This amazing 11 waterfall road trip starts out just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, takes you up through the Blue Ridge Parkway into the nearby city of Brevard (the Land of Waterfalls) and winds through Cashiers on the way to Highland via the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.
There are so many beautiful sights to see along the way as well. Be sure to check out our page on Brevard as there are lots of great things to do in this city while you’re in the area.
Dill Falls
Our first stop is a two-fer, meaning you can access two waterfalls from the same parking area and it’s only 0.5 miles round trip to each one.
There are two trails off to the right hand side of the parking area. Take the downhill trail to go to Dill Falls. The trail to Dill Falls is well defined and fairly easy to navigate. It’s very peaceful and usually no one else is around, so you can take your time.
Upper Dill Falls
Upper Dill Falls is a beautiful 25-foot waterfall located on Tanasee Creek in Nanthala National Forest in Jackson County.
To reach Upper Dill Falls, take the uphill trail from the parking area that is to the right of the trail leading down to Dill Falls. The trail is short, but steep. To reach the waterfall, go up the steep incline and once the trail levels off, you should hear the waterfall. Look around and you should see a small trail heading down. This trail will take you the rest of the way to Upper Dill Falls. The trail down to the waterfall is very steep, so be careful! It’s very peaceful and usually no one else is around, so you can take your time.
Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8. This overlook features two impressive waterfalls. The Graveyard Fields Loop is 3.2 miles. This moderate trail has a elevation gain of 450 ft. Lower/Second Falls is 55 feet high and Upper Falls is about 40 feet high.
Skinny Dip Falls
Skinny Dip Falls is comprised of three series of small waterfalls and is about 30 feet high with a small swimming hole at its base. Skinny Dip Falls is unique in that it has a V-shaped waterfall that continues down to another waterfall and then fans out into three more waterfalls. The scenic trail is 0.8 miles and has an elevation gain of 210 feet.
To access Skinny Dip Falls, park at the Looking Glass Rock overlook at milepost 417 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and walk across the parkway to the white blazed Mountains to Sea Trail. The trail is easy to moderate, and is only an 0.8 mile hike.
Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls is a 50-foot waterfall that you can walk behind. This waterfall is an easy one to hike and is family friendly. It’s fairly short – only 1.5 miles round trip. However, this is a low-flow waterfall. Long periods of dry weather can reduce this waterfall to a trickle, so try to visit after a good rain or during early spring.
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is a popular 60 foot waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. It is family friendly and wheelchair accessible. There is a roadside platform overlooking Looking Glass Falls.
Cedar Rock Falls
If you are looking for a tranquil waterfall that isn’t over-run with lots of people – then Cedar Rock Falls is just what you are looking for! This is not the easiest waterfall to find, however it is worth the effort. It is only 20 feet tall, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in beauty.
Many people list this waterfall as easy, but I would classify it as a moderate simply because you do venture off the main trail into a section that isn’t maintained. To access Cedar Rock Falls, go to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education parking area. Go to the left of the Pisgah Center and look for a gated road that will take you to the Cat Gap Loop Trail up ahead on your right.
Daniel Ridge Falls
Daniel Ridge Falls (also called Tom’s Spring Falls or Jackson Falls) is a 150 foot waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest in Brevard. Depending on the trail conditions and which way path on the trail you take will determine the difficulty. The Daniel Ridge Loop Trail is 4 miles, however you can reach the waterfall in 1/2 a mile and return the way you came for a 1 mile hike if you go to the right when the trail splits.
If you would like to make your trip longer, you can add another three waterfalls at this point for a separate side trip – Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls. These are all impressive waterfalls and well worth the side trip. Two of these waterfalls share the same trail, while the other is nearby. If you would like to add these, simply go to our Dupont State Forest Waterfall Day Trip.
Twin Falls/Eastatoe Falls
Twin Falls, also called Eastatoe Falls, is located in Eastatoe Valley. The waterfall consists of two separate waterfalls. The largest of the two is about 75 feet high. This is an easy walk of about 200 yards, located on private property, which is currently allowing visitors again. Please stick to the walkway and respect the privacy of its owners, so we will not lose the privilege of viewing this beautiful waterfall.
Silver Run Falls
Silver Run Falls is a pretty 25 foot waterfall located in Nantahala National Forest located about 10 minutes from Cashiers, North Carolina. There’s a short well-worn trail through a scenic wooded area, about 0.25 feet in length to the base of the waterfall. Round trip would be about 0.5 miles.
Dry Falls
Dry Falls is my favorite waterfall that you can walk behind. Dry Falls is 75 feet in height and is on the Cullasaja River flowing through the beautiful Nantahala National Forest. This waterfall is located in Highlands, North Carolina and has road access from US Highway 64 with a good sized parking area. The hike distance is 0.2 miles to the waterfall. The trail to Dry Falls is paved and goes right up to, behind and around the waterfall to the other side.
Quarry Falls/Bust Your Butt Falls
Quarry Falls (also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, or Bust Your Butt Falls) is a 20-foot, multi-tiered cascade in the Cullasaja River Gorge. Quarry Falls is best known for its large, deep pool at the bottom and is a popular swimming hole during warm weather.
While in the area you may want to check out nearby waterfalls including Cullasaja Falls and Bridal Veil Falls if you still have time remaining.
If you are looking for more waterfall adventures, check out our other 3-5 day waterfall road trips.
Great waterfalls! Such a fun trip!