer a range of hiking difficulties from easy to intermediate, suitable for families and more experienced hikers. Most trails provide scenic views with falls ranging from smaller cascades to tall plunges, all within about a 1-2 hour drive from Asheville. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a common access point for many of these hikes [1][2][3].
[1] Asheville Citizen-Times
[2] Blue Ridge Outdoors
[3] Mountain Xpress
[4] Chimney Rock State Park
- Graveryard Fields Falls, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is an adventure for nature lovers, offering two waterfalls and a unique hiking trail that passes through open areas formed after a fire.
- The Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest is a popular three-waterfall hike that covers 2.2 miles and is considered one of the best hikes for waterfalls close to Asheville.
- Linville Falls, about an hour and a half from Asheville, is one of the tallest and most popular waterfalls in the region, and caters to both families and more experienced hikers with varying difficulty trails.
- For those seeking a short and easy hike, Silver Run Falls, located about 67 miles from Asheville, offers a 400 yards round trip hike to a beautiful 20-foot waterfall. This hike is perfect for those who love the peace and tranquility of nature.
