Frozen: Best Waterfalls to Visit in the Winter

Frozen: Best Waterfalls to Visit in the Winter  

Hike to Western North Carolina Waterfalls this Winter – For a truly magical experience, check out WNC’s most beautiful waterfalls in the winter when they’re frozen. Be sure to stay safe with our tips. 

Western North Carolina is known for its fantastic waterfall hikes. Throughout the counties in the area, especially the waterfall capital of Transylvania County, there are gorgeous waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. But what you may not know is just how beautiful these falls are in the cold months of winter. When the trails aren’t packed with hikers and the falls are iced over, WNC is simply magical. Here are some gorgeous waterfalls to visit in the wintertime.

Looking Glass Falls

These 60-foot-tall falls are named for how they look when they freeze. The ice on the rocks makes it appear like a magical crystal wonderland, and it’s a popular waterfall in all seasons. It’s also super accessible without any hiking as it’s right off of US 276 in Brevard, just five miles past the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. To stay safe, be sure to pull your car off the road when you park to check out the falls.

Dry Falls

The Mountain Scenic Highway, Highway 64 between Franklin and Highlands, gives access to the 75 foot Dry Falls. It’s an easy and accessible walk from the parking area to the falls, so it’s great for winter viewing. There is a fee of just $3 per vehicle, and the falls are very popular, so traffic could be high even in the winter. We recommend you go in the morning or later in the afternoon before dusk to avoid the biggest crowds.

Bridal Veil Falls

Featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans, Bridal Veil Falls is a unique setting in Dupont State Forest. It cascades over 120 feet from a rocky overhang, giving hikers access to the area behind the falls. Keep in mind that it could be more hazardous in the winter, so always remain safe and vigilant as you explore. Access Bridal Veil falls from Highway 64.

Deep Creek Waterfalls

Near Bryson City, you can visit three falls at Deep Creek Waterfalls. It’s known for its wildflowers in the springtime, so the winter may be less populated. The hike to reach the falls is about an hour and a half round trip, so always be safe in winter weather conditions. You can find the Indian Creek Falls, The Tom Branch Falls, and the Juney Whank Falls from the Deep Creek trail.

Daniel Ridge Falls

If you want something a little more challenging on a gorgeous winter day, check out the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail and the falls there. It’s a four-mile loop trail rated 4 for difficulty, but it won’t be crowded in the wintertime. Be sure to check the weather for safety. The trail is accessible from US 276 in the Pisgah National Forest near the Fish Hatchery. The falls, known as both the Daniel Ridge Falls and the Toms Spring Falls, will be near the end of the loop.

Sliding Rock

Known as a summertime destination, Sliding Rock can be pretty spectacular when it’s frozen. Typically, the area is full of families sliding down the rock, but you can simply stand back and look at the ice in the winter. Of course, don’t slide on the rock when it’s frozen, and stay safe while you hike. Sliding Rock is located off 276 toward Brevard.

Winter Waterfall Safety

As much as we love the frozen magic of winter waterfalls, it’s crucial that you stay safe as you check out these areas. Only the most experienced hikers should check out the more strenuous walks in the wintertime. Avoid stepping on icy spots. And be sure to dress for the weather.

The team at GoPrime Mortgage in West Asheville would like to hear from you. Where do you love to hike in the winter?

Do you want to know about the process to apply for a mortgage?  GoPrime Mortgage in West Asheville is here to help. Call us today at 828-348-1907 –Zachery Adam at GoPrime Mortgage in West Asheville.