Take a Waterfall-Chasing Vacation in North Carolina

This year, take a waterfall-chasing vacation in North Carolina and you'll never forget the experience! Who doesn't love a waterfall, they're so romantic and fascinating. Although some waterfalls can prove treacherous for an outing, there are many that are easy to get to and provide places to picnic and enjoy nature.

Transylvania County, located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont regions of North and South Carolina, is one of the best places to go if you enjoy chasing waterfalls and spying nature. There are so many waterfalls, in fact, that the area now carries the nickname of "The Land of Waterfalls". With over 200 waterfalls just in Transylvania County, there's practically a waterfall on every corner. Some may require hiking a mile or so, some are just off the beaten path.

If you're bringing children along on your vacation, consider Pisgah National Forest, where the waterfalls are family-friendly. Centered between Brevard, Waynesville and Asheville, NC, the Pisgah Ranger District offers not only waterfalls, but camping, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, rock climbing - even square dancing. You'll find maps to the various waterfall sites and you can even get sign up for a guided tour.

Sliding Rock Falls in Haywood is over 60 feet high and features a pool at the bottom which is approximately six foot deep. The 150 foot water slide is the main attraction with the cost being a mere dollar to slide. It's a great place to take the family to cool off after hiking or biking. There's a lifeguard from Memorial Day through Labor Day so take the family and have a blast.

Looking Glass Falls is probably the most popular falls in the area. Located just inside the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest, there's no climbing or hiking to see it. Located right off the road, cars pull over to see the 65 foot drop. To get a different view, go down to Looking Glass Creek, where on the way, you'll view Looking Glass Rock, a huge stone that attracts many climbers.

Circle Moore Cove Falls on your map, but plan to go during the rainy season or you'll see a little stream rather than a falls. You'll have to walk about three-fourths of a mile to reach the falls, but the area is family-friendly and worth the hike. Since Moore Cove Falls is very popular, expect to share the falls with other vacationers and locals alike. It's located about a mile North of Looking Glass Falls, on 276.

Located in North Carolina, but very near the South Carolina border, is the fabulous Whitewater Falls on the Whitewater River. At 411 feet, the falls is the highest falls east of the Mississippi. Located on highway 281, 9 miles south of highway 64, the falls offers a paved pathway taking you directly to the top viewing area - about a quarter of a mile.

Also in the Gorges State Park, where you'll find many of the North Carolina waterfalls, is Rainbow Falls, located on Horsepasture River. You may also want to visit Courthouse Falls, Drift Falls, Laurel Falls and John's Jump Falls.

There are plenty of waterfalls near Transylvania County, too. Visit Polk County, Rutherford, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Graham and Burke county Visitor Welcome Centers to get maps of the local falls as well as directions to other local attractions.

North Carolina is well known as one of the most beautiful states you'll ever visit and you'll agree after seeing just one of their lovely waterfalls. Plan a family vacation near one of the falls, or just take that special someone on a romantic getaway. You'll find nearby accommodations as well as eateries and other unique sites.

Once you take one waterfall-chasing vacation you'll want to take another and another. Go online to find points of interest like "children-friendly falls", "best rock-climbing falls" or "county with the most waterfalls". Then you can begin planning the rest of the vacation itinerary.