Favorite Waterfalls Within a Short Drive From Black Mountain, NC
Finding, exploring, and capturing pictures of waterfalls is one of the most popular ways enjoy the spectacular scenery of Western, NC. Spring, summer and fall are perfect times to catch these beauties at their best, Be careful in the winter, the falls can often be frozen and roads closed to get there.
Try these favorites within a short drive from Black Mountain:
Catawba Falls and Upper Catawba Falls are located near Old Fort, NC, making them the closest falls to Black Mountain. Officially opened to the public in 2010, the falls are over 100 feet high. Walking to these waterfalls is easy to moderate but wearing good shoes is important, the upper falls require crossing a stream. 20 minutes from Black Mountain. Closed for repair until spring 2023 so please check before visiting.
Looking Glass Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the area. It’s right by the road on Highway 276 with portions of the view wheelchair accessible. These falls are kid friendly with swimming allowed in the pool beneath the falls. 60 feet high, The name “Looking Glass” comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. 1 hour from Black Mountain.
The gentle slope of Sliding Rock make it a natural waterslide. Swimmers line up to slide down the
waterfall into the pool of icy water at the bottom of the rock. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer. 1 hour 10 minutes from Black Mountain. Sliding Rock is a 60-foot natural water slide that ends in a 8-foot deep pool of water, with 2 observation platforms, operated by Adventure Pisgah. The area is open 365 days a year, weather and water levels permitting, but only has restrooms available seven days a week April 30-October 9, then weekends only October 15-30. Lifeguards are present every day May 2-September 15. When not staffed, there are no lifeguards, and restrooms are closed.
Access Second Falls via the Graveyard Fields parking area off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The easy to
moderate hike is about 1/3 of a mile and there’s a swimming hole at the base of the falls. 55 feet high, 1 hour 10 minutes from Black Mountain.
Setrock Creek Falls is located at the base of Mount Mitchell. Both Setrock Creek and Roaring Fork Falls
are accessible from the National Forest Service’s Black Mountain campground. 75 feet high, 1 hour 10
minutes from Black Mountain.
Hickory Nut Falls is located in Chimney Rock State Park. One of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Reward yourself with a magnificent view from the base of this 404-foot natural wonder. It was featured in the epic film, “The Last of the Mohicans.” This cool, refreshing stop is a “must-see” during your visit to Chimney Rock. 45 minutes from Black Mountain.
Roaring Fork Falls is accessible from the National Forest Service’s Black Mountain campground, close to
Mount Mitchell. 100 feet high, see a 30-foot rush down a narrow, zigzag slide. 1 hour and 10 minutes from Black Mountain.
Have fun, explore, and be cautious while enjoying waterfalls. Do not climb on rocks near waterfalls and use extreme caution when walking along riverbanks. These rocks are slippery from mist and algae. The top of any waterfall is dangerous—never play in the stream above a waterfall.
Photo: NPS Photo / A. Armstrong
