North Carolina is known for its many natural attractions. From coastline to mountains, lovely lakes to cascading waterfalls, the Tar Heel State has it all. Chasing waterfalls is a nature experience like no other. So, if you are looking to stay close to Raleigh, check out these seven waterfalls. While most of the tallest falls are located in western North Carolina, you can still find a few mini falls under a 2-hour drive from the state capital.
Raleigh Metro Area
Raleigh is bursting with outdoor attractions, but you won’t find natural waterfalls in the Metro area. All of the falls listed are dam spillways. Still, the following three sites make for a pleasant visit.
Lassiter Mill Park Dam
Located inside the beltline (so truly in Raleigh), Lassiter Mill Park is situated on the site of an old mill. Pick a lazy day to visit this gem of a city park, which features a lovely dam through which the Crabtree Creek flows. Relax and take in the sounds of the rushing water before enjoying a picnic. Note: Lassiter Mill Park was closed for a time, but will re-open on December 23, 2020. Check with the park for opening and closing times. Location: Intersection of Old Lassiter Mill Rd and Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh. The falls are located under 200-feet from the parking lot. Parking is limited.
Historic Yates Mill County Park Dam
Just 5.5 miles south of downtown Raleigh, you can appreciate all features of this 174-acre wildlife refuge center. In addition to the 3 miles of pretty trails, you are sure to be wowed by the historic mill and dam. The water-powered grain mill served Wake County for more than 200 years. Today, the lovely mill offers guided tours from spring to late fall. But whether you take the tour or not, be sure to stop and gaze at the pooling water as it falls over the dam. It’s a terrific photo opportunity! Just don’t bring Fido, since pets are not permitted. (My dog, Nina, was never too happy about this, since we were once frequent visitors.) Location: 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh. Enter the natural trail to the left of the Visitor Center. From here, it’s just a short walk through woodlands to the historic mill and dam. There’s usually ample parking. Yates Mill Park is open 7 days per week, from 8 a.m. to sunset. Admission is free.
Little River Park Dam
The picturesque Little River Park and Dam is located in Zebulon, 22 miles east of Raleigh. It’s the oldest park in Zebulon, with the dam dating back to 1871. Today, it’s a relaxing site where you can watch the water spill quickly over the dam. Nature lovers who find themselves in the area are sure to not only enjoy the falls, but also the opportunity to fish or stroll along the white sandy beach. Location: 1800 W. Gannon Ave, Zebulon, NC 27597. The Park opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Admission is free.
Within Approximately Two Hours
If you can travel further, you’ll be rewarded with nice views of several, lovely waterfalls. While these falls may not be as tall or splendid as those found in western North Carolina, they make a nice day trip for the family.
Lanier Falls at Raven Rock Park
The falls at Raven Rock Park are more like rapids, hurriedly rushing over the aged rocks. In fact, these rocks were formed more than 400 million years ago due to extreme heat and pressure. There are several trails in the park that are shorter and more kid-friendly, but you should trek the Campbell Creek Loop Trail to the Lanier Falls Trail to see the rapids/falls. This trail is rated moderate-to-strenuous due to its rocky terrain and length (approximately 4.9 miles). Consider making a day of it. Pack a picnic, tour the visitor center, and stop to marvel at the unique trees and magnificent rock formations. Wear your hiking boots and bring water! You’ll have a one-hour ride back to Raleigh. Location: 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC 27546. Parking is usually ample, but may be affected by COVID-19 quota restrictions in 2020-2021. Park hours vary by season. Admission is free.
Cedarock Park Dam
Cedarock Park is a little gem of a county park tucked away in Alamance County. In addition to the many trails, playground, two disc golf courses, a foot golf course, volleyball court, canoe rentals, historic farm, and two fishing ponds, the park features a flowing waterfall over an old mill dam. Bring the kids. They will love playing in the shallow water while you sit on a nearby rock. Location: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, N.C., 27215. Park in the lot near the Wellspring Disc Golf Course and walk the half-mile paved trail to the falls. Park hours vary by season. Admission is free. The park is a 57-mile drive from Raleigh.
Cedarrock Park Dam, Burlington
Carter Falls
Located in the Yadkin Valley near the town of Elkin, lie Carter Falls. You’ll trek through woodlands, grazing past Loblolly pines and other native trees, before reaching the mini falls. The picturesque water feature is actually several upper and lower falls located on the Elkin River. Stop and rest for a while. You’ll be mesmorized by the lovely, natural site. Just be careful of the slippery rocks. Nina almost fell in to the rapids. Location: You can take one of two trails to reach the falls. Choose your trail according how much time you have in your schedule. If you’re short on time, take the 0.5-mile trail from the parking area on Pleasant Ridge Road near Byrd’s Branch Campground. You’ll pass an old powerhouse before reaching the falls. If you have ample time in your day, park in the lot on Martin Byrd Road. Follow the white blazes toward the upper falls. After the stairs, follow the trail parallel to Big Elkin Creek and then follow the switchbacks to descend to the lower falls. Parking is limited. Carter Falls is 150 miles from Raleigh or just over two hours.
Falls at Hanging Rock State Park
North of Winston-Salem and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lies Hanging Rock State Park. You’re in for a treat. Hanging Rock has four major waterfalls. Even more lucky, these are the closest cascading, natural waterfalls to Raleigh. If you have to choose, I recommend Hidden Falls and Window Falls. Each are a fairly close hike from the parking lot; no more than 0.6 miles each way. There are two viewing areas from which you can gaze at the splendid falls. Window Falls is so named because it emerges from behind a natural window in a rock wall. If you would like to view all four waterfalls, consider staying overnight for two days of chasing waterfalls! Don’t forget to seek out the infamous hanging rock before you depart. Note: Some trails are more strenuous with steep climbs and steps. Also, I recommend visiting this park at its opening time on the weekend or during the weekdays. The park can get very crowded on the weekend. Location: Indian Creek Falls Trail to Window Falls, Visitor Center Parking Lot, 1005 Visitor Center Drive, Westfield, NC 27053. Admission is free. Hanging Rock State Park is 126 miles from Raleigh or just over two hours.
Willing to Drive Further?
If you have ample time and you’re staying overnight, explore larger waterfalls. I’ll soon publish an article on fabulous waterfalls in western North Carolina. These towering falls are located three hours or more from Raleigh. In the meantime, refer to the waterfall map listed under “Resources” to discover more natural falls. Note that while not quite towering, Catawba Falls, the falls at Stone Mountain, and Moravian Falls are all about a 2.5-hour drive from the City of Oaks.
Considerations
COVID-19 travel advisories are in effect for the State of North Carolina during the 2020-2021 pandemic. Check for travel alerts before planning your visit. The CDC urges all people to exercise safety precautions in public, so travel at your own risk.
In addition, dress appropriately, bring bug spray, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Many trails are unpaved and very uneven, and therefore, may not be suitable for young children or strollers. Use caution when stepping on rocks since they can appear dry but may still be slippery. Parks can fill up early on the weekend. If you arrive too late, you may not gain entrance.
Extra Info
We hope you are enjoying reading about outdoor tips and destinations on the East Coast of the U.S. If you’re interested in destinations in the Western U.S.A. check out the blog Fatmanlittletrail.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Covid 19-How to Protect Yourself & Others
Elkin Valley Trails: Our Area Trails
News & Observer: Updates on the Little River Park area in Zebulon are promising
North Carolina State Parks: Hanging Rock State Park
North Carolina State Parks: Raven Rock State Park
Town of Zebulon: Parks and Facilities
Wake Gov Parks and Recreation: Historic Yates Mill County Park
Photo Credit
Kristy Ierardi
Waterfall Wanders (cover photo: Window Falls at Hanging Rock)
Resources