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Total Hiker > Hiking Destinations > USA > East Coast > Carolinas > 6 Top North Carolina Hiking Trails with Waterfalls

6 Top North Carolina Hiking Trails with Waterfalls

Hiking in this region of the country gives access to erosion-resistant rocks, ample rainfall, and waterfalls abound.

North Carolina hiking trails with waterfalls are a common sight on both large rivers and small streams. Here are six of the best North Carolina Hiking trail destinations

Hickory Nut Falls

Walk the gentle climb of this moderate rated trail to pass through the lush-forest conditions to reach Hickory Nut Falls. The actual trail is about 1.5 miles in length and gives access to the cliff base that forms the falls and gorge.

The Hickory Nut Falls trail is lined with signs to help with identifying the most interest points in the local area. On arrival at the waterfall, make sure to relax next to one of the tallest falls in the region.

Lower Douglas Falls

The Lower Douglas Fall trail is approx 1 mile in length and rated moderate with its gentle sloping path. The trail is rich in stunning forest and woodland scenes and on arrival at the final destination, there is a beautiful 70-foot waterfall to admire.

The trail is mostly accessible from April to October.

Moore Cove Falls

A must see experience for families is the Moore Cove Fall trail that is rated with a difficulty of easy and approx 1.4 miles in length. The actual waterfall pours over a huge overhung rock and about 50 feet high.

Certain sections of the path can be quite muddy, but this is usually easy to bypass with some careful footing. Moore Cover Falls is one of the most popular falls in the region to hike.

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Plus, there are several other hiking trails nearby which can be combined with this one which is practical for those wishing to extend the hiking or wants to engage in a more difficult day-hike.

Skinny Dip Falls

Skinny Dip Falls is a short (0.7 miles) and moderate hike that is situated close to Canton, NC. On arriving at the hike destination, you have a wonderful swimming hole and waterfall which is part of the Pigeon River.

It is great for photographers to snap the wildflowers and forest scenes to stretching the legs after traveling on the parkway. For those wanting a more difficult hike, this hiking trail can be combined with the Graveyard Fields for a more strenuous trek.

This North Carolina hiking trail is dog-friendly, but the dog must be kept on a leash.

Toms Creek Falls

A gentle climb of the Toms Creek Fall hike at 0.8 miles gives access to a hardwood forest with lush-cove and large boulders. It has a difficulty rating of easy and perfect for hikers of all ages.

At the base of the 60 ft waterfall is a shallow pool which is perfect to relax and refresh. Throughout the early spring, there is a chance to admire plenty of wildflowers.

Toms Creek Falls is open to the public for hiking from September to October.

Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is a 3.2 mile looping trail that is situated near the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the North Carolina hiking trails with waterfalls (70 foot) that is highly recommended and in a very photogenic region.

Most of the path is hilly with a 697 feet elevation gain and given a moderate difficulty rating.

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This path has heavy usage but is still able to provide some beautiful forest scenery.

Matt Green

Matt Green, is an avid hiker and lover of the great outdoors. He is always planning his next big trip or hitting the trails for a solo hike.

He’s traveled extensively to many remote regions and has plenty of experience exploring various terrains, and stories to tell.

Contents

  • 1 Hickory Nut Falls
  • 2 Lower Douglas Falls
  • 3 Moore Cove Falls
  • 4 Skinny Dip Falls
  • 5 Toms Creek Falls
  • 6 Crabtree Falls

May 22, 2021

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