Chasing waterfalls in western North Carolina is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike so it’s a good thing there are so many to discover! When exploring the impressive waterfalls in and around Highlands on US-64, most visitors will spend the majority of their time seeking out the most popular falls. Among them, Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls are a must-see – but locals know these falls, in particular, get very crowded during the height of the season. What most people (even many locals) don’t know is there’s a secret waterfall that winds through the forest in Highlands – and it’s definitely less crowded and worth seeking out.

The waterfall is a series of drops that vary in height, all within a meandering shoal that winds, gushes, and gurgles through the forest. Some locals call it The Big Shoals, while others refer to it as Secret Falls.
Google Local/Ben Childers
Finding it means pulling off US64 in the vicinity of NC28 and then hopping on a one-lane gravel road for a quarter of a mile to reach a parking area. From there, the hike is relatively level for about half a mile until you reach a split in the trail.
Google Local/Daniel Worster
Expect a couple of small water crossings that should be easy to navigate with logs or rocks providing some dry footing. By no means is this trail easy, but it's also not difficult.
alltrails/Hank Smurfette
At the end of the trail you can turn left to go to the top of the falls to look left to see a couple of small drops... and to the right...
alltrails/Dale Fenwick

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...you can watch the water flow over the 50-foot drop. But don't meander too close to the edge! People have died getting too close to the edge of waterfalls and falling over the edge. After, head back down the trail, where you'll need to negotiate some pretty steep terrain to reach the bottom of the falls.
alltrails/Katherine Cummings
Once at the base of the falls, you'll get a sense of just how enormous The Big Shoals (a.k.a. Secret Falls) is. To see it for yourself... just look for the tiny person in the bottom middle of this image.
Google Local/Jon Carroll
If you visit during warmer months, then don't forget your towel. The base of the falls is perfect for dipping your toes in the cold mountain water and enjoying the spoils of nature in this tranquil spot.
A little farther down the trail is still another view of this meandering waterfall that makes a spectacular place for photos. The rocks here tend to be super slippery, so watch your footing.
Google Local/Aaron Bridgman
Did you know about The Big Shoals that wind through the forest here in Highlands? We've love to know if you've visited them before or plan to take a hike soon to see them for yourself!
alltrails/Justin P

You can learn more about Secret Falls (a.k.a. The Big Shoals), including tips from others who’ve taken the hike and directions to the trailhead, from our friends at AllTrails. This really is a waterfall hike for your North Carolina bucket list!

So many waterfalls – and so little time! What’s your favorite waterfall in North Carolina? Do you know of any hidden or secret waterfalls we should explore? We’d love to know — share your thoughts in the comments below! Still wondering about “waterfalls near me in North Carolina?” Check out these 14 hidden gem waterfalls and go chase some cascades!

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waterfalls near me in North Carolina

Sarah | August 02, 2021

Is the Big Shoals the only secret waterfall in North Carolina!

Absolutely not! In the land of waterfalls, there are a near-endless array of hidden gem cascades! In fact, here are 14 hidden waterfalls to get you started on your waterfall-chasing adventures in the Tar Heel State. Must-visit cascades on this list include Linville Falls, a destination with no shortage of beauty. Here you can hike different trails to get different views of the falls, you'll find that no two overlooks are quite alike. Truly, it's a waterfall unlike any other in North Carolina. Another hidden gem is the aptly-named Hidden Falls, located in North Carolina's Hanging Rock State Park. While the park itself is quite popular, the falls is not, and really is a delightful sight to behold!

What are some famous waterfalls in North Carolina?

Film buffs will likely recognize High Falls and Hooker Falls, both of which were featured in Last of the Mohicans. Breathtaking and immaculate, High Falls is located about 45 minutes from Asheville, and it's one of the best hidden waterfalls in North Carolina. Nearby, Hooker Falls is equally extraordinary; though it is only 14 feet high, the sheer volume of water continuously pouring into the creek below makes for an unforgettable spectacle.

What are some fun outdoor adventures in North Carolina?

There's no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in the Tar Heel State. In addition to waterfall chasing, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a wide range of activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and much, much more! If you're into unique and thrilling experiences, there's a waterfall suspension bridge at Carvers Falls that's part of a larger outdoor adventure course, and it's a bucket-list must, for sure!

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