North Carolina is home to a multitude of delightfully fun hidden beaches and little-known waterfalls. And the following secret spot only a stone’s throw from the Tennessee border combines them both! If ever you’ve wondered, “what are some waterfalls near me in North Carolina?” and you live in the western portion of the state, you’re in luck! Prepare for a fun day in the sun at this massive waterfall that has a natural pool at the bottom that is perfect for a day in the sun.

Powered by a large stream, Elk River Falls is an impressive 60-foot drop over a wide outcropping where the water is usually channeled to one side.
alltrails/David Carrier
Depending upon recent rain amounts, the waterfall can, at times, be very powerful.
At the base of this massive waterfall is a large pool encircled by rock with a small opening that allows the water to flow down a small series of cascades for another 50 feet.
Google/Mike Fox
It's alongside this pool that visitors can be found basking in the sun along the sandy soil or the many smooth stone surfaces that line the pool.
Getting to this hidden beach is half the fun!
alltrails/Shealynn Borreson
A short .03 mile trail winds through a forest setting and past the Elk River until you reach the final staircase that leads down to the base of the falls and the waterfall's beach.

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Visiting in the summer months? Be sure to wear a bathing suit and bring something on which to float.
Flickr/Eli Duke
Plenty of water and a picnic will round out this amazing adventure. This popular swimming hole is well-known by the locals so prepare to meet a few of them already relaxing on the beach.
A word of caution about this particular waterfall: follow the rules at all times.
TripAdvisor/VanFan3131
Don't be a daredevil and jump from the rocks — and keep your distance from the base of the waterfall within the pool. The currents are very strong. Many deaths have occurred here... so please follow the rules.
Aside from the swimming (which is a real bonus!) Elk River Falls is a worthy adventure any time of year.
Google/Jennifer Stanford
This hidden waterfall in the middle of the woods is an excursion the whole family will love. Have you discovered this hidden beach yet?

We hope this lovely paradise comes to mind the next time you’re researching “waterfalls near me in North Carolina.” Elk River Road, the road to Elk River Falls (a.k.a. Big Falls), is located off of NC-19E in Elk Park, North Carolina. The parking area is at the very end of the road. Get turn-by-turn directions by entering your starting address into this Google Maps link.

Please note: Elk River Falls is North Carolina’s most dangerous waterfall. Use caution at all times when swimming or exploring here. Do not walk out on the rocks at the top of the waterfall. And if swimming, be sure to stay as far away from the plunge pool as possible.

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waterfalls near me in North Carolina

Beth C. | September 20, 2021

What's the tallest waterfall in North Carolina?

The tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains is located right here in North Carolina. It's known as Whitewater Falls, and it's truly a sight to behold. This series of waterfalls measures 811 feet in total, with the tallest section, Upper Falls, accounting for 411 feet. Fortunately, spotting this iconic natural wonder in North Carolina is relatively easy. It's located in the Jocassee Gorges and can be reached via a quarter-mile paved trail. Or, if you're feeling especially adventurous, you can take 154 stairs down to the lower portion of the waterfall. Trust us when we say that both are worth viewing! Learn more about how you can explore the tallest waterfall in North Carolina. If you love exploring tall waterfalls in North Carolina, we have some additional recommendations: Linville Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock, High Falls in Dupont State Forest, Triple Falls, Rainbow Falls near Brevard, and Bridal Veil Falls in Highlands. Learn more about the highest waterfalls in North Carolina.

What are some of North Carolina's natural wonders?

One of the best parts about exploring North Carolina is the opportunity to experience some of the best natural wonders in the U.S. No matter which region of the Tar Heel State you're visiting, you're likely just a stone's throw away from something truly awe-inspiring. The following is a list of the most incredible natural wonders that every North Carolinian should experience at least once: Chimney Rock, Blowing Rock, Jockey's Ridge, Linville Gorge, Looking Glass Rock, Mount Mitchell, Whitewater Falls, and the Outer Banks. Learn more about these top natural wonders in North Carolina. Looking for some more secluded natural wonders? We've got a few of those to check out, too. Try visiting any of the following: Secret Falls in the Nantahala National Forest, Jones Lake State Park in Elizabethtown, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Trail, Paint Rock in Hot Springs, and the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden in Wilmington.

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Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA