Best Waterfalls near Asheville – Our Top 10

Welcome to beautiful western North Carolina, home to over 250+ waterfalls and plenty of land to explore with it! Our waterfalls come from a vast underground aqueduct originating in Eastern Tennessee, plus the massive amount of yearly rain that we get (60+ inches!), classifying the area as a temperate rainforest. There are so many gorgeous falls to explore that our company, Asheville Hiking Tours, made a whole tour dedicated to exploring their beauty called the Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour! Here is a list of some of the waterfalls that our company can guide you to and others that we highly recommend checking out while here on your stay:

1. Looking Glass Falls

Hike Duration: Roadside

Difficulty: Easy

Distance from Asheville: 35 miles

No trip to Asheville is complete without visiting the famous Looking Glass Falls! Standing at 60ft tall, this gorgeous waterfall is a simple and accessible roadside stopover attraction. A set of stairs leads you down to the base, where you can feel the mist from the falls that waters the surrounding plants 24/7. On a warm summer day, you may even see some people hopping across the rocks or wading in the clear, cool water. This family-friendly waterfall can also accommodate a variety of mobility issues as there is not much of a hike to it. Looking Glass Falls is truly a must-see for everyone!

Note: The parking area can get very busy during the day, so come early for your best chances to avoid crowds! Also, rocks at the base are very slippery and can be dangerous so go at your own risk.

2. Mouse Creek Falls

Hike Duration: 4.2 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance from Asheville: 55 miles

With a name like Mouse Creek, these falls still boast a 45ft drop! It is one of the furthest from Asheville on the list, but is definitely worth a visit if your trip itinerary includes the Great Smoky Mountains. Arrive at the Big Creek parking lot, where you will be greeted with picnic tables to have a nice lunch before you begin your hike! Continue on the Big Creek Trail, a moderate but gradual 2.1 mile climb to the falls. The overlook to Mouse Creek Falls is marked past a few hitching posts, with a bench to rest and gaze at the alluring waterfall. On your return back, be sure to stop off at Midnight Hole on the same trail, a popular, clear water swimming area adjacent to an additional 6ft falls!