The year 2020 has been a wild one – from protests to pandemics – and the world around us is in a state of reform. Whether it be the summer heat of North Carolina or the new need to constantly social distance, one thing hasn’t changed: our desire to be close to nature. With folks being confined to their homes, many seem more eager than usual to get out and explore.
North Carolina may not be the first place on your “places to travel” bucket list, but after chasing waterfalls here this summer, I’m convinced that it should be. This diverse state, although flawed in many ways, offers the beach running along the east coast, fun cities in the middle, and lush forests and mountains in the west. Hidden in the mountains and along the twisting roads are an abundance of gorgeous waterfalls and swimming holes.
We’re currently working on a detailed guide to all of our top waterfall and swimming spots, but for now, we’re sharing with you a few hidden gems outside of Asheville with no signage that can be easy to miss. (But shouldn’t be overlooked!)
Sunburst Falls
If you’re looking for an epic swimming hole and waterfall with virtually no hike, look no further than Sunburst Falls. This spot is located on NC Highway 215, about 4 miles before the Sunburst Campground located at 8820 Lake Logan Road in North Carolina. Although there is no sign marking its location, folks will usually park across the road from the fall on a gravel pull-out, making it easier to spot. The fall is below a stone arched bridge that is situated on the dramatic twist in the road, so if you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ve gone too far.
Although this waterfall sits directly off of the road, the path to get down is steep and can be slippery. Watch your step! Searching for “Sunburst Falls” on GPS will bring you to the correct spot if you’re not direction savy.
Skinny Dip Falls
PLEASE NOTE: Skinny Dip Falls is no longer in existence! It was wiped out by a massive flood that swept through the area in 2021.
If you’ve been looking for reasons to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, a trip to Skinny Dip Falls is more than sufficient. This area is greater than what any picture could show, containing multiple levels of waterfall, a great jumping rock launchpad, and crystal clear water to take a dip in. It’s fun for the whole family, human and fur kids alike!
Skinny Dip Falls is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Balsam Grove, NC. You will find it at Milepost 417 at the Looking Glass Rock overlook. Once you’re on the parkway and at the destination, you’ll see a decent-sized paved pull-off with parked cars. This is where you can park and cross the Parkway to the opening in the woods. This is where the trail begins! After an easy 0.75 mile hike into the forest, you may like you’ve been transported to an energizing paradise… and you have!
Bust Your Butt Falls
Bust Your Butt Falls is an adventure and well-known favorite of the local thrill-seekers. When the waterfall is at its normal water level, you’ll often see people sliding right down the falls. When the water level is high with more of a current than usual, you’ll likely only see folks jumping off of the tall rock ledge to the right of the falls. Although it is not pictured, there is a large rock with a smooth surface to the right of the jump-off area that has a rope attached to help people scurry up the rock. And it’s all downhill from there… literally… into the water below!
While this spot can really get your adrenaline going and add some serious fun to your day, we recommend that only strong swimmers attempt the jump and are mindful in the water. The currents can be tricky to navigate after a hard rain. Bust Your Butt Falls is right off of the road and is located at 14015-14045 Highlands Road, Highlands, NC. This spot can be easy to miss from the road, so pulling into the gravel pull-out located a few meters down the road is your best bet. And remember, while there is no physical sign marking this location, the screams and laughter of Bust Your Butt Falls may be the marker that you need to find this daring spot.
Secret Falls
Secret Falls has earned its name for a few reasons: there’s no signage on the way, its located at the end of bumpy back roads, and it feels like a hidden oasis in the forest. Secret Falls is located 6.5 miles away from the downtown Highlands area, sitting at 50ft high in the Nantahala National Forest near the Georgia state line. The easy half-mile hike leads you to the top of the falls, with a great bird’s eye view, and to the bottom, allowing you to swim and play in the waterfall’s push and pull. This is another one that is great for the whole family, but be sure to keep an eye on little ones at the top of the falls, on the slippery rocks, and in the pool below. Our favorite highlight about this spot is that there is a sandy beach right beside the bottom of the falls, perfect for a plant-based picnic.
The road leading back to the falls is unpaved and you’ll need to cross a very small stream-like dip in the road at one point, so this may not be an ideal drive for low-sitting vehicles.
Directions for this hike are below, as written by Romantic Asheville on their website:
Sol’s Creek Falls
Now we’ve reached Sol’s Creek Falls, saving one of the bests (in our opinion!) for last. This massive 120 ft waterfall is only accessible by boat and requires a 0.25 semi-steep and muddy hike to the falls. It took us around 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall by kayak. Once standing in front of this giant, you can feel its incredible strength, force, and cleansing energies. No photo or video could do this natural treasure justice.
To access this location, take Highway 281 to the boat ramp off of Bear Lake Road. It is 15 miles north of where Slick Fisher Road comes into 281. From the boat ramp, head south on the reservoir until you hit the island. Once facing the island, turn left. It took us a 10-minute ride from the island in the kayak to spot the top of the falls peaking out of its perch in the mountains. Enter the cove below to hike to the falls.
Special tip: If you have the time and energy, go back past the island and continue into the cove on the right. There you will find more falls that lay long and low, running through lush forest, evoking the feeling of a wild rainforest safari!
What are your favorite hidden waterfalls in North Carolina? Leave us a comment below!
