The changing leaves and crisp, cool weather, make autumn the best time of year to go for a hike in North Carolina. Take the whole family for a fun day or plan a romantic weekend with your love. Thanks to Romanticasheville.com, planning your trip is fun and easy. They have a huge list of NC hikes and attractions to choose from. Whether you want an easy trail or more strenuous one, here are some of the best waterfall hikes in NC.
Grassy Creek Falls
Length: 2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
This easy trail boasts a multi-cascade waterfall that creates a beautiful and peaceful setting for your hike. It’s a mere 1 mile gradual downhill hike to the falls and 1 mile back.
Scoop Tip: Grassy Creek Falls is a bit of a drive from Charlotte, so you may want to stay the night. The Switzerland Inn is only a 14-minute walk from the trail and offers mountain view suites along with its own spa and restaurant.
Graveyard Fields Hike and Waterfall
Length: 1-4 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
If you want an easy hike but still want to see impressive waterfalls, then Graveyard Fields is a popular option. The trail is relatively flat until the end, and the Lower Falls are just a short hike from the parking lot (~0.2 mile). If you’re feeling up to it, then finish the whole trail. It is an especially beautiful trail with the autumn colors.
Scoop Tip: If you love shopping, you have to check out some unique gift and specialty shops like O.P. Taylor’s and Local Color on the way.
Crabtree Falls
Length: 3-3.5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous
Choose between two hiking options: an easy 3 mile loop with steady terrain to the levels beneath the falls or a strenuous 3.5 mile hike that climbs a ridge above the falls. Be sure to take hiking boots because portions of the trail can get muddy.
Scoop Tip: Make a pit stop at Three Knobs Overlook at Milepost 338.8 right before you get to Crabtree Falls. The panoramic view combined with the brilliant autumn colors is one you don’t want to miss.
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike
Length: 2.5-5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Deep Creek has several two options for trails to see all of the different waterfalls. The short option is 2.5 miles while the Deep Creek-Indian Creek Loop is 5 miles. Either way, you will get to see some beautiful fall leaves and waterfalls along the way.
Scoop Tip: Spend the whole weekend in the area at the Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground, which is just minutes away from the Deep Creek Recreation Center. The campground is full of trails, waterfalls, and activities that any outdoors enthusiast would love. Plus, if you’re like me and love seeing the outdoors but not necessarily sleeping outside, they have affordable cabin options as well.
DuPont State Forest
Length: 3 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike totals 3 miles with 3 gorgeous waterfalls to see: Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and–the most impressive with a height of 150 ft.–High Falls.
Scoop Tip: Bring the family to enjoy a fun hike and picnic lunch. Picnic shelters inside the forest are available for group rental. Reservations are for the entire day (9 AM-5 PM). Call 828-877-6527 to set up your reservation.
John Rock Hike & Cedar Rock Falls, Pisgah Forest
Length: 5 Miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Cedar Rock Falls is only about 1/4 of a mile from the start of the trail. To get to John Rock, lace up your hiking boots and get ready for a tough climb. The hike gets pretty steep, and John Rock is the highest point of the trail–approximately 3,320 ft. in elevation.
Scoop Tip: Make a pit stop at Brevard Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery in Brevard, NC, and try out their extensive list of beers and lagers. Just don’t do any drinking before your hike!
