With a name like Transylvania County, you might assume this North Carolina region is nothing more than vampire lore and Gothic castles, but the reality of Transylvania County is much more tranquil. Together with neighboring Brevard, the region boasts an impressive amount of waterfalls: more than 250 in all. With so much to see, where does one start?! Here are six can’t-miss falls in the area.
Courthouse Falls
Tucked away in a cove in the Pisgah National Forest, Courthouse Falls is a narrow plunge of a waterfall and a favorite for its scenic setting. The waterfall is accessible by a moderately easy hike.
Looking Glass Falls
Undoubtedly one of the state’s most beloved falls, Looking Glass Falls gets its name from the icy layer that freezes over Looking Glass Rock in the winter months. The falls can be viewed from the base or the observation deck.
Bridal Veil Falls
When you take in a wide view of Bridal Veil Falls, its width and layered cascades make it look as if the rocks are wearing a bridal veil. You can find this beauty in Nantahala National Forest.
Rainbow Falls
The light always seems to hit Rainbow Falls just right, creating colorful arches around this waterfall. Rainbow Falls is located in the Nantahala National Forest on the Horsepasture River.
Turtleback Falls
The short drop of this waterfall off a rounded slab of rock resembles a turtle’s back, so it’s easy to see how Turtleback Falls earned its name. Turtleback Falls and Rainbow Falls are typically visited together, as they both sit on the Horsepasture River.
Hooker Falls
Nestled in DuPont State Forest, Hooker Falls is much more than a 14-foot high waterfall: The falls roll into a wide pool that’s one of the park’s most popular swimming holes come summertime.
(Main image: rharrison used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
