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If you love hiking and waterfalls, the Mills River area in North Carolina is the perfect place for you. With its rolling hills and numerous streams, this area is known for its picturesque waterfalls. Here are five of the best waterfall hikes near Mills River, NC. (Need a place to stay?)
Looking Glass Falls: This 60-foot waterfall is easily accessible from a paved parking area, making it a popular spot for families with young children. The trail to the waterfall is short, paved and well-maintained. The falls are easily visible from the road if you don't feel like walking to the bottom.
Moore Cove Falls: This 50-foot waterfall is tucked away in Pisgah National Forest, just a short drive from Mills River. The trail to the falls is moderate and takes hikers through a beautiful forest of hardwood trees. The waterfall itself is beautiful, with water cascading down over a large rock.
Cove Creek Falls: This 50-foot waterfall is located in Dupont State Forest, about a 30-minute drive from Mills River. The trail to the falls is moderate, with a few steep sections, but the payoff is well worth it.
This 125-foot waterfall is one of the tallest in the area and is located in DuPont State Forest. The trail to the falls is moderate and takes hikers through a beautiful forest with scenic views along the way. The waterfall is a popular spot for photographers, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing color.
Triple Falls: This series of three waterfalls is also located in DuPont State Forest, about a 30-minute drive from Mills River. The series of cascading waterfalls is stunning, and worth the hike in.
Dupont State Forest has several scenic waterfalls, and Hooker Falls does not disappoint. Being only a half mile hike round trip, it's also a popular swimming hole in the summer.
Pearson's Falls and Glen is another popular waterfall destination. Located in Saluda, NC, it is a botanical park with several scenic views and more than one waterfall! Along the walk to the falls, you'll find benches for resting, and a beautiful stone bridge crossing the river - a great spot for snapping some pics! (no pets and no swimming, as this glen is a protected botanical park with many native plant species.)
If you're up for venturing a little farther away, check out Whitewater Falls in Cashiers, Dry Falls ( short hike and you can walk behind the falls) in Nantahala National Forest, Schoolhouse Falls in Panthertown, and Linville Falls in the Linville Gorge. All of these falls are well worth the trip!
In conclusion, these areas in WNC offer some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in North Carolina. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic spot to enjoy nature, these waterfall hikes are sure to impress. So, grab your hiking boots and hit the trails for a day of adventure and stunning views!