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Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking waterfalls of North Carolina? Join me on a captivating 10-day road trip that takes you to some of the most stunning cascades and natural wonders the Tar Heel State has to offer. From the charming towns of Highlands and Asheville to the scenic beauty of Boone, this itinerary is packed with outdoor exploration, picturesque trails, and the soothing sounds of rushing water. Grab your waterproof footwear and let’s dive into the details of our waterfall road trip through the majestic landscapes of NC!

Where to Stay:

Days 1-4: Highlands, NC

Days 5-6: Asheville, NC

Days 7-10: Boone, NC

Know Before You Go:

1. If you click on any park name throughout the itinerary, you will be taken to a park-specific post with more information on lodging, dining, cell service, and trail tips for that park.
2. Waterproof footwear is recommended for most of the trails on this itinerary
3. While sightings are rare, there are black bears active throughout North Carolina.  Please review wildlife safety before heading out.  
4. I recommend downloading an AllTrails map for any trails on this itinerary. (Want to check out AllTrails+?  Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
5. Road trip packing/lodging tip: We try to ensure our midway lodging option has laundry services so that we only have to pack clothing items for one week instead of two.
6. Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.

10- Day Itinerary

Day 1

• Drive or fly to Highlands, NC
• Soco Falls (0.6 mi., 100+ ft)

Day 2

Nantahala National Forest

• Cullasaja Falls (0.2 mi., 1000+ ft)
• Quarry Falls (roadside)
• Dry Falls (0.3 mi., 40+ ft)
• Bridal Veil Falls (roadside)
• Glen Falls- Upper, Middle, Lower (2.6 mi., 700+ ft)
• Secret Falls (1.4 mi., 200+ ft)
• Silver Run Falls (0.2 mi., 10+ ft)
• Upper Whitewater Falls (0.5 mi., 50+ ft)

Day 3

Gorges State Park

• Stairway, Rainbow, Turtleback, and Drift Falls (4.7 mi., 1000+ ft)
• Upper Bearwallow Falls (0.5 mi., 100+ ft)

Day 4

Dupont State Forest

• Hooker Falls (0.8 mi., 100+ ft)
• Triple Falls/High Falls (2.5 mi., 300+ ft)

Day 5

Pisgah National Forest

• Looking Glass Falls (0.1 mi., 30+ ft)
• Moore Cave Falls (1.4 mi., 100+ ft)
• Sliding Rock (0.1 mi., 10+ ft)
• Lower Sam Branch/Wash Hollow Falls (0.6 mi., 30+ ft)
• Sunburst Falls (roadside)

Day 6

Pisgah National Forest

• Catawba Falls (3.6 mi., 800+ ft)

Chimney Rock State Park

• Hickory Nut Falls (2 mi., 300+ ft)
• Outcropping Trail to Exclamation Point (1 mi., 500+ ft)

Day 7

Pisgah National Forest

• Roaring Fork Falls (1.3 mi., 100+ ft)
• Crabtree Falls (2.6 mi., 500+ ft)
• Linville Falls (1.4 mi., 200+ ft)
• Elk River Falls (0.2 mi., 40+ ft)

Day 8

Stone Mountain State Park

• Widow’s Creek Falls (0.2 mi., 10+ ft)
• Bullhead Creek Falls (0.1 mi., 10+ ft)
• Stone Mountain Loop (5 mi., 900+ ft, spur trail to Middle and Lower Falls- +1.8 mi., 100+ ft )

Day 9

Grandfather Mountain State Park

• Mile High Swinging Bridge to Linville Peak (0.3 mi., 30+ ft)
• Black Rock Trail (2 mi., 200 ft)

Blowing Rock

• Glen Burney Falls Trail (2.5 mi., 600+ ft)

Blue Ridge Parkway

• Cascades Trail (0.8 mi., 50+ ft)

Day 10

• Drive or fly home😊

Have an incredible adventure!  

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