If you’ve been to the peaks and valleys of Haywood’s Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains before, you know this to be true: there’s something new to discover every time you visit. Outdoor adventure is pretty much our middle name, and there aren’t many better ways to explore nature than hunting down some of our most scenic waterfalls. Keep reading to learn how to find five you shouldn’t miss!
Soco Falls
- Location: Maggie Valley & Qualla Boundary (Cherokee)
- Trail Length: 0.5 miles
- Why you have to see it: Equipped with a newly finished paved parking area, wheelchair-accessible viewing deck, and graveled trail, the whole family can enjoy a stop at Soco Falls any time of year! Plus, you’ll be near to all of Maggie Valley’s best attractions, like Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum Motorcycle Museum, Maggie Mountaineer Crafts, and Joey’s Pancake House.
Sunburst Falls
- Location: Canton, NC-215
- Trail Length: 0.2 miles, optional
- Why you have to see it: There’s no hiking necessary to see Sunburst’s gentle top falls, simply pull off in one of the two grave lots before or after the bridge to and enjoy the scenery. For a closer look, take either of the footpaths to the bottom pool––but exercise caution, the footpaths are steep and rocky. Then, continue up NC-215 to the Blue Ridge Parkway for more unbelievable views!
Graveyard Fields
- Location: Canton, Blue Ridge Parkway
- Trail Length: 0.3 miles to Lower Falls, 1.5 miles to Upper Falls
- Why you have to see it: Named for the “graveyard” of stumps once left behind by the area’s historical logging industry, Graveyard Fields is one of the most iconic stops on the Parkway. Park in the lot and take a short, easy hike to the cascading Lower Falls, or take the more challenging route to the Upper Falls for a trek through acres of blueberry bushes and wildflowers.
- Learn more about Haywood’s spookiest histories here.
Wildcat Falls
- Location: Canton, NC-215
- Trail Length:
- Why you have to see it: Uniquely situated beneath an old logging bridge, this 60-foot waterfall makes for an easy-to-find, kid-friendly picnic spot. Optionally, take a steep trail on the opposite side of the bridge for a closer look at the trail.
Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
- Location: Canton
- Trail Length: 0.25 miles
- Why you have to see it: Just a minute up the road from Wildcat Falls, the lesser-known Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades is great for roadside viewing during early Spring and Fall. More adventurous hikers can climb down the hill to follow a creekside trail leading to the bottom of the cascades. Remember, never climb on slippery rocks.
These waterfalls are well worth the trip to see, but they aren’t the only picturesque falls you’ll find here. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy nature in Haywood County. It all depends on what you’re up for!
If you’re planning on hunting these falls down, we’d love to know about it. Tag us @visithaywood for a chance to be featured on our page.
