Every day in the Blue Ridge Mountains is an adventure, especially if you know where to look. And in Brevard, we love looking for waterfall hikes!
We live in a remarkable enclave for hikes of all levels of difficulty. There are countless hidden trails and lookout spots dotted throughout our local mountains and protected forests. And each offers its own unique perspective on native flora, fauna, and nature at large. Better still, our prehistoric topography is bursting with waterfalls. At least 250 falls exist in Transylvania County alone, giving it the moniker “The Land of Waterfalls.” Some are relatively small and gentle. Others take big, breathtaking plunges into mountain pools.
On hot mountain days, there’s nothing better than a safe hike to one of the region’s many inspiring waterfalls. Here are a few of our favorite waterfall hikes near Brevard, NC for beginner or experienced hikers.
Hooker Falls Trail
Length: 0.8 Miles (Out and Back)
Difficulty: Easy
From hiking to mountain biking to over 100 miles of multi-use trails, DuPont State Forest has enough to keep any outdoor enthusiast active. And waterfall lovers always have something new to discover. Hooker Falls is the fourth waterfall on Little River after Bridal Veil Falls, High Falls, then Triple Falls. (You may recognize it from its appearance in “Last of the Mohicans”.) But it’s the only waterfall in the forest that is marked safe for swimming—and it certainly does not disappoint. From the dedicated parking lot, take the trail past Hooker-Moore Cemetery down to the river at the base of the falls. Because the waterfall and river feed into Cascade Lake, there are no dangerous currents or downstream hazards to worry about. Just float, try the rope swing, and enjoy your day. Read more.
Moore Cove Falls Trail
Length: 1.2 Miles (Out and Back)
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re looking for a fun, kid-friendly route that won’t take the whole day, try the Moore Cove Falls Trail! This easy, family-friendly route is well manicured with a little elevation gain. A couple of sections of the trail tend to be muddy, but it’s easy to bypass the mud. The payoff at the end is well worth it. The main feature of the trail is the magnificent Moore Cove Falls, which cascades about 50 feet over a rock overhang. It is possible to get behind the waterfall, but hikers—especially the youngsters—are cautioned to watch out for slippery rocks! This is among the must-see waterfall hikes in the area around Brevard. Read more.
Triple Falls and High Falls Trails
Length: 2.6 Miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Among our favorite waterfall hikes near Brevard is the trail that runs around Triple Falls and High Falls. This trail is a moderately easy, 2.6-mile loop hike that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Triple Falls is accessible about a third of a mile down. And at the one-mile mark, stay left to follow the river to High Falls. Although this trail is short, it takes you past some of the most beautiful areas on the way to the waterfalls. Color is plentiful in spring when the flowers are blooming and in fall when the leaves are changing. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash and under control of the owner. Hunting is allowed by permit on certain days. Read more.
Wintergreen Falls Trail
Length: 3.1 Miles (Out and Back)
Difficulty: Easy
Located near Penrose in the heart of DuPont State Forest, the Wintergreen Falls Trail is generally considered to be an easy route that takes just over an hour to complete. In addition to being in a popular area of the forest, this multi-use trail is also available to mountain bikers and horseback riders, so you will likely encounter others along the way. The hike itself is beautifully forested, marked with red blazes, heads mostly downhill, and leads to a stunning 25-foot waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass several boulders that have fallen from the nearby mountainsides, giving the area a primitive appearance. At the waterfall, you can take a break or enjoy a snack on the flat rocks nearby before heading back. Swimmers are cautioned to watch out for slippery rocks. Read more.
Pink Beds Trail
Length: 5.1 Miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail was originally named after the pink native flowers that grew through the area. Today, this relatively flat loop hike, which features a shortcut option, is all about water. You’ll cross over rare mountain bogs (via boardwalks) and pass through a section where beavers have dammed the South Fork Mills River to form their ponds. Those ponds are drowning out the trees, marking an ecosystem in transition. You’ll also find crystal clear brooks, wildlife meadows, scenic fern-filled woods, and an optional waterfall. To reach the waterfall, take the turn for Barnett Branch Trail. After about a third of a mile, you’ll reach a 25–30-foot waterfall that is spectacular after a rain. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash between April 1–August 15 and must be under voice control at all times. Read more.
* Safety tips for waterfall hikes near Brevard *
Complete with pools of crystal clear water and vibrant green ferns, there’s hardly a better place to cool off on a summer day in the mountains than a local waterfall! But staying safe is the key to an afternoon of fun.
Read our 5 waterfall safety tips for a fun weekend in the woods.
Find what feels like home in Brevard, NC
With more than 100,000 acres of public land in Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, Headwaters State Forest, and Gorges State Park, Transylvania County is the perfect destination for countless outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. The county is also known as “The Land of Waterfalls,” as some 250 waterfalls flow through the area.
Closer to civilization, the county seat of Brevard has distinguished itself as an epicenter for outdoor adventures, education, art, and music. Tucked along the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is a hotspot for eclectic in-town living and big mountain views. Downtown is a vibrant and walkable hub of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, pubs, and eateries. And Brevard is rich in summer events and festivals.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find homes in Brevard, NC now!
