North Carolina is a stunner of a state, with picturesque parks and postcard-perfect waterfalls. Hidden waterfalls abound in North Carolina; however, you won’t find many that are the main attraction for a city park, or quite as majestic as McGalliard Falls. Located in the beautiful town of Valdese, this hidden waterfall park in North Carolina is absolutely worth a visit.

It's here, approximately 1.5 miles from Valdese's Main Street, where you'll discover this unassuming city park. The only indication of a waterfall is in the name on the sign: McGalliard Falls Park.
Google / maps
The park features a playground, picnic area, a volleyball court, and a somewhat hidden 40-foot waterfall.
Park your car in this inauspicious parking lot, and follow the signs for a short walk in the park. Then, take a deep breath, because you're about to discover something truly magical.
Google/Jason Kyes
A colossal display when the little creek above the falls spills collectively down a mostly-smooth surface into a plunge pool at the bottom.
Way back when, the falls were utilized to help power a mill that operated here in the first half of the 20th century.
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
It was called the Meytre Grist Mill and closed down after the start of WWII when the owner couldn't find enough able-bodied young men to help operate the business... they were all off fighting for the cause. The mill you see today was rebuilt by the town of Valdese in the 1980s.

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Bring the family and enjoy the park, a picnic, and a swim in this gorgeous, under-the-radar spot.
Google/Elizabeth Goins
If it's warm, you can bring a towel and take a dip in one of North Carolina's most beautiful places.
McGalliard Falls Park is a lovely place to kick back and relax in the shady calm alongside McGalliard Creek.
TripAdvisor/suziles71
Just note: the park rules request that you visitors don't swim directly on top of the water pouring down the falls, or directly under it in the plunge pool.
Did you know about this little urban oasis in North Carolina?
TripAdvisor/suziles71
For more information on McGalliard Falls Park, visit their website.

Are you ready to visit this waterfall park in North Carolina? Here’s a link to the Google Map to guide your journey. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Find McGalliard Falls Park at Falls Road, Valdese, NC, 28690

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Waterfall Park in North Carolina

Sarah | January 24, 2021

What's the most beautiful waterfall in North Carolina?

With North Carolina being home to over 250 waterfalls, it’s a little hard to pick just one -- but we'll try!  Looking Glass Falls scores major points for being both beautiful and accessible. It's easily accessed from roadside parking off of US 276, making this waterfall one that the whole family -- including the grandparents and little ones, can easily enjoy. We're also partial to Cathedral Falls; it's basically the quintessential waterfall, complete with cascading white waters and a green-blue pool at the bottom. Breathtaking! For more gorgeous North Carolina waterfalls, check out this "best of" list.

Are there any other under-the-radar parks in North Carolina?

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten path kind of experience, North Carolina has lots of options! Did you know North Carolina has its very own Fountain of Youth? Discover a (reportedly) tried-and-true Fountain of Youth in the small town of Crumpler. Many people swear by its healing properties and now you can too. Find out where it's located in this article. Over in Fayetteville at Carver's Falls, there's an epic swinging bridge that's simultaneously terrifying and completely awesome. Read all about this little-known park adventure here.

What are some scenic hikes in North Carolina?

Oh, North Carolina: you are so beautiful and scenic. From coastal pine forests to sweeping mountain vistas, North Carolina’s is filled with abundant natural beauty and super scenic hikes. Roan Mountain may be the most scenic. From feeling straight out of Middle Earth to offering one of the most unique mountain landscapes found in the western region of the state, Roan Mountain is a must-see for any North Carolinian. Spanning five miles, this small mountain chain (referred to as a Massif) is home to abundant rhododendron and wildflower blooms in early summer, whimsical trails lined with dense spruce-fir forests, and sweeping, open fields atop mountain peaks. It's magical.

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McGalliard Falls Park, Church St NW, Valdese, NC 28690, USA