If you’ve been researching “waterfalls near me” in North Carolina and keep coming up short, we have just the place for you to visit. Spend a day in the depths of a lush rain forest in the Tar Heel State when you visit Gorges State Park near Sapphire. With an average annual rainfall of 80 inches, this unique locale gets nearly double the average rainfall of 45 inches the rest of the state receives. If you’ve always wanted to explore hiking trails with waterfalls in North Carolina, then here’s your chance!

Gorges State Park has a rare geographic footprint that creates the rain forest found in the park.
TripAdvisor/Dan
The massive precipitation here is a direct result of what's called an orographic lift. Essentially, the park's terrain rises more than 2,000 feet in less than four miles. The swift elevation gain causes air masses to rise quickly to pass up and over the mountain peaks and ridges. As the air rises, a rapid cooling takes place. Cooler air masses can't hold humidity like warm masses can, so the resulting affect of the quick rise is a huge amount of precipitation.
If you've yet to make it to a rain forest in say, Central or South America, then you can experience one right here in North Carolina!
Google Maps/alex maldonado
The many trails within Gorges State Park dole out an extraordinary rain forest experience filled with lush, thick green canopies high overhead — and waterfalls seemingly around every bend.
TripAdvisor/bradybigalke
From small cascades to enormous falls pouring downstream, you'll find them here within this rain forest!
TripAdvisor/onemichael

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More than 23 miles of trails wind through this temperate rain forest at Gorges State Park. They range in difficulty from easy to strenuous and difficult.
TripAdvisor/Dan
And making a day of exploring them is well worth the effort of pushing yourself a little harder to see as many rain forest waterfalls as possible.
AllTrails/Sarah James
As a bonus, North Carolina's Gorges State Park is located right on the border of North and South Carolina.
Google Maps
From the deck of the Visitor's Center, you can see all the way to Lake Jocassee in South Carolina!
TripAdvisor/Jody K

You can learn more about Gorges State Park’s trails and other amenities here. And when you’re ready to discover the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina, be sure to check them out in detail (including difficulty levels, elevation gains, and more) by visiting our previous article about Gorges State Park.

What are some of your favorite hiking trails with waterfalls in North Carolina? Tell us about them on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestions featured in an upcoming article.

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Waterfalls Near Me

Katie Lawrence | June 16, 2022

What are some of the best hikes with waterfalls in North Carolina?

Anyone in search of the best hikes with waterfalls in North Carolina need only visit Hanging Rock State Park. There, you’ll find the Lower Cascades Trail, a half-mile hike that leads to a breathtaking waterfall of the same name: Lower Cascade Falls in North Carolina. Not only is the hike relatively easy (and kid-friendly!), but the falls also boast a pristine swimming hole that you can cool off in before hiking back out. This two-in-one adventure totally belongs on your bucket list!

Where can I find waterfall hikes in North Carolina?

If you’re looking for scenic waterfall hikes in North Carolina, it’s hard to beat Linville Falls. There are two trails to choose from here: one that leads to the base of the falls, and another that takes you to a breathtaking viewpoint. Combined, the trails total four miles - some people opt to do both in one go, while others stick with the short-and-sweet Erwin’s View Trail. Clocking in at just 1.6 miles from the Visitor Center to the scenic overlook, this lovely little adventure showcases the 80-foot Linville Falls in all its glory.

Are there any natural wonders in North Carolina?

There are plenty of natural wonders in North Carolina that promise to take your breath away. One of our favorites - and perhaps the most well-known - is the Blue Ridge Mountains, which span 550 miles from southern Pennsylvania all the way down into Georgia. Whether you’re in the mood for a hike or a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this American treasure.

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Featured Addresses
Gorges State Park Visitor Center, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA