Winter is a magical time to go chasing waterfalls in North Carolina.
When snowfall covers the Tar Heel State in a gorgeous blanket of white, it’s high time to trek to one of North Carolina’s hundreds of waterfalls for a wintertime adventure. Many North Carolinians are lucky to live in or close to the Land of Waterfalls, an area near Brevard that’s home to more than 250 unique cascades.
During the winter months, many North Carolina waterfalls completely freeze, leaving voluminous ice volcanoes and glistening icicles in the place of their usual streams. Ready to view some waterfalls in all their icy glory? Be mindful of a few safety tips beforehand: wear hiking shoes with excellent grip, as nearby rocks—and even the trail itself—may be ice-covered and slick. As Brevard’s Be Waterfall Wise campaign notes, visitors should never attempt to climb rocks above waist height, nor should they deviate from the marked trails and observation areas.
Though there are literally hundreds to choose from across North Carolina, here are our picks for the eight most beautiful, accessible, and frozen waterfalls to ooh and ahh at this winter.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
Movie buffs may recognize Bridal Veil Falls from its appearances in the “Hunger Games” series and “Last of the Mohicans,” as two waterfalls with a combined height of 120 feet lend a cinematic beauty to the surrounding DuPont State Forest. A moderate, 4.7-mile hike up nearly 600 feet of elevation ends in a breathtaking scene, as massive icicles hang from a bluff, while a volcano of ice explodes from the base of the fall. Local photographers have noted that if the weather remains chilly for a long period of time, the ice volcano can grow so tall that it conceals the hidden waterfall inside.
2. Rainbow Falls
This waterfall on the Horsepasture River near Brevard gets its name from its capacity to spray water yards into the air, creating rainbows in the sky—a phenomenon that translates into an astonishing ability to turn everything it touches to ice during winter months. Fans of waterfalls will find much to marvel at during a hike to Rainbow Falls: a two-hour trek across nearly four miles is rewarded with views from the top of the icy falls. Keep going, and you can also reach Turtleback Falls a few hundred yards upstream, followed by Stair Step Falls and Drift Falls.
3. Whitewater Falls
Bring the whole family along for the easy, kid-friendly, and handicapped-accessible hike to Whitewater Falls in Cashiers, as this half-mile route offers wide, paved asphalt trails, gently sloping elevation, and benches galore. After making the half-hour trek, mouths will fall agape when you reach the 411-foot fall, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. Whitewater’s powerful spray freezes the surrounding tree branches, making the whole gorge glitter in otherworldly beauty. The site can get crowded on picture-perfect winter days, so park staff recommends visiting during weekdays or early mornings. Note that public restrooms are not available, and parking is $3 per vehicle.
4. Schoolhouse Falls
A backcountry hike through Nantahala National Forest’s Panthertown Valley, often referred to as the Yosemite of the East, pays off when you lay eyes on Schoolhouse Falls. Icicles drip from rock formations, and a large pool in front of the falls transforms into a looking glass. A moderate, nearly six-mile hike to Schoolhouse Falls will take around three hours to navigate, and bringing along a map is highly recommended, as these 6,000 miles of backcountry are home to a bustling system of rugged, non-motorized trails. Caution should be exercised along this hike through a sanctuary for American black bears: parking is limited, as is cell service, so Friends of Panthertown recommends arming yourself with a whistle in case you need help and leaving the car behind at either Flat Creek, Cold Mountain Gap, or Salt Rock Gap.
5. Silver Run Falls
Not much effort is required to witness a stunning scene at Silver Run Falls, a Nantahala National Forest hotspot accessible from a 0.2-mile gravel path. Recent snowfall transforms its rock-covered surroundings into a powdered, winter wonderland, while the gentle stream of water from this 40-foot, combination free-fall and near-vertical slide waterfall, produces freezes in cold weather, along with its sizable pool. Smooth, flat rocks near the pool’s edge provide the perfect respite for travelers; sit down and rest a spell to enjoy this piece of serenity located not far from Cashiers. Admission is free, and limited parking is available at a roadside pull-off site along N.C. 107.
6. Looking Glass Falls
If you’re eager to drink in some winter waterfall beauty quickly and painlessly, look no further than Looking Glass Falls. Located in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, this fall is accessible via an easy, 0.3-mile pathway from U.S. 276, not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pull out your camera to capture one of America’s most-photographed waterfalls: photographers rave about the views from the top of the stairs, while a lower platform offers a more up-close and personal experience. Though visitors should be wary about stepping across rocks in this area, as they may be slick and ice-covered.
7. Soco Falls
The twin waterfall at Soco Falls offers a rare display of dual, 120-foot cascades that converge into one, woodland-surrounded stream. Located in Maggie Valley within the Qualla Boundary, or Cherokee Reservation, Soco Falls provides awe-inspiring views from a wooden platform near the top of the falls, accessible via a moderate, 0.6-mile hike. Adventure seekers may try their hand at viewing Soco from ground level by traversing a short, steep trail to the base of the falls, though park rangers warn that shoes and gloves with excellent grip are necessary to avoid slipping. Note that parking for Soco Falls recently changed locations: the old, roadside spot is permanently closed, while a new and expanded lot has opened on U.S. Highway 19 between Maggie Valley and Cherokee.
8. Dry Falls
This waterfall in Nantahala National Forest gets its name from your ability to walk behind it without enduring a single splash or drop, thanks to a helpful, overhanging bluff. Dry Falls is located less than a mile from Bridal Veil Falls and is easily accessible via a paved, 0.3-mile path directly from the parking lot. Descend the stairs to drink in the beauty of this 75-foot waterfall from the base of the trail running along the Cullasaja River Gorge, or choose to observe it from above, as a large viewing platform is available in the parking lot. Parking is $3 per vehicle.
