Living in coastal North Carolina, you start to feel very fortunate to call such a beautiful place home. And as you venture West from Wilmington, that spoiled feeling continues as you visit numerous other scenic areas within our state. Visiting the mountains of NC can be enjoyed at any time of year, with every season offering its own reward. Autumn’s crisp air and vivid fall colors awaken your senses. Winter months offer new vistas and reveal hidden reminders of the past. While spring shows off with a parade of wildflowers and blooming trees, Summer offers visitors cool retreats among the forests and refreshes them with splashy streams and cascading waterfalls. Below are some favorite waterfalls and scenic overlooks in western North Carolina.

Many of NC’s waterfalls are in driving distance to Asheville or in close proximity to small mountain towns that make great getaway destinations worth spending a night or two. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and other side highways to easily combine highlights from the Parkway with waterfall stops.

A lesser-known drive near Asheville is the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, start in Brevard and wind 15 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking opportunities to hike, picnic and enjoy some amazing waterfalls. Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers exceptional overlooks and perfect photo opportunities with hikes that range from ½ to 2 miles. Or check out the highly recommended Crabtree Falls. Looking Glass Falls just down the road from Sliding Rock Falls is a very popular swimming spot. Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, is a must see if you only have one waterfall in Western NC to visit. Click here for a more complete list of Waterfalls of Western NC to explore, they offer an interactive map, driving directions and description.

Scenic overlooks, picturesque waterfalls, stunning photos, and great memories are all part of the adventure and help you appreciate why it so special to call North Carolina home. Come discover our beautiful coastal area just a few hours from these amazing falls. And be sure to check out our Move-In Ready homes.