If you consider yourself a true waterfall fan, you’ve likely researched “waterfalls near me” in North Carolina a time or two. There are countless scenic highways in North Carolina, including a 98-mile stretch of roadway that is surrounded by 200 waterfalls in the western part of the state. Aptly named the Waterfall Scenic Byway, this is one segment of road sure to wow your sense of adventure. Buckle up and let’s get started, shall we? The highlights of this waterfall highway in North Carolina are below…
The byway begins in Transylvania County, where you’ll embark on this 98-mile journey which begins at the intersection of US 64 and NC 215 in Rosman. Go west on 64 and cross the French Broad River.
Drive another seven miles to the curve where US 64 crosses the Toxaway River. The roadway looks like this…
Flickr/Jared
And rolling just under the road is the Toxaway River, which drops dramatically right at the bridge to reveal Toxaway Falls. Absolutely breathtaking! What a way to start a waterfall road trip! If you want to park, find a spot at a local merchant. Don’t park on the edge of the road. It isn’t safe.
Flickr/Jeff Heard
By the time you reach the outskirts of Highlands, you’ll soon come to the breathtaking 120-foot Bridal Veil Falls.
Flickr/Kevin Oliver Pull off into one of the roadside parking spots and go walk underneath it! Do you remember when this waterfall was a drive-through? The roadway is still there, but, sadly, cars are no longer allowed to drive underneath.
Nearby Dry Falls is a must-see, even if you’ve seen it a dozen times already.
Flickr/Jim Liestman It’s hard to resist walking behind this enormous waterfall, no matter the season. This may just be the most unique waterfall in the state.
Four miles west of Dry Falls is the gorgeous Cullasaja Falls at the entrance to the Cullasaja Gorge.
clark42 / iStock / Getty Image Plus Collection via Getty Images This enormous waterfall is a half mile long and drops an astounding 310 feet over that distance.
Whether you drive the full 98 miles or only parts of this scenic route in the mountains of North Carolina, you’re sure to find some peace and joy in the beautiful views during the journey.
Dan Reynolds Photography / Moment Collection via Getty Images
For a beautiful glimpse of Bridal Veil Falls, check out the brief video below:
Flickr/Jared
Flickr/Jeff Heard
Flickr/Kevin Oliver
Pull off into one of the roadside parking spots and go walk underneath it! Do you remember when this waterfall was a drive-through? The roadway is still there, but, sadly, cars are no longer allowed to drive underneath.
Flickr/Jim Liestman
It’s hard to resist walking behind this enormous waterfall, no matter the season. This may just be the most unique waterfall in the state.
clark42 / iStock / Getty Image Plus Collection via Getty Images
This enormous waterfall is a half mile long and drops an astounding 310 feet over that distance.
Dan Reynolds Photography / Moment Collection via Getty Images
The Waterfalls Scenic Byway begins in Rosman and ends in Murphy. Have you driven this uniquely gorgeous route in North Carolina yet? Let us know in the comments and feel free to upload your beautiful photos to the comments or to our North Carolina Nature Lovers group on Facebook! The next time you research “waterfalls near me,” we hope you remember this gorgeous North Carolina destination. There’s truly a waterfall out there for every kind of outdoor enthusiast!
If you love waterfall road trips, then you’ll go wild for this North Carolina’s scenic waterfall loop that will take you to 11 different waterfalls!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Transylvania County, NC, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfall highway in North Carolina July 23, 2022 Beth C. What’s a scenic drive I can take in North Carolina? North Carolina is a nature enthusiast’s dream and that’s especially true of Western North Carolina. Home of the Great Smokey Mountains, this portion of our state is positively resplendent. If you’re a fan of natural beauty and gorgeous, scenic drives, you can’t do much better than a trip along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway spans from Virginia to North Carolina at the Tennessee border and every mile is brimming with beautiful scenery. A distinguished National Parkway and All-American Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Touring this road, which winds through mountain vistas and old-growth forests, you’ll enjoy pristine natural scenery without stop lights, congested traffic, or much else to distract you from the view. Plus, every mile or so, there are pull-offs that allow you to safely enjoy the scenery and even snap a few photos. And the best part of all? Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is free! What are the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina? Some of our favorite waterfall hikes in North Carolina include:
Linville Falls Lower Cascade Falls in Hanging Rock State Park Crabtree Falls Hickory Nut Falls Mingo Falls Skinny Dip Falls DuPont State Forest (where you’ll see not one, but three waterfalls!) Midnight Hole.
As you’ve learned from reading the above article, North Carolina boasts hundreds of beautiful waterfalls and many of them can be reached via a hiking trail. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing waterfall hikes in North Carolina that are also relatively easy, meaning that nearly everyone can enjoy them! Learn more about some of these easy waterfall hikes in North Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfall highway in North Carolina
July 23, 2022
Beth C.
What’s a scenic drive I can take in North Carolina? North Carolina is a nature enthusiast’s dream and that’s especially true of Western North Carolina. Home of the Great Smokey Mountains, this portion of our state is positively resplendent. If you’re a fan of natural beauty and gorgeous, scenic drives, you can’t do much better than a trip along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway spans from Virginia to North Carolina at the Tennessee border and every mile is brimming with beautiful scenery. A distinguished National Parkway and All-American Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Touring this road, which winds through mountain vistas and old-growth forests, you’ll enjoy pristine natural scenery without stop lights, congested traffic, or much else to distract you from the view. Plus, every mile or so, there are pull-offs that allow you to safely enjoy the scenery and even snap a few photos. And the best part of all? Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is free! What are the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina? Some of our favorite waterfall hikes in North Carolina include:
Linville Falls Lower Cascade Falls in Hanging Rock State Park Crabtree Falls Hickory Nut Falls Mingo Falls Skinny Dip Falls DuPont State Forest (where you’ll see not one, but three waterfalls!) Midnight Hole.
As you’ve learned from reading the above article, North Carolina boasts hundreds of beautiful waterfalls and many of them can be reached via a hiking trail. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing waterfall hikes in North Carolina that are also relatively easy, meaning that nearly everyone can enjoy them! Learn more about some of these easy waterfall hikes in North Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
North Carolina is a nature enthusiast’s dream and that’s especially true of Western North Carolina. Home of the Great Smokey Mountains, this portion of our state is positively resplendent. If you’re a fan of natural beauty and gorgeous, scenic drives, you can’t do much better than a trip along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway spans from Virginia to North Carolina at the Tennessee border and every mile is brimming with beautiful scenery. A distinguished National Parkway and All-American Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Touring this road, which winds through mountain vistas and old-growth forests, you’ll enjoy pristine natural scenery without stop lights, congested traffic, or much else to distract you from the view. Plus, every mile or so, there are pull-offs that allow you to safely enjoy the scenery and even snap a few photos. And the best part of all? Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is free!
What are the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina?
Some of our favorite waterfall hikes in North Carolina include:
- Linville Falls
- Lower Cascade Falls in Hanging Rock State Park
- Crabtree Falls
- Hickory Nut Falls
- Mingo Falls
- Skinny Dip Falls
- DuPont State Forest (where you’ll see not one, but three waterfalls!)
- Midnight Hole.
As you’ve learned from reading the above article, North Carolina boasts hundreds of beautiful waterfalls and many of them can be reached via a hiking trail. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing waterfall hikes in North Carolina that are also relatively easy, meaning that nearly everyone can enjoy them! Learn more about some of these easy waterfall hikes in North Carolina.
