The Top Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls

Appropriately nicknamed "America's Favorite Drive", the Blue Ridge Parkway is a sight for sore eyes, boasting some of the most photographed spots in the Nation! The parkway itself stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains and is worth a visit even if you're not an outdoor enthusiast. 

Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway

One thing we love about the Blue Ridge Parkway is that visiting can be customized to meet your needs. Hungry travelers can make it a week-long exploration and take a few days to camp, hike, fish, and explore the waterfalls.

Or, you can take a scenic day drive through the area as it connects travelers to Shenandoah in the north and the Great Smoky Mountains in the south. Whatever vacation looks like to you, the Blue Ridge Parkway is your getaway.

In this article, we're taking a look at the scenic waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway for travelers adventuring on foot or by car. The towering cascades along the Blue Ridge Parkway area draw in millions of visitors every year and offer the perfect escape immersed in nature. 

Here's Why You'll Love The Blue Ridge Parkway

Before we "dive" into the waterfalls, we can't overlook how captivating the entire area is whether on foot or behind the wheel. Seriously, we can't overstate how popular this area is! The entire Blue Ridge Parkway is known around the Nation as one of the best and we think you'll love it too!

Here's Why You'll Love It:

• One of the most beautiful areas in the Nation
• Numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls
• Diverse wildlife
• Wide range of hikes
• Visitor's center
• Restrooms & picnic areas
• Low-traffic area

A Highway, a National Park or a Parkway?

While sort of a mix of all three, The Blue Ridge Parkway is most accurately described as a parkway (shocker right?). Parkways are designed with a scenic focus, whereas a highway is focused on just transportation. The Blue Ridge Parkway is not a National Park but is managed by The National Park Service.

Top Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Now is the time—let's check out the unique waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We're not kidding when we say you'll want to remember your camera and make the most of your time here. Ideally, spending the weekend here is the best option so you can see all there is!

If you need a place to stay, Meraki Escape is your getaway to luxury glamping cabins in Brevard, NC. We have packages and tailored experiences perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, or just some much-needed time away.

But enough about us, let's chat about the waterfalls!

Upper Falls and Second Falls at Graveyard Fields

Upper & Second Falls at Graveyard Fields (Milepost 418.8) in North Carolina are must-visit spots for nature lovers. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, these stunning waterfalls are accessible via a scenic hike through lush forested trails.

Upper Falls, the larger of the two, features a dramatic cascade, while Second Falls offers a more tranquil setting, perfect for a peaceful escape. The area is especially beautiful in the fall, when the vibrant foliage adds to the allure, making it a popular destination for both photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Yellowstone Prong is the water source for these two waterfalls in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by the 6,000 ft. peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's one of the few hiking places along the Parkway with restrooms!

Here's Why You'll Love It:

• Dramatic cascades
• Both short & long hikes available
• Spring wildflowers & stunning fall foliage
• Dogs welcome on a leash
• Restrooms available

Skinny Dip Falls

With water so clear and the sun shining, this refreshing swimming hole is tempting to skinny dip in! However, the falls are not clothing-optional, despite the name. However, this spot is a swimming hole so feel free to wear a swimsuit under your clothes and enjoy a dip. The cool cascades provide a beautiful setting to enjoy any time of the year with or without getting wet.

There are multiple cascades and rock spaces at Skinny Dip Falls, providing ample spots for sunbathing when it gets crowded. The falls are located at Milepost 417 at Looking Glass Rock overlook. The falls are easy to find at the end of a 3/4 of a mile hiking trail from the Parkway overlook.

Here's Why You'll Love It:

• Clear, refreshing water
• Multiple cascades and pools
• 35-foot cascade drops
• Well-marked trail
• Near Looking Glass Falls
• 1.8 miles roundtrip
• Dogs welcome on a leash
  

Looking Glass Rock

Back in the day, early settlers used this towering rock as a sort of "You Are Here" sign as they made their way through the wilderness, towering above the trees like a natural GPS. This mountain shimmers like glass when rain/ice settles on its surface and is a favorite hangout for hikers, climbers, and waterfall enthusiasts looking to get their feet wet.

Over the centuries, the mountain has had a bit of a makeover thanks to weathering and erosion, leaving behind the tough, granite core you see today. While you can spot Looking Glass Rock from several spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Looking Glass Rock Overlook is the VIP spot for the best views. With plenty of parking and no pesky trees blocking your view, it's the perfect spot to snap a picture and soak in the views.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway?

While the scenic parkway is worth a visit year-round, we can't deny how striking the area is during the fall and autumn seasons. When the temperature starts to dip and the trees put on their fall coats, the parkway is something out of a storybook.

The forest showcases a stunning display of vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues in the fall that are worth a social media post or two. What's even better is our luxury mountain cabins in Brevard are the perfect home base for exploring the area during the fall.

But, if you're in the area during the spring or winter, you'll still be in for a treat! Portions of the parkway will be closed when there is too much ice on the road, but visitors can still walk, bike, or ski on accessible trails.

FAQ's

Stay at Meraki Escape

You can come see our forest and waterfall "escapes" in person at Meraki Escape. All of the spots we've recommended are within 30 minutes of our cabins in Brevard, NC.

Our luxury mountain cabins are the perfect complement to your advantages and we have tailored experiences and packages designed for the perfect honeymoon or anniversary. Not celebrating anything special? We invite you to turn a spontaneous weekend away into an unforgettable couple's getaway in the scenic mountains of North Carolina.