North Carolina’s mountains offer up stunning waterfalls—ideal for creating unforgettable memories with your four-legged companion.
These 12 dog-friendly waterfalls, ranging from peaceful forest strolls to awe-inspiring cliffside views, welcome leashed pets and feature easy-to-access trails, refreshing mist, and scenic backdrops that make each visit unforgettable.
1. Dry Falls – Highlands
Water thunders 75 feet over a cliff while you and your pup walk behind the cascade! Seriously, the coolest part about Dry Falls is staying (mostly) dry while experiencing the waterfall from behind.
The paved walkway makes this adventure accessible for most dogs and humans. My Retriever went bonkers with excitement when we felt the misty spray on our faces.
Bring a waterproof phone case because you’ll want photos from every angle. The parking area features restrooms and informational signs about the area’s geology, making it an ideal first stop on your waterfall adventure.
2. Bridal Veil Falls – DuPont State Forest
Unlike its flashier cousins in DuPont State Forest, Bridal Veil Falls spreads wide across smooth granite, creating a magical water slide effect. Your dog will go nuts sniffing around the shallow pools at the base.
This waterfall gained Hollywood fame appearing in “The Hunger Games.” The 4.4-mile roundtrip hike follows old logging roads with gentle grades, making it a great choice for dogs who need space to roam.
Pack a picnic – the flat rocks surrounding the falls create natural seating areas where you can relax while your pup explores. Just keep them leashed near the slippery sections!
3. High Falls – DuPont State Forest
Wow, this 150-foot waterfall is absolutely breathtaking! High Falls transforms the Little River into a thundering spectacle that’ll have your dog’s ears perked with curiosity.
The trail to reach it spans about 1.2 miles one-way with moderate difficulty. I’ve seen pups of all sizes handle it just fine, though smaller dogs might need a boost over some rocky sections.
Summer visitors get a bonus: check out the natural water slide nearby at Hooker Falls. My Border Collie watched from the shore as brave swimmers took the plunge, though she preferred wading in the calmer pools downstream.
4. Triple Falls – DuPont State Forest
Three distinct cascades stacked on top of each other create this showstopper waterfall.
The trail offers multiple viewing platforms, so you can see Triple Falls from different angles. Sturdy hiking boots help navigate the steeper sections, especially if your pup pulls on the leash.
Another movie location alert – scenes from “The Last of the Mohicans” were filmed here. The middle section has some accessible flat rocks where dogs can safely approach the water’s edge for a quick drink, but keep them away from swift currents and slippery spots.
5. Looking Glass Falls – Pisgah National Forest
Roadside waterfall perfection! No hiking required to see this 60-foot beauty plunging into a crystal-clear pool. The name comes from Looking Glass Rock nearby, which gleams like a mirror when water freezes on its surface.
Steps lead down to the base where your pup can splash in the shallow areas. During summer weekends, arrive early – this easily accessible spot gets crowded fast.
The surrounding area explodes with rhododendron blooms in June, creating a purple-pink frame around the falls. I once saw a dog playing fetch in the lower pool while his owner took the most Instagram-worthy photos I’ve seen all year.
6. Catawba Falls – Old Fort
Ancient moss-covered rocks frame this multi-tiered cascade that seems straight out of a fantasy novel. The 3-mile roundtrip hike follows the Catawba River through a forest that feels enchanted, especially in morning mist.
The trail crosses several small streams where your dog can cool their paws. Recent trail improvements have made this hike more accessible, though some rocky sections remain.
History buffs will appreciate the stone remnants of old dams and buildings along the path.
It’s not uncommon to stumble upon a family of salamanders near one of the smaller cascades—a little dose of mountain magic found only in these North Carolina forests.
7. Linville Falls – Blue Ridge Parkway
The grand dame of Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. Your choice of overlooks determines how challenging the hike will be for you and your furry friend.
The upper falls viewing area requires just a 0.5-mile walk, great for dogs who aren’t hardcore hikers. For more adventurous pups, the Erwins View Trail (1.6 miles roundtrip) delivers spectacular panoramas of the falls and gorge.
Rangers often patrol this popular area, so keep that leash handy. The plunging water creates a constant cool breeze that feels heavenly during summer hikes.
8. Toms Creek Falls – Pisgah National Forest
Hidden gem alert! This lesser-known 60-foot waterfall sees fewer crowds than its famous neighbors. A gentle 0.7-mile trail makes this ideal for older dogs or pups still building their hiking endurance.
The path follows old mining routes where prospectors once searched for gems and gold. Many dogs spend plenty of time investigating the intriguing scent trails that often linger near the old mine entrance.
Wide, shallow pools at the base invite careful wading during warmer months. Pack a lunch – several flat rocks create great picnic spots with waterfall views, and the sound of falling water will soothe even the most hyper canine companions into peaceful relaxation.
9. Mingo Falls – Cherokee
At a towering 120 feet, Mingo Falls ranks among the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. Located on Cherokee land, the name means “Big Bear” in the Cherokee language.
Don’t let the short 0.4-mile trail fool you – it includes climbing 161 wooden steps! The observation deck at the top rewards your effort with jaw-dropping views of cascading water.
The falls flow most dramatically after rainfall, so consider visiting after a good spring shower. The surrounding hemlock forest creates a cool, shaded environment that dogs appreciate during summer months when other trails might be too hot for sensitive paw pads.
10. Graveyard Fields Loop – Pisgah National Forest
Don’t let the spooky name scare you – this area got its name from tree stumps resembling gravestones after a massive wildfire. The loop trail passes two gorgeous waterfalls while winding through blueberry patches that turn brilliant red in fall.
The lower falls sits just 0.3 miles from the parking area – perfect for a quick adventure. For more ambitious hikers, the entire 3.2-mile loop includes both lower and upper falls.
Weekends get crowded during blueberry season (August), but your leashed dog will love the variety of terrain and water access. My collie practically pulled me through the entire loop, fascinated by the diverse landscape that shifts from forest to open meadows filled with wildflowers.
11. Soco Falls – Cherokee
Two waterfalls for the price of one! This rare twin waterfall creates a mesmerizing sight as separate streams converge in a misty plunge. The viewing platform sits right off Highway 19, making this an easy stop during your mountain road trip.
For adventurous souls, a steep but short trail leads to the base of the falls. The path can get slippery after rain, so I keep my Retriever on a short leash here.
Local Cherokee legends surround these falls, adding mystical vibes to your visit. The roadside overlook works perfectly for those traveling with dogs who aren’t up for the challenging descent, while still providing spectacular photos that capture both cascades in one frame.
12. Skinny Dip Falls – Pisgah National Forest
Despite its playful name, swimsuits are definitely recommended at this series of cascades and swimming holes along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The main waterfall drops into a deep, crystal-clear pool perfect for brave jumpers (human ones, not canine).
A wooden footbridge crosses the stream, offering prime waterfall viewing spots. Your pup will love exploring the shallow areas while you soak your feet in the refreshingly cold mountain water.
The 0.8-mile roundtrip hike from the Looking Glass Rock Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway is moderate with some rocky sections. Countless dogs of all sizes successfully navigate the trail, though some may need a lift on the return hike after expending all their energy playing in the water!