Day Trips from Asheville
← All Asheville day tripsDay Trips from Asheville: Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
The best waterfalls and swimming holes within driving distance of Asheville, NC. Dramatic cascades, hidden gorges, and swimmable falls that reward the drive. Trail info, drive times, and ratings included.
12 waterfalls near Asheville
Turtleback Falls
Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Just 1 hr 12 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 397 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rainbow Falls
Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway
Just 1 hr 12 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Trailhead
NC 28747, USA
Just 1 hr 15 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 438 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Moore Cove Falls
NC 28768, USA
Just 47 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 292 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Gorges State Park
Sapphire, NC 28774
Just 1 hr 13 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 1,455 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ozone Falls State Natural Area
Ozone, TN 37854
Just 2 hrs 51 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 2,454 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Hooker Falls
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
Just 49 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 188 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Upper Creek Falls
Newland, NC 28657
Just 1 hr 17 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 380 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Looking Glass Falls
Brevard, NC 28712
Just 45 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 4,090 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead
Canton, NC 28716
Just 53 min from Asheville, rated 4.7 stars by 794 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Horseshoe Falls
Enoree, SC 29335
Just 1 hr 30 min from Asheville, rated 4.7 stars by 347 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Quarry Falls
Highlands, NC 28741
Just 1 hr 27 min from Asheville, rated 4.7 stars by 741 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Day Trips from Asheville
What are the best waterfalls near Asheville, NC?
The best waterfalls near Asheville range from roadside cascades to backcountry falls requiring a hike. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and real visitor ratings.
Are there swimmable waterfalls near Asheville?
Some waterfalls near Asheville have designated swimming areas at their base. Always check current conditions and posted rules before swimming. State park waterfalls with established trails are generally the safest options.
How hard are the hikes to waterfalls near Asheville?
Difficulty varies widely. Some waterfalls near Asheville are visible from parking areas or short boardwalks. Others require moderate to strenuous hikes of 2-6 miles round trip. Check individual trail descriptions before heading out.
When is the best time to see waterfalls near Asheville?
Spring (March-May) typically offers the highest water flow after snowmelt and rain. Waterfalls are beautiful year-round though. Winter ice formations are dramatic, and fall foliage framing a waterfall is hard to beat.
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