Introduction
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its spectacular scenic overlooks and unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
But tucked in between all the expansive landscapes are a number of waterfalls. Some of them are accessible with a short walk or hike, while others require a couple of miles of hiking through the woods.
Here are 6 of the best Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls in North Carolina, all of which you can visit by following Shaka Guide’s tours of the parkway.
Waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is over 460 miles long and connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Mile 0 starts up in Virginia near Charlottesville until you reach mile 469 all the way south in the town of Cherokee, NC.
Since we’re just talking about the waterfalls in the North Carolina portion, we’re going to start from mile 469 and move north.
1. Soco Falls (off Mile 455)
Matthew Caracciolo
- Distance: A few steps
- Duration: 10 minutes
Soco Falls is special because it’s actually a double waterfall. There are two separate cascades, 40 and 50 feet tall, meeting together in the same pool, making this a popular spot for photography.
The viewing platform is just a few steps away from the parking area, but it’s a little steep and slippery.
If you want the best vantage point, scramble down to the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. There’s a rope handy in case you need assistance going up or downhill.
Soco Falls is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, on US-19. The parking lot is not well marked, but it’s on a curve about a mile from the Parkway.
2. Second Falls at Graveyard Fields (Mile 418)
- Distance: Less than a mile round trip
- Duration: 45 minutes
Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular spots on the Parkway for a hike. A series of natural disasters has left this area looking sparse and spooky. But there are also some waterfalls here.
The easiest to reach is Second Falls, or Lower Falls depending on the sign or map. Head down the trail by the restroom and then turn right at the spur off the main loop. And after some downhill, you’ll be at the bottom of Second Falls, which is about 55 feet high.
This trail is easy to moderate, but note that the hike to the falls is downhill, and the hike back to the car is all uphill.
If you’re game for a longer hike, it’s about 3 miles total to add Upper Falls to this hike. Upper Falls is about 40 feet tall, and the hike is rated as moderate. It’ll take a couple of hours to hike to both waterfalls.
3. Sliding Rock (off Mile 411)
Matthew Caracciolo
- Distance: A few steps
- Duration: As long as you want
A worthy detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway is to get off at Mile 411 and take US-276 South for about 10 miles. There are a few stops on this road that are worth your time.
One of them is Sliding Rock, a popular spot in the summer. Sliding Rock is technically a 60-ft waterfall with a diagonal drop, but locals treat it as a natural water slide that empties into a pool about 10 feet deep.
There’s a lifeguard present during the summer months and restroom facilities. There’s also a small admission fee, which helps offset the cost of the facilities.
4. Looking Glass Falls (off Mile 411)
Matthew Caracciolo
- Distance: A few steps
- Duration: 5 minutes
The most accessible waterfall in this part of North Carolina is Looking Glass Falls. Looking Glass Falls is also on the US-276 spur, just off the Parkway.
The 60-foot waterfall is visible from the road, and there are stairs and pavement to the observation platform.
Because it’s so easy to see, and because it’s especially gorgeous in the fall, Looking Glass Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to see near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
5. Crabtree Falls (Mile 339)
Matthew Caracciolo
- Distance: 3-mile round trip
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
If you’re game for a little hike, then Crabtree Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The waterfall is 70 feet tall and has a footbridge that’s great for taking pictures. The water flows down the rock, rather than over, which creates a unique effect.
It almost looks like Sliding Rock is positioned more vertically, though we certainly don’t recommend trying to slide down this one. It’s a sheer drop.
6. Linville Falls (Mile 316)
Matthew Caracciolo
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Duration: 45 minutes
If we could guess the most popular Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall, we’d guess Linville Falls. The area is a very busy stop along the parkway, and for good reason. The waterfall is gorgeous! And it’s also easy to access.
It’s just a one-mile, round-trip hike from the visitor center to the view of Lower Falls, and the hike is considered easy.
If you’re game for more, then there are actually several views of the waterfalls you can hike to. Taking the Erwins View Trail is about a mile and a half round trip, and is moderately challenging.
But, if you visit all the overlooks, you get additional views of the different cascades as well as the nearby Linville Gorge.
Map of Waterfalls Around the Blue Ridge Parkway
Explore with Shaka Guide
The best way to experience these waterfalls and other sights along the Blue Ridge Parkway is to take a self-guided driving tour with Shaka Guide.
Shaka Guide offers three different tours covering different parts of the parkway. You’ll find:
- Soco Falls
- Graveyard Fields
- Sliding Rock
- Looking Glass Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour
- Crabtree Falls
- Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Tour
We’ll help you navigate to each of these waterfalls, along with the best trails, scenic overlooks, and attractions along this majestic road. And we’ll tell you helpful hints, stories, and facts along the way.
So hit the road with Shaka Guide and explore the best waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Blue Ridge Parkway Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Blue Ridge Parkway Articles below:
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY GUIDES:
Know Before You Go, Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville
Know Before You Go, Blue Ridge Parkway South
Know Before You Go, Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Itinerary
Blue Ridge Parkway South Itinerary
Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Itinerary
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY RELATED
29 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes
The Story of the Blue Ridge Parkway
A Guide to Blue Ridge Parkway Entrances
Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville: The Ultimate Tourist's Guide
Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia: Ultimate Travel Guide
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