This popular waterfall is usually packed in the summertime, but for good reason. Just a short walk from the Blue Ridge Parkway (nearest to mile post 417), Skinny Dip Falls is a beautiful waterfall plunging into a scenic, forested swimming hole. Skinny Dip Falls-Pisgah National Forest, Grandfather District The signs will indicate when you are entering and leaving state park property.ģ. Once the trail leaves Gorges State Park and enters the National Forest, however, campers will find that there are free, first-come, first-serve campsites along the trail-albeit lacking amenities. There are eight primitive campsites at the Ray Fisher campground within Gorges State Park. Water levels can rise unexpectedly and deaths have occurred when hikers and swimmers are swept over the falls. Please use extreme caution on this trail and do not swim in the Horse Pasture River. Most people stop here, but it’s possible to continue upstream about a quarter-mile to Turtleback Falls. To reach the falls, follow the popular Rainbow Falls trail in Gorges State Park for 1.5 miles until it dead ends at the falls. These falls careen over a smooth rock face, and when flowing in high volume, can spray enough mist to create their own rainbow. Of all North Carolina’s waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is probably has the most fitting name. The grounds’ four sites are free and claimable on a first-come, first-serve basis, but offer few options in terms of amenities. Just west about half an hour is the Ammons Branch campground, nestled in the Nantahala National Forest. This trail makes for a scenic hike, but take note that there are no views of the waterfall from this trail. For those looking to stretch their legs, a half-mile spur trail leads to the Foothills Trail, running parallel to the Whitewater River. Wooden steps lead to a lower overlook, offering the best view of the falls. If you’re not up for a hike, an excellent view of the falls can be seen from the upper lookout at the end of the parking lot. Because of the rugged terrain surrounding the falls, the area receives few visitors and remains wild and undeveloped. The highest waterfall east of the Rockies, Whitewater Falls tumbles 411 feet to the pools below. Whitewater Falls-Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah District As well, when hiking or camping near these falls, be sure to practice Leave No Trace policies to avoid damaging the ecosystem around the waterfalls.ġ. Tragically, deaths do occurs near waterfalls in the state every year. We’ve managed to round up nine of the most magical North Carolinian waterfalls, with some spots where you can pitch your tent nearby.Īn important note on safety: it’s important to always stay on the trail when hiking to waterfalls. These waterfalls in North Carolina make great destinations for hikes, summer swimming holes, and even lend their names to our beer ( Catawba Brewing, anyone?) There are so many great NC waterfalls, it can be daunting to pick one for your next hike. In fact, western NC’s Transylvania County is nicknamed “the land of waterfalls,” and has over 250 cascades within its borders alone.ĩ Magical NC Waterfalls and Where to Camp Nearby Luckily for those of us in the Tar Heel State, NC waterfalls are abundant. What is it about waterfalls that draws our attention like few other natural wonders do? Maybe it’s the feeling of discovering something so powerful in the wild, or feeling the surge and spray of that water tumbling over rock? Whatever it is, hikers have sought out these natural wonders across the U.S. Plan a camping trip around one of these 9 stunning North Carolina waterfalls.
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