Want an easy-access waterfall adventure everyone in the family can enjoy? If you’re traveling with older members of the family, it can be a daunting task to find stunning natural attractions that aren’t so far off the beaten (hiking) path that some members of the family elect to stay behind and wait for everyone else to enjoy the fun. If this sounds like you, or if you or someone in the group has accessibility issues, then a roadside waterfall, like Looking Glass Falls near Brevard, is a blessing.
Located literally roadside and with a parking lane carved into the side of the highway, Looking Glass Waterfall is a stunning sight to behold.
Even from your car you can admire at least the top of the waterfall. But exit the car, and you'll find a roadside observation deck perfect for viewing it all — without making the 0.3-mile descent down to the base of the falls.
But standing at the base is also an astounding experience.
The six-story waterfall plummets 60 feet over a stone cliff into a plunge pool below and then spills gently down a stream filled with smooth river rocks.
Locals, however, know to visit during the week and out of season. If arriving during warm weather, be sure to bring a bathing suit or a change of clothes and a towel. You may not be able to resist dipping your toes (or more) into the cool mountain stream.
Just be sure you watch your footing on the many steps and if you venture off the observation deck at the base of the falls. (We don't suggest you leave the viewing deck, but some people do it anyway.) At times, you may even find a group of climbers ascending the frozen waterfall.
Visiting Looking Glass Waterfall is as easy as driving east of Brevard on US 64 (a road also filled with waterfalls) and then heading west on US 276. Of course, if you want to stand at the base of the waterfall, you'll need to be willing to conquer a lot of steps!
Whether you're just driving by or stopping to gawk at the picturesque natural wonder.
Visiting Brevard in the near future? Looking Glass Falls is located a mere 9.1 miles northeast of Brevard and worth the effort to park and see it beyond when you're just driving by.
