We all know that summertime is the best time for a road trip. We’ve already discussed all of that and the best state to take those road trips in, but what about waterfalls. One thing that North Carolina has plenty of is scenic views with some breathtaking waterfalls across the state. Didn’t know that? Well, yes, North Carolina is known for its natural beauty and the waterfalls within the state surely add true to that. With a series of hiking trails showing off some of the most beautiful waterfalls, you won’t regret finding these hidden gems.
Only In Your State gathered a list of some of the best waterfall road trips you could take in North Carolina. North Carolina is the best place to fall in love with nature this summer. But, where should you begin? This waterfall road trip will take you all across North Carolina. Along the way, you’ll be able to see some of the most breathtaking waterfalls. Not only will you have the time of your life, but it also won’t take all day. The entire trip can be done in a simple 5-hour day trip, according to Only In Your State! So, who is ready to see some waterfalls this summer? Check out Only In Your State’s ultimate North Carolina waterfall road trip below.
Source: Only In Your State
Linville Falls
First stop is Linville Falls! This is one of the best waterfall hikes in the state. Take a hike and experience some of the best views of Linville Falls you have ever seen.
Crabtree Falls
Up next is Crabtree Falls, not to far from Linville Falls. After a 3 mile hike you will get a great view of Crabtree Falls.
Looking Glass Falls
Then you’re off to Looking Glass Falls near Brevard. The waterfall is visible from the road, making it the most accessible waterfall in North Carolina.
@jensensavannah Tag who you want to chase waterfalls with 😍 #northcarolina #northcarolinacheck #nccheck #ncwaterfalls #avl #clt #ral #lookingglassfalls #waterfall
♬ ghost town voice memo (full version out now) - chloe georgeMoore Cove Falls
Your next stop on the road trip is Moore Cove Falls. This is the perfect walk behind waterfall, easily accessible from a small parking lot area. Located right next to Looking Glass you’ll be able to knock them out back to back.
@rickyfrye0 Moore Cove Falls on the Blue ridge parkway in North Carolina #waterfall #fyp #chasingwaterfalls #hiking #hikingadventures #CorollaCrossStep #hikingtiktok #naturevibes #nature #naturelover #northcarolina
♬ Landslide - Fleetwood MacCove Creek Falls
Then we’re off to Cove Creek Falls a great two in one experience. It’s only a short hike, so this would be great for the whole family to be able to enjoy.
Sliding Rock
Now, slip on down to Sliding Rock and really get the adrenaline pumping. Slide down the waterfall and feel the cool, mountain water when you hit the end.
@jensensavannah Tag a friend below! 😍 #visitnc #828 #919 #704 #336 #910 #nccheck #northcarolina #travel #ncfun #pisgahforest #slidingrock #nctiktok #ashevillenc #avl
♬ chicken tikka - hannahDry Falls
Next on the list is Dry Falls, which is probably great since you’ll be soaked after leaving Sliding Rock. Walk right underneath this North Carolina waterfall and take a minute to soak in the moment.
@nctripping Dry Falls is magical and should be on everyone’s bucket list. #nc #ncwaterfalls #northcarolina #carolina #wnc #ncmountains #waterfall
♬ Kings & Queens - Mat KearneyUpper Whitewater Falls
For your final stop on the waterfall road trip is Upper Whitewater Falls. This 811 ft. waterfall is the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The upper portion is in North Carolina and the lower portion ends in South Carolina. Talk about a grand finale to the day!
@showardd Upper white waterfalls, NC #foryoupage #northcarolina #waterfall
♬ Lady May (Live) - Tyler Childers & Various Artists
North Carolina Named One of the Best States for Summer Road Trips
15. Iowa
Take a drive through or to Iowa and see some of your new favorite views. Visit Iowa Great Lakes, The Amana Colonies, and more!
@pmmathewson Maquoketa Caves State Park 📍Maquoketa, IA #traveliowa #easterniowa #traveltok #stateparks #caves #quadcities #cedarrapidsiowa #daytrips
♬ about damn time x lets get it started by altego - ALTÉGO14. Nebraska
Hit the road to Nebraska! Visit Sandhills Journey, Loup Rivers Byway, Lewis & Clark Byway, Heritage Highway, and more!
@bellawilde_ Today, on Places You Didn’t Know Existed 😘 #travel #bucketlisttravel #midwest #nebraska #roadtrip
♬ More Than A Woman - SG's Paradise Edit - Bee Gees & SG Lewis13. Virginia
You’re on your way to Virginia this summer! Visit national parks, beaches, Colonial National Parkway, and more!
@withsunshinesol 5 Things to do in Virginia this Summer #virginiacheck #hiking #roadtrip #dogsofttiktok #girlswhohike
♬ Sunroof - Nicky Youre & dazy12. Washington
Drive across the country and visit Washington State this summer. You’ll see plenty of sites on the way, but once you are there enjoy views of Olympic National Park, The Cascade Loop, San Juan Islands, and more!
@travelingpersson how to make the most of your Washington Road Trip 🚐 #washington #pnw #vanlife #roadtrip #travelrecs #bucketlist #traveltiktok #itinerary
♬ Never Felt A Love Like This (feat. Dotan) - Galantis & Hook N Sling11. Georgia
This is a good one, right and close to home! Visit the mountains, the lake, amusement parks, amazing shopping centers, great food, and more all throughout Georgia!
@bellawilde_ Which one would you like to visit most? ☺️ #travel #exploring #naturelover #georgia #roadtrip #savannahgeorgia
♬ Get Into It (Yuh) - Doja Cat10. Wyoming
If you eve want to drive to Wyoming, take some time to visit the Union Pass Monument, National Museum of Military Vehicles, Wild Horses, and more!
9. Florida
Hit the road and head to Florida. You might want to drive through the entire state but trust me, it will take you a while so you might as well pit stop while you’re there. Drop in to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa area, Miami, Key West, and more!
@thousandtrails A Florida glamping road trip? Let’s all go! 🚘 #thousandtrails #visitflorida #roadtrip #floridavacation #glamping #adventure #floridaroadtrip
♬ original sound - ThousandTrails8. Idaho
Hit the road in Idaho! Visit hiking trails, national recreation areas, and scenic byways while you’re there.
@kateoutdoors Summer road trip destination ideas pt. 1: Idaho✨🏔🥔 #SummerRoadTrip #RoadTrip #IdahoMountains #HotSprings #Outdoorsy #TravelTok
♬ оригинальный звук - Леся7. North Carolina
You read that right! We’re in the No. 7 spot for best summer road trips. I am sure you know why, look around! Drive through the mountains, on the beach, through the cities, eat good, hike, shop, relax, we have it all!
@bellawilde_ Which one of these would you like to visit most? ☺️ #travel #exploring #naturelover #northcarolina #bucketlisttravel #roadtrip #ChewyChattyPets
♬ Inner Light - Elderbrook & Bob Moses6. Ohio
Oh, Ohio! Drive up North and visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, Put-In-Bay, Columbus Zoo, hiking trails, and more!
@lenasyed Time for an Ohio road trip! Lmk which ones you’ve seen😊#greenscreen #ohio #roadtrip #hiddengems #travelplans #worldslargest #manmade #nature
♬ Pumped Up Kicks（Bridge & Law Remix） - Foster The People5. Maine
Now, maybe you would have never guessed it? I surely did not. But head to Maine and experience national parks, cool loop highways, beaches and more.
@caseylavie Manifesting more travel in 2021 #maine #mainecoast #travel #DailyVlog #roadtrip
♬ Stuck In The Middle - Tai Verdes4. Louisiana
Go to Louisiana and it’s time to have fun! Visit the swamp on a swamp tour, factory tours, historical tours, and more.
@qtsyd My dark humor be playing too much on one of them, if you spot it💀but humor is just how I cope🤷🏽♀️#jokes #madewithlove #louisiana #louisianacheck
♬ I Lived - Kenny Packer3. Texas
Texas is absolutely it! Head to Texas and you could spend days driving through the entire state all you want. Stop in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and more. From the beach, to the city, to the country side you will never run out of things to do and places to eat.
@lostwithlydia Add these to your Texas bucket list! #texastravel #traveltexas #exploremore #livetoexplore #texascheck #hikingtexas #hikingadventures
♬ original sound - Ian Asher2. Minnesota
Hit the road to Minnesota. I know, maybe you did not know it would be No. 2! Take a scenic drive and view beautiful byways, waterfalls, and more.
@lookaboutlindsey Road trip details in my profile! #minnesota #minnesotasummer
♬ Sunroof - Nicky Youre & dazy1. New York
And right at No. 1 is New York! Not only is there the city to enjoy, but many places outside the city in order for you to do. Visit Niagara Falls, mountain views, The Catskills, historical spots, and more!
@bycarlavianna road trip inspo for fall 🍁💫 #newyorkcheck #newyork #upstatenewyork #roadtrip #travelinspo #tiktoktravel #nyc #nyc
♬ Home Cover by Lukmco - Luke