Pisgah National Forest waterfalls chasing could not have been more fun! The western portion of North Carolina, also known as the “Land of Waterfalls”, is home to over 300 documented waterfalls. They cover the entire range of waterfall descriptions from cascade and plunge to tiered and block. Some are visible right off the road while others require a long and arduous (but always beautiful) journey to discover. What they all have in common are proximity and uniqueness.
The Pisgah National Forest (90 miles northwest of Charlotte) was first established in 1916 when 86,700 acres were sold to the federal government by the Biltmore Estate. This “Cradle of Forestry”, so named when the Biltmore Forest School (the first school of forestry in the United States) was established in the late 19th century, got its name from the biblical Hebrew word for “summit”. Today the Pisgah National Forest is home to over 500,000 acres of mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls.
After our visit to DuPont State Forest and it’s waterfalls, we shifted to neighboring Pisgah National Forest waterfalls and visited (5) different waterfalls in a single day. We also managed to get in a spectacular 4-mile (6.4 m) loop trail, discover a hidden sliding rock and get gloriously lost along the way. This particular group of falls are all within 10 miles of each other and easily accessed off of the US Highway 276 (going directly south) or by way of the US Highway 280/64 if arriving from the east. Let’s start with one of North Carolina’s most famous falls.
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Looking Glass Falls
One of the more unique features of Looking Glass Falls is its location. Most falls require a hike (occasionally even a trek!) to be able to view up close. Looking Glass is literally right off the road and viewable from a platform that sits about halfway up the 60 foot (97 m) drop of the falls. To get a closer look just head down the wooden stairs to another platform located at the base of the creek. During the summer you can swim in the creek but it can get very crowded which is why we made it our first stop of the day.
While the falls are stunning be sure to pay attention to the massive rock face along the top of the adjacent ridge and the moss-covered rocks at the base. The force of the falls is so powerful it actually makes the moss come alive with constant motion. We were told the best time to take photos was late in the day (since the sun rises behind the falls) but we loved the serenity and uninterrupted joy of having the falls all to ourselves.
On the Reel
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington and Luke Bracey. Directed by Mel Gibson.
This gripping story, based on real events, tells the story of Desmond T. Doss. Doss (played by Andrew Garfield) won the Medal of Honor as a conscientious observer during the Battle of Okinawa in WWI. Though the bulk of the movie occurs in Okinawa it was actually filmed in Australia due to the physical similarities. One scene however was shot at the Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest.
Sliding Rock
The next stop, a few miles north on the 276, is the world famous Sliding Rock. As with Looking Glass, and hoping to avoid the inevitable crowds, we arrived a bit after 9 am. Only two other people were there so we had it virtually to ourselves. Though the water was a bit chilly (I got used to it after one plunge) it was nice not having to wait in line or have to pay the entrance fee. FYI, lifeguards, facilities and a modest $3 per person charge start after 10 am and go until 4 pm. There is a platform above the slide and one at the base.
There are a few paths you can choose from to start your 60’ (97 m) descent, each with their merits. Looking down from the top, the right side is the longest ride but the right is more fun (with lots of bumps and a few surprises). If you venture to your left, along the top there is an opening that will literally swallow most of you up. No harm done as the rocks are smooth but it will get your attention. Sliding Rock is considered by many the highlight of Pisgah National Forest waterfalls adventure . . . for good reason!
Moore Cove Falls
As you head back the way you just came you’ll find the well-hidden (see NOTE above) Moore Cove parking area. There is a stunningly beautiful ¾ mile (1.2 m) hike that winds through the Pisgah forest. Along the way, you’ll have some steep drop-offs into a valley with a creek you can hear at its base. The woods are thick but the paths are quite well maintained. As always there are some incredible rock formations in addition to a few access points where you can go down to the creek’s edge.
You’ll pass over several simple wooden bridges (including one long one running through a fern patch) as you crisscross Moore Creek on a steady incline till you start to hear the falls in the distance. Due to the low volume of water feeding the falls the waterfall itself is not that dramatic but how they descend is. The falls cascade down a rock face for a few feet then completely fall off the edge plunging 50’ (80.5 m) straight down. To make the effect even more dramatic you can walk behind the falls or even walk right under them (the rocks are very slick so be careful). There is a path to the left of the falls that goes all the way to the top but it isn’t recommended. If you slip up there the fall could be fatal.
On the Reel
The Hunger Games (2012)
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Directed by Gary Ross.
This popular series, based on the dystopian novels of Suzanne Collins, pits heroine Katniss Everdeen against the totalitarian nation of Panem. All of the exterior shooting was done in North Carolina including the District 12 forest scenes which were shot in Pisgah National Forest.
Daniel Ridge Falls
Now it’s time to get a bit more rustic on your Pisgah National Forest waterfalls exploration. Continue heading south on US Hwy 276 until you see an almost 180° angled road on your right. This is the National Forest 475 Road and it quickly turns into a not so smooth gravel road. In about a ½-mile (.8 km) you’ll see an open area to the right that serves as the Daniel Ridge parking area. To the left of a metal guard gate, you’ll see a thin pole that designates DANIEL RIDGE LOOP along the bottom. Continue across a rust-colored bridge (unfortunately covered with graffiti) then stay right at the fork (more on that in a moment) and follow the guideposts to the falls.
It’s a pleasant uphill walk with some steep inclines, valleys down below the trail and lots of overhanging trees (appreciated on warm days). As with so many falls, the flow depends on the time of year or local rainfall. On the main path, you get a front view of the falls that is somewhat obscured by trees. The water works its way down over several protruding rocks that give it an almost accordion look. If you head back the way you came there is a spur trail on the right that takes you to a closer side view of the falls.
Daniel Ridge Loop Hike
On our way back to the parking lot we ran into an older couple who had just finished walking the 4½ mile (7.2 km) loop and we talked ourselves into it. Back at the fork you simply go left, instead of right to the falls as before, and you’re on your way. I’m not saying we regretted our decision (by any means) but it sure seemed like the majority of the loop was steep and uphill. But it was spectacular. With Rocky leading us along the first half of the loop featured a valley sprawled beneath to the left with a creek at the base that you occasionally catch a glimpse of but can always hear.
The trail itself is littered with exposed tree roots (one of my favorite sights), lush forests, creek crossings and rocky paths. We came across some weeping rocks, a 20’ (6 m) gap where (we assume) a bridge once lived, some exotic fungus called “Chicken of the Woods” growing on a tree trunk, a tree whose base resembled a giant’s foot and, of course, more amazing rocks. As you eventually start to descend, and (6) small wooden bridges later you’ll hear water rush on your right. If you follow it just a bit you’ll get a glimpse of the top of Daniel Ridge Falls. You’ll hit the main trail near the bottom of the falls where you can pick the trail back up back to the parking lot.
Cove Creek Falls
In many ways, the Cove Creek Falls portion of our Pisgah National Forest waterfalls chase was the most interesting. Not only did we discover hidden gems but got gloriously lost in the bargain! The parking area for Cove Creek is less than a mile back down the 475 (you would have passed it on your way to Daniel Ridge). There are two options you can choose from, a 2-mile (3.2 km) or a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) loop hike. Basically, you follow the Blue-blazed Caney Bottom Trail to the Yellow-blazed Cove Creek Trail. About .2-miles (.3 km) from the parking area there is a fantastic little cascade worth a stop-and-see.
As you follow the signs to Cove Creek Falls you’ll hit a fork. Go left to see the very top of the falls, double back and go right to wind your way down to the base. The trails in this area are not as obvious nor well maintained so be prepared to take your time. At the base, there are plenty of places to sit and relax. If the water is low you can hop along the large boulders to get a better view of the falls which cascade down 50’ (15.2 m) over several huge rocks worn down over the years. The tree limbs strewn along the bottom are more interesting when the water is high but they add to the uniqueness of these falls regardless.
Here is where it got interesting . . . and fun. There were no clear signs at the base and we weren’t about to try and backtrack from whence we came so we decided to just follow the creek downstream figuring we’d hit civilization at some point. Not only did the plan work but we had some dazzling sights along the way including several whitewater sections of the creek, a few open fields that provided a visual contrast to the surrounding thick forests, some unique trees and the gem . . . a mini-version of Sliding Rock (see panorama shot below). We just kind of stumbled onto it just before a camping ground that eventually led us directly back to the parking lot.
On the Reel
Sheffey (1977)
Starring Dwight Anderson, Harold Kilpatrick and Beneth Jones. Directed by Katherine Stenholm.
This inspiring story is based on the real life of Robert Sheffey, a 19th-century Christian evangelist, preacher, and circuit rider. As a rowdy young man Sheffey suddenly found God at a local revival and spent his remaining days traveling the central Appalachian region tirelessly spreading the word of God. The film was shot on location from South Carolina to Kentucky including the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.
Pisgah National Forest Waterfalls Final Thoughts
It was a full day, to say the least, but worth every second. The Pisgah Forest is an incredible mix of Cove, low-elevation Pine, Oak and Spruce forests with Green Pitcher Plants, Eastern Hemlock and American Ginseng. There are also several species of wildlife including White-Tailed Deer, Black Bears, Eastern Spotted Skunks, Peregrine Falcons, Hellbenders (Giant Salamander) and American Beavers. The heavy woods provide great shade in the warmer and more humid months and the park is well-maintained.
As a final thought, consider visiting the Pisgah National Forest waterfalls during the winter. The crowds are minimal and many of the waterfalls become even more unique when frozen. In fact, Looking Glass might even be more impressive when frozen!
What is your favorite forest, park or waterfall? There are so many to choose from! We’d love to hear about yours.
Now I want to plan a trip and go see all the waterfalls. The sliding rock looks amazing!
Please do visit. They are all so amazing to see in person.
Western Carolina is one of our favorite places and we visit often. We have been able to see a few of these waterfalls, but we obviously have many more to complete the list!
There are so many waterfalls in Western NC you could spend a lifetime finding all of them . . . that actually sounds like a lot of fun!
Beautiful waterfalls! I love how you have related books advertised throughout. I had no idea The Hunger Games was partly filmed in North Carolina.
The movie connections are fun to research. Makes watching the movies again even more fun!
I would like to visit the slilde rocks first. Playing in the water is relaxing to me.
Best time of day is early before the crowds start. The water is cooler but you can slide down to your heart’s content!
I enjoyed reading your content and the tie-ins with the movies. Sliding Rock looks like a lot of fun.
Thank you. The Sliding Rock was great. We went first thing in the morning (a bit cooler but zero crowds). Highly recommended!