These are the North Carolina waterfalls that draw the biggest crowds, measured by Google review volume and led by Dry Falls. Popular does not have to mean packed if you time it right.
For every waterfall we track nearby, see the full list of waterfalls in North Carolina, or browse by town: Franklin, Brevard. You can also compare our best waterfalls in North Carolina and most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina.
How we picked: Ranked purely by the number of Google reviews, the best public signal of how many people visit. Together these five account for 44% of all Google reviews of North Carolina waterfalls.
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1. Dry Falls
Dry Falls near Franklin takes the top spot, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1,145 reviews.
Macon County, NC 28741 (GPS 35.0685, -83.2390)
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1,145 Google reviews make it the most visited waterfall in North Carolina, about 17% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. That is 1.5 times as many as Sliding Rock in second place. Visitors have shared 4,066 photos of it. It averages 4.9 stars, with 94% five-star reviews. "Picturesque cascade with a path under the rocks that offers a unique, reverse view of the waterfall." Expect company: arrive early on weekends and holidays, when parking fills first. The nearest town is Franklin, about 11 miles to the northwest.
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2. Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock, near Brevard, is next up, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 743 reviews.
Transylvania County, NC 28768 (GPS 35.3115, -82.7872)
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743 Google reviews make it number 2 in North Carolina, about 11% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. Visitors have shared 768 photos of it. It averages 4.8 stars, with 86% five-star reviews. "A low waterfall down a 60-ft.-long rock makes for a natural slide at this unique swimming hole." Expect company: arrive early on weekends and holidays, when parking fills first. The nearest town is Brevard, about 6.2 miles to the southeast.
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3. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls, near Franklin, is next up, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 407 reviews.
Macon County, NC 28741 (GPS 35.0718, -83.2295)
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407 Google reviews make it number 3 in North Carolina, about 6% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. Visitors have shared 1,002 photos of it. It averages 4.6 stars, with 73% five-star reviews. "Scenic cascade with a walking path under the rocks that offers a reverse view of the waterfall." The nearest town is Franklin, about 11 miles to the northwest.
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4. Triple Falls
Triple Falls near Brevard is worth the drive, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 331 reviews.
Transylvania County, NC 28739 (GPS 35.1990, -82.6173)
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331 Google reviews make it number 4 in North Carolina, about 5% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. Visitors have shared 1,381 photos of it. It averages 4.9 stars, with 92% five-star reviews. "Trio of waterfalls cascading 120 ft. in forested state park, a setting in "Last of the Mohicans."." The nearest town is Brevard, about 7.0 miles to the west.
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5. Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls near Brevard rounds out this stretch of the list, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 313 reviews.
Transylvania County, NC 28768 (GPS 35.2021, -82.6237)
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313 Google reviews make it number 5 in North Carolina, about 5% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. It averages 4.8 stars, with 81% five-star reviews. "One of 4 waterfalls on 3 miles of river in state forest accessed by a trail." The nearest town is Brevard, about 6.6 miles to the west.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most visited waterfall in North Carolina?
Dry Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 1,145 Google reviews. It is near Franklin in Macon County.
How was this list made?
Ranked purely by the number of Google reviews, the best public signal of how many people visit. Together these five account for 44% of all Google reviews of North Carolina waterfalls.
How many waterfalls are in North Carolina?
Our directory lists 109 waterfalls in North Carolina. See every one, with filters and a map, on the North Carolina waterfalls page.
Can you walk behind any waterfalls in North Carolina?
Yes. In the Cullasaja Gorge of Macon County, paths at both Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls pass behind the falling water, offering a reverse view.
Summary
Dry Falls near Franklin is our top pick for most visited waterfalls in North Carolina, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1,145 reviews. Ratings and review counts reflect public data at the time of writing and can change, and trail access, water levels and road conditions vary through the year, so confirm current conditions before you drive out.
North Carolina's mountain falls run year-round in most years, but they are fullest from late winter through spring, roughly February through May, when rain is frequent and trees have not yet leafed out to draw down soil moisture. April and May add wildflowers and fresh green to the gorges. Summer is warm and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms that raise streams quickly, and popular swimming spots such as Sliding Rock draw large crowds. Fall color climbs down from the highest elevations in early October to the lower escarpment by late October, making it the busiest season of the year, even though flows are often lower after dry spells. Winter brings quieter trails and occasional ice at higher elevations, when sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway may close for snow and ice.
For more options, see every waterfall on the North Carolina waterfalls page, read 15 Best Waterfalls in North Carolina, or check our waterfall safety tips before you go.