Beyond the city, the mountains around Asheville hold some of the finest waterfalls and forest hiking in the East. Within an easy drive are dozens of cascades and trails — from the roadside Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest to the family of waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest (Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls, famous as filming locations for movies like "The Hunger Games" and "The Last of the Mohicans"). With waterfalls ranging from drive-up easy to rewarding hikes, plus endless forest trails, it's a free, scenic playground for nature lovers. (Check current trail and road access in this region.)
Asheville sits amid one of the richest concentrations of waterfalls in the eastern United States, and chasing them — along with hiking the surrounding forests — is one of the great free pleasures of the region. The mountains, soaked by abundant rainfall and cut by countless streams, produce cascades of every size, many reachable by short walks or even from the roadside, set in the lush southern Appalachian forest.
Among the most popular and accessible
Looking Glass Falls, a beautiful 60-foot waterfall in Pisgah National Forest (southwest of Asheville) that you can see right from the road; nearby Sliding Rock, a natural rock waterslide; and, a bit farther, DuPont State Recreational Forest, home to a string of spectacular and relatively easy-to-reach waterfalls — Hooker Falls, High Falls, and Triple Falls — whose photogenic cascades and forests have starred in major films (including "The Hunger Games" and "The Last of the Mohicans"). The broader Pisgah National Forest and the trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway (like the waterfalls of Graveyard Fields) offer endless additional hiking, from gentle strolls to strenuous summit climbs, with wildflowers, rhododendron, and big mountain views.
It's all essentially free (some areas have a small parking fee), and you can tailor it to your energy — a quick roadside waterfall stop or a full day of forest hiking. Wear proper footwear (trails can be wet and rocky, and rocks near waterfalls are dangerously slippery — stay on trails and heed warnings), bring water, and check the weather.
IMPORTANT
Parts of the western North Carolina forests, trails, and access roads were affected by Hurricane Helene's flooding in 2024, and some trails or roads may be closed or damaged — check current conditions and closures (with the U.S. Forest Service and NC State Parks) before heading out.
What to expect
The experience
Free (small parking fees at some areas). Waterfalls from roadside (Looking Glass Falls) to short hikes (DuPont State Forest's falls), plus extensive forest trails in Pisgah and off the Parkway. Self-paced. Check current trail/road access.
Best time
Spring through fall; after rain the falls run strongest. Fall foliage is spectacular. Go early to find parking at popular falls; weekdays are quieter.
How long
From a quick roadside stop to a full day of hiking.
Tips
Check current trail and road conditions and closures (U.S. Forest Service, NC State Parks) before going — some areas were affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Wear proper footwear; rocks near waterfalls are dangerously slippery, so stay on trails and obey warning signs. Bring water. Looking Glass Falls is roadside-easy; DuPont's falls are short, rewarding hikes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Outdoors lovers, hikers, and anyone wanting free, spectacular mountain waterfalls and forest scenery.
- Families
- Great for families — many waterfalls are roadside or short, easy walks (Looking Glass Falls, Hooker Falls). Mind the slippery rocks near water with kids.
- Couples
- Romantic, scenic, and free — waterfall hikes and forest trails, especially beautiful in fall.
- Pair with
- The Blue Ridge Parkway, the NC Arboretum, and the broader Pisgah National Forest — access permitting.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
What are the best waterfalls near Asheville?+
Popular, accessible ones include roadside Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest and the string of falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest — Hooker Falls, High Falls, and Triple Falls (famous film locations) — plus Graveyard Fields off the Blue Ridge Parkway, among many others.
Are the waterfalls free to visit?+
Yes — the forests and waterfalls are essentially free, though some popular areas charge a small parking fee. It's one of the great free pleasures of the region.
Were the trails affected by Hurricane Helene?+
Parts of the western North Carolina forests, trails, and access roads were affected by the 2024 flooding, and some may be closed or damaged. Check current conditions and closures with the U.S. Forest Service and NC State Parks before heading out.
Is it good for families?+
Yes — many waterfalls are roadside or short, easy walks suitable for families. But rocks near waterfalls are dangerously slippery, so stay on trails, heed warnings, and keep a close eye on children.
What should I bring?+
Proper footwear (trails can be wet and rocky), water, and weather-appropriate layers. Go early to find parking at popular falls, and after rain the falls are at their most powerful.
