10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in North Carolina (2026 Updated)
Ranked by what visitors photograph and rate five stars, these are the 10 most beautiful of North Carolina's 109 named waterfalls, starting with Dry Falls. The list spans the Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge, Foothills, Piedmont Ridges and Fall Line, and Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls.
How We Picked
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 56 publicly accessible North Carolina waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Dry Falls
Franklin, NC · Macon County · Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 4,066 photos of it on Google, about 3.6 for every review. 94% of its 1,145 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Picturesque cascade with a path under the rocks that offers a unique, reverse view of the waterfall." The setting includes Big Dog Mountain (summit, 0.6 mi) and Dog Mountain (summit, 1.1 mi). It is one of 41 named falls in the Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge region. The nearest town is Franklin, about 11 miles to the northwest.
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2. Lower Cascade Falls
Danbury, NC · Stokes County · Foothills, Piedmont Ridges and Fall Line
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 682 photos of it on Google, about 3.5 for every review. 86% of its 194 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Its listing describes it as: "A short walk down many rock steps leads to this scenic waterfall in Hanging Rock State Park." Reviewers single out its beautiful scenery. The setting includes Indian Face (cliff, 1.3 mi) and Balanced Rock (pillar, 1.4 mi). It is one of 15 named falls in the Foothills, Piedmont Ridges and Fall Line region. The nearest town is Danbury, about 3.5 miles to the east.
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3. Rainbow Falls
Brevard, NC · Transylvania County · Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 767 photos of it on Google, about 3.7 for every review. 92% of its 207 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Hiking destination offering a trail along a stream leading to a waterfall with misty overlooks." The setting includes Roundtop (summit, 0.9 mi) and Rocky Knobs (summit, 1.0 mi). It is one of 34 named falls in the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls region. The nearest town is Brevard, about 16 miles to the northeast.
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4. Triple Falls
Brevard, NC · Transylvania County · Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,381 photos of it on Google, about 4.2 for every review. 92% of its 331 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Trio of waterfalls cascading 120 ft. in forested state park, a setting in "Last of the Mohicans."." The setting includes Sheep Mountain (summit, 1.0 mi). It is one of 34 named falls in the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls region. The nearest town is Brevard, about 7.0 miles to the west.
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5. Window Falls
Danbury, NC · Stokes County · Foothills, Piedmont Ridges and Fall Line
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 122 photos of it on Google, about 3.5 for every review. 83% of its 35 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Reviewers single out its view and beautiful place. The setting includes Hanging Rock (pillar, 0.4 mi) and Indian Face (cliff, 1.0 mi). It is one of 15 named falls in the Foothills, Piedmont Ridges and Fall Line region. The nearest town is Danbury, about 3.0 miles to the east.
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6. Cullasaja Falls
Franklin, NC · Macon County · Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 483 photos of it on Google, about 2.8 for every review. 83% of its 170 reviewers rate it five stars (4.7 average). Its listing describes it as: "National forest waterfall cascading through a gorge from 250 ft., with a roadside viewpoint & trail." The setting includes Lamb Mountain (summit, 0.3 mi) and Emmaline Gap (gap, 0.6 mi). It is one of 41 named falls in the Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge region. The nearest town is Franklin, about 7.8 miles to the northwest.
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7. Bridal Veil Falls
Franklin, NC · Macon County · Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,002 photos of it on Google, about 2.5 for every review. 73% of its 407 reviewers rate it five stars (4.6 average). Its listing describes it as: "Scenic cascade with a walking path under the rocks that offers a reverse view of the waterfall." The setting includes Flat Mountain (summit, 0.8 mi). It is one of 41 named falls in the Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge region. The nearest town is Franklin, about 11 miles to the northwest.
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8. Sliding Rock
Brevard, NC · Transylvania County · Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 768 photos of it on Google. 86% of its 743 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Its listing describes it as: "A low waterfall down a 60-ft.-long rock makes for a natural slide at this unique swimming hole." It is one of 34 named falls in the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls region. The nearest town is Brevard, about 6.2 miles to the southeast.
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9. Glen Falls
Franklin, NC · Macon County · Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 452 photos of it on Google, about 3.6 for every review. 89% of its 126 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Blue Valley (valley, 0.2 mi) and Chinquapin Mountain (summit, 0.6 mi). It is one of 41 named falls in the Nantahala Mountains and Cullasaja Gorge region. The nearest town is Franklin, about 13 miles to the northwest.
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10. Pearsons Falls
Tryon, NC · Polk County · Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 823 photos of it on Google, about 3.0 for every review. 77% of its 278 reviewers rate it five stars (4.4 average). Its listing describes it as: "Set in a wildlife & bird sanctuary, this 90-ft. waterfall is accessed by a forested nature trail." The setting includes Cedar Mountain (summit, 1.4 mi) and Mine Mountain (summit, 1.6 mi). It is one of 34 named falls in the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Land of Waterfalls region. The nearest town is Tryon, about 5.5 miles to the east.
When to Visit North Carolina's Waterfalls
North Carolina's mountain falls run year-round in most years, but they are fullest from late winter through spring, roughly February through May, when rain is frequent and trees have not yet leafed out to draw down soil moisture. April and May add wildflowers and fresh green to the gorges. Summer is warm and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms that raise streams quickly, and popular swimming spots such as Sliding Rock draw large crowds. Fall color climbs down from the highest elevations in early October to the lower escarpment by late October, making it the busiest season of the year, even though flows are often lower after dry spells. Winter brings quieter trails and occasional ice at higher elevations, when sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway may close for snow and ice.
Before You Go
Most mountain falls are on public land: Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, state parks such as Gorges and Hanging Rock, and DuPont State Recreational Forest. A few are on private or nonprofit land with their own hours. Parking at roadside falls along US 64 in the Cullasaja Gorge and at popular trailheads fills early on weekends. Hurricane Helene in 2024 caused severe flooding and landslides across western North Carolina, so check the current status of roads, trails and recreation areas before visiting. The most serious hazard is climbing on or near the top of falls: wet granite and moss are extremely slippery, and falls from waterfall edges have caused many deaths in the region. Streams also rise quickly after heavy rain.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. For better pictures, see our waterfall photography tips.
Explore More North Carolina Waterfalls
See all 109 waterfalls in the North Carolina waterfall guide, or browse by town: Franklin, Danbury, Brevard, Tryon.
More North Carolina Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful waterfall in North Carolina?
Dry Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 1,145 Google reviews. It is near Franklin in Macon County.
How was this list made?
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 56 publicly accessible North Carolina waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views.
How many waterfalls are in North Carolina?
Our directory lists 109 named waterfalls in North Carolina. See them all, sorted by town, in the North Carolina waterfall guide.
Can you walk behind any waterfalls in North Carolina?
Yes. In the Cullasaja Gorge of Macon County, paths at both Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls pass behind the falling water, offering a reverse view.