Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina’s mountains hide some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ve never heard of. While tourists flock to popular spots like Linville Falls and Whitewater Falls, locals know about dozens of secret cascades tucked away on forgotten trails and old logging roads. These hidden gems offer peaceful swimming holes, stunning views, and the kind of quiet you can’t find at crowded tourist destinations. Ready to discover the waterfalls that North Carolinians have been keeping to themselves?
1. Log Hollow Falls
Deep in Transylvania County’s Pisgah National Forest, a 30-foot cascade tumbles down mossy rocks where hardly anyone ever goes. Most waterfall hunters stick to the famous trails, which means Log Hollow Falls stays blissfully quiet even on sunny weekends.
Getting there requires driving down an old forest road as far as your car can handle, then hiking the final half-mile on foot. The last stretch gets steep and requires some scrambling over rocks and roots, so wear good hiking boots. Bring a backpack with water and snacks because you’ll want to spend time at this peaceful spot once you finally reach it.
The falls flow strongest in spring and after heavy rains, creating a thundering display that echoes through the hollow.
2. Silver Run Falls
Just outside Cashiers sits a waterfall that locals have enjoyed for generations while tourists drive right past without noticing. Silver Run Falls is easy to reach with only 200 yards of walking from the parking area, but most visitors never learn about the secret upper falls hiding above.
Adventurous hikers who know the area scramble up the granite cliff face using tree roots and natural handholds to reach a second cascade. This upper section requires serious climbing skills and shouldn’t be attempted by casual hikers or families with young kids.
The main falls offer a gorgeous view and a nice swimming hole without the dangerous climb. Visit after recent rainfall to see the water flowing at its best.
3. Douglas Falls
Tucked away from the Blue Ridge Parkway’s main attractions, Douglas Falls remains one of western North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. Unlike the roadside overlooks that draw crowds, this waterfall requires knowing where to turn off and having the patience to navigate back roads that aren’t on most GPS systems.
The moderate hike features mixed trail conditions with some rocky sections and stream crossings. After dry spells, the falls can slow to a trickle, so timing your visit after decent rainfall makes all the difference between disappointment and amazement.
Bring a camera and hiking poles for stability on uneven terrain. The peaceful forest setting makes this worth the effort for anyone seeking solitude.
4. Setrock Creek Falls
While thousands of tourists drive up Mount Mitchell to visit the highest peak east of the Mississippi, almost nobody knows about the lovely waterfall hiding at its base. Setrock Creek Falls gets overlooked because it’s not advertised on park maps or mentioned in most guidebooks.
The short hike follows gentle terrain that works well for families and hikers of various skill levels. You won’t need special equipment or advanced trail experience, just comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure. The falls aren’t massive or dramatic, but they offer a tranquil spot for a picnic or quick break from driving.
Local families sometimes bring kids here for an easy outdoor experience without the crowds found at more famous waterfalls nearby.
5. Silver Run Upper Waterfall
Above the regular Silver Run Falls lies a cliffside cascade that only the most experienced hikers ever see. There’s no official trail, no safety ropes, and definitely no signs pointing the way—just steep granite slopes that require using roots and rock crevices as handholds.
Locals who’ve been scrambling these mountains since childhood sometimes make the climb, but they’ll tell you it’s genuinely dangerous without proper experience. One wrong step on wet granite could mean a serious fall, so this isn’t the place to prove how tough you are if you lack climbing skills.
If you’re not an advanced hiker comfortable with exposure and route-finding, admire the lower falls instead. No waterfall view is worth risking your safety.
6. Log Hollow Alternate Route
For those who’ve already found Log Hollow Falls via the standard route, locals know about alternate access points using old logging roads and off-trail paths. These variations offer different perspectives of the hollow and connect to other hidden spots that most waterfall guides never mention.
Following these alternate routes requires good navigation skills and a willingness to bushwhack through sections without clear trails. Bring a detailed topographic map or GPS device because cell service is nonexistent in these remote areas. The logging roads sometimes wash out or become impassable depending on recent weather and seasonal conditions.
Experienced hikers enjoy exploring these paths for the sense of discovery and solitude they provide far from any crowds.
7. Shunkawauken Falls
In Polk County near Columbus, Shunkawauken Falls remains hidden partly because of its location on or adjacent to private property. Locals keep this spot quiet deliberately to prevent overcrowding and conflicts with landowners who’ve generously allowed limited access over the years.
Public access is restricted during many seasons, and visitors must respect property boundaries and posted signs. Trespassing ruins things for everyone and could result in the area being closed completely, so only visit if you’ve confirmed legal access.
When accessible, the falls offer a beautiful reward for those who’ve done their homework about proper entry points. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and be courteous to preserve this privilege for future visitors.
8. Glassmine Falls
Glassmine Falls plays a disappearing act that fools most Blue Ridge Parkway travelers. This ephemeral waterfall only flows after significant rainfall, sliding down the rock face of Blackstock Knob Mountain into the North Fork Swannanoa River below.
You can spot it from a parkway overlook around milepost 362, but don’t attempt to hike down to the falls themselves – the area is protected watershed and off-limits to hikers. The best views come during spring when mountain snowmelt and April showers keep water flowing consistently. By summer, it often dries up completely until the next big storm.
Check recent weather reports before making a special trip, or you might find nothing but dry rocks where a waterfall should be.
9. Upper Cascades at Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock State Park attracts plenty of visitors, but most rush past Upper Cascades on their way to more famous destinations within the park. This smaller cascade sits just 0.3 miles from the visitor center via an easy trail complete with an observation deck and wooden steps.
Families with young children love this spot because the short distance and gentle terrain make it accessible without the exhausting hikes required for bigger waterfalls. The wooden infrastructure provides safe viewing angles and photo opportunities that don’t require scrambling over slippery rocks.
Because it’s overshadowed by other attractions, you can often enjoy Upper Cascades in relative peace even when the main park trails are crowded. It’s perfect for a quick nature break between longer adventures.
10. Hidden Falls in Hanging Rock Area
Even park rangers joke about how well-named Hidden Falls truly is within Hanging Rock State Park. Minimal signage and its location on less-promoted offshoot trails mean many parkgoers finish their visit without ever knowing this waterfall exists.
Moderate trails branch off from the main park paths, with some sections getting steep and less maintained than the primary routes. You’ll need to pay attention to trail markers and possibly backtrack if you miss a turn, but that’s part of the adventure. The falls reward persistent hikers with a quieter experience than you’d expect at a popular state park.
Pack extra water and snacks since these side trails add distance to your hike, and wear proper footwear for potentially muddy or rocky conditions.
11. Tory’s Falls
Tory’s Falls drops an impressive 100 feet, yet it’s often left off main park maps and receives far less traffic than other Hanging Rock attractions. A moderate 300-yard trail from a parking area on Charlie Young Road leads to this stunning cascade, but you have to know where to look for the trailhead.
The path gets rugged in places, especially near rock outcrops that require careful footing. Hikers should watch for slippery conditions and take their time navigating the uneven terrain. The falls flow best during wet seasons, creating a powerful display that makes the effort worthwhile.
Bring a tripod if you’re into waterfall photography – the height and surrounding rocks create dramatic compositions that few photographers have captured.
12. Lower Cascades at Hanging Rock
Most Hanging Rock visitors stick to primary trails and completely overlook the lower portion of the cascade system. Lower Cascades can be accessed via the same trail network, but many hikers turn back before reaching this section or don’t realize it exists.
The descent to the lower falls can get slippery in wet conditions, so trekking poles help maintain balance on steep sections. Moss-covered rocks near the water require extra caution, especially after recent rain when everything stays damp. Despite being in a popular state park, you might have this spot completely to yourself on weekdays or during off-peak seasons.
The peaceful setting makes it perfect for quiet reflection or a secluded lunch break away from the busier areas of the park.
