Drive time for this 9 waterfall day trip clocks in at 1 hour and 22 minutes. Several of these waterfalls are either roadside or short, easy hikes. However, there are a few that are slightly longer hikes. If you are running short on time, I would recommend skipping the last two or three stops (one of these stops includes 3 waterfalls) for another trip.
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 get Cedar Rock Falls, you’ll need to hike the Cat Gap Loop Trail located at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and take an unmaintained side trail to the waterfall.
Slick Rock Falls
While this waterfall is not one I would recommend a special trip to see, it is worth visiting while you are in the area.
Slick Rock Falls is a low-flow 30 foot waterfall located in Pisgah National Forest. The hike to Slick Rock Falls is short – only about 100 yards from the parking area. You do need to climb a few stairs to reach the waterfall.
Slick Rock Falls is best viewed during Spring or after a good rain. During the dry times of the year, the waterfall dries up to almost a trickle. The connecting road to this waterfall may be closed occasionally during the year, especially January to March so you may want to call ahead and check to make sure you can access this waterfall during these times.
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 a 4 mile moderate hike, however you can reach the waterfall in 1/2 a mile and return the way you came for a 1 mile total hike if you go to the right when the trail splits.
From the small parking area, walk around the gate and you will see the sign for the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail. Cross an iron bridge and follow the trail straight ahead. Not long after crossing the bridge, you will come to a fork in the trail. If you want to go straight to the waterfall, go to the right (you will see a sign that says falls) and you will reach the waterfall in about a half mile. Then you would return the same way you came for a 1 mile round trip. This will take you to a front full view of the entire waterfall, viewable from the trail. Just before this there will be a short side trail that will take you to a side view of the top portion of the waterfall.
If your trip is starting to run longer than you would like, I would recommend stopping it at this point or after Cathedral Falls (Cathedral Falls, Mill Shoals Falls and French Broad Falls are all located at Living Waters Ministry in Balsam Grove.
Mill Shoals Falls/French Broad Falls
While Mill Shoals Falls (also called Shoal Creek Falls) and French Broad Falls are not the most impressive waterfalls based on their size (both are only 13-15 feet), they are both beautiful. Cathedral Falls is also located on the private property of Living Waters Ministry. Living Waters Ministry gives permission for the public to visit their waterfalls at the visitors’ own risk. You cannot park in their parking lots, but you can park by the entrance off the side of the road. They ask that all pets be on a leash and that people do not leave litter or disturb their property (look, but touch).
If you want to visit the falls, you must park on the side of the road and follow the signs saying “enter at your own risk” by the entrance to the waterfall trail. Follow the trail down and Cathedral Falls is to your left with Mill Shoals Falls and French Broad Falls on your right.
Cathedral Falls
After you visit Mill Shoal Falls and French Broad Falls return up the walkway and take the trail to your right to go to Cathedral Falls (also called Bird Rock Falls). It is about 0.25 miles away. Just follow the bridges and they will lead you straight to Cathedral Falls.
Toxaway Falls
Toxaway Falls, an impressive 150 foot waterfall, is located next to Highway 64 in North Carolina between Brevard and Cashiers. While you cannot view all of Toxaway Falls from this vantage point, you can still see an impressive view of the waterfall.
If traveling on Highway 64, toward Cashiers and Highlands, you cross a bridge below a dam for the lake. There is a place to pull off on the westbound side of the road. Carefully cross the road to a walkway above the waterfall. It’s a great place to get out and stretch your legs while enjoying a great view!
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, with a round trip of about 0.5 miles.
Silver Run Falls is perfect outing for the whole family, however it is not wheelchair accessible. It’s easy to get to, with a clearly defined gravel and dirt trail that leads straight to the waterfall. There is a large pool of water in front of the waterfall, which many people use as a swimming hole during hot summer days. Get there early to avoid the crowds.
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