Roadside Waterfalls in North Carolina and Virginia

Roadside Waterfalls in North Carolina & Virginia:

A Scenic Drive Adventure 

If you love chasing waterfalls but don’t want to hike miles to see them, you're in luck! North Carolina and Virginia are home to several breathtaking roadside waterfalls that are easily accessible. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Blue Ridge Mountains or cruising the scenic byways, these four waterfalls are must-see stops. 

 1. Looking Glass Falls 
- Address: U.S. 276, Pisgah National Forest, Brevard, NC 
- National Forest: Pisgah National Forest 
- Closest Town: Brevard, NC (Hendersonville and Asheville are also nearby) 
- Distance from Parking: Visible from the roadside, but a short stairway leads to the base 

One of the most iconic waterfalls in North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls is an easy stop along U.S. 276 in Pisgah National Forest. This 60-foot waterfall cascades beautifully over a rock face and is perfect for photos. In the summer, visitors often wade into the pool at its base. 

 2. Bridal Veil Falls 
- Address: U.S. 64, Highlands, NC 
- National Forest: Nantahala National Forest 
- Closest Town: Highlands, NC 
- Distance from Parking: Adjacent to the road 

Bridal Veil Falls is a rare gem where you can actually drive behind the waterfall! Located along U.S. 64, this 45-foot waterfall gently flows over an overhanging rock, forming a picturesque curtain of water. While you can no longer drive under it due to road restrictions, it's still a unique and easily accessible roadside stop. 

 3. Dry Falls 
- Address: U.S. 64, Highlands, NC 
- National Forest: Nantahala National Forest 
- Closest Town: Highlands, NC 
- Distance from Parking: 0.1 miles via a paved walkway 

Despite its name, Dry Falls is anything but dry! This 75-foot waterfall offers a unique experience where visitors can walk behind the roaring cascade without getting soaked (hence the name). Located just a short distance from its parking area, Dry Falls is one of the most popular roadside waterfalls in the region. 

 4. Falling Springs Falls 
- Address: Route 220, Covington, VA 
- National Forest: George Washington & Jefferson National Forests 
- Closest Town: Covington, VA (Allegheny Highlands region, near The Omni Homestead Resort) 
- Distance from Parking: Visible from a roadside overlook 

Falling Springs Falls is one of Virginia’s most stunning waterfalls, plunging nearly 80 feet into a lush valley. Located just north of Covington along Route 220, this spectacular waterfall is visible from the road, with a parking area and a short path leading to an overlook for the best view. 

Plan Your Road Trip! 
These waterfalls offer some of the best roadside scenery in the Appalachian region, perfect for a quick stop or a leisurely picnic. Whether you're exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Highlands Plateau, or Virginia’s scenic byways, these falls are well worth a visit! 

Have you visited any of these waterfalls? Let us know your favorite roadside waterfall stops!