Status (checked September 2026) — conditions change; confirm with the managing agency before you go.
- Linville Falls overlook trails are open, but the trail down to the river, the visitor center and the campground were still closed after Hurricane Helene, and portions of the Linville Gorge Trail remained closed. Source: National Park Service / U.S. Forest Service
- The Catawba Falls loop reopened after Hurricane Helene, but the upper viewing platform and the Wildflower Trail were still closed for repairs. Source: U.S. Forest Service
Western North Carolina has hundreds of waterfalls, and some of the best campgrounds were chosen for being close to them. Around Brevard, the Pisgah District and DuPont State Recreational Forest put Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Hooker Falls and High Falls within minutes of camp. Farther east, Catawba Falls is next to its campground near Old Fort, and the Linville Falls trails start near the Parkway campground of the same name.
Before you go
- Stay on trails and behind railings — rocks near falls are slick and injuries are common.
- Several waterfall trails and areas were affected by Hurricane Helene. Check the status notices on each campground page and with the managing agency.
Each campground page lists the waterfalls nearby with distances, linked to full trail guides on WNC Trails.
