North Carolina Waterfall Getaways
Photo by Oliver Sjöström from Pexels
Whether someone special is visiting for the weekend or you and your friends are looking for a way to get out in nature, taking an adventure to see a local waterfall is a great way to refresh your mind and spend quality time with people you love. North Carolina is home to many wonderful waterfalls that are just waiting to be explored.
Hanging Rock State Park
If you are looking to stay close to campus, we recommend Hanging Rock State Park. Only about an hour and a half drive from Elon, Hanging Rock offers a spectacular view of the North Carolina horizon. With many hiking paths and five stunning waterfalls, Hanging Rock provides the perfect weekend getaway from busy campus life. One of the most popular hikes is the Window Falls Trail. Only about 3.5 miles total, this hike is just the right distance to get you moving. Make it to the end of the trail to see a spectacular waterfall pouring through the jagged terrain. This hike is the perfect distance to get you and your friends or family moving and the waterfall at the end makes every part of the 3.5 miles worth the effort.
If you’re wanting a shorter hike, the Upper Cascades Falls and Rock Garden Trail is your go-to option. This quick .8 mile paved trail leads to a magnificent waterfall that you won’t want to miss. Since this is a shorter adventure we recommend packing a picnic to make the outing even more enjoyable. Sitting next to the Upper Cascades Falls for a little will no doubt be a memorable experience.
We recommend the Lower Cascades Trail. This trail is just under a mile and is a slightly more moderate hike than the previously mentioned Upper Cascades Falls. This trail is made of stone and dirt and leads to a wooden staircase that takes you down to the base of the 35-foot waterfall. This trail is best if you want a shorter hike but want to avoid the paved path of the Upper Cascades Falls trail.
Catawba Falls
If none of Hanging Rock’s five waterfalls appeal to you, take a slightly longer journey to Catawba Falls. Catawba is about two hours and forty minutes from the Elon campus and is located east of Asheville. This scenic hike takes you along the Catawba River and leads through the Pisgah National Forest. This hike is slightly more challenging than others due to the rocky terrain but the beauty of this 2.7-mile walk to the falls is nothing short of stunning.
Linville Falls
Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge mountains and rightfully so. Linville Falls is a three-tiered waterfall that opens up into a gorge. This large waterfall is unlike any other that may be closer to Elon. Although a little far for a day trip, this waterfall would be a great attraction if you’re looking to spend a night in or around the city of Asheville.
The next time you’re looking for an adventure with friends or family, consider visiting a local waterfall! These impressive attractions provide a break from urban life and range in difficulty, allowing anyone to make memories in the great outdoors.
If you ever find yourself wandering the waterfalls of North Carolina, make sure to tag us here @theedgemag!