Multiple waterfalls are located on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. The 79-mile highway winds its way through the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains. The scenic loop includes 3 highways – U.S. 276, U.S. 64, and NC-215.
Drive the curvy route and stop at the multiple picnic areas, hiking trails, and waterfalls along the way. Visitors can also access the Blue Ridge Parkway from both U.S. 276 and NC-215.
U.S. 276
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is a 60-foot block waterfall. It can be accessed right along U.S. 276 near Brevard. There is no parking lot but a long pull-off area is available before the falls.
Three overlooks are available to view the waterfall. All are an easy walk. The first overlook is at street level, making it accessible for those with mobility challenges. The other overlooks are down stone steps. See more photos of Looking Glass Falls and learn about trail.
Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls is a 50-foot free-falling waterfall located a little beyond Looking Glass Falls on U.S. 276. There is a smaller parking pull-off with an information board along the road. It is a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike that is mostly uphill to the waterfall.
Moore Creek has a low-volume of water so it is most impressive after a rainy day. There is a fenced overlook close by for visitors to view the waterfall. In good weather, you can even walk behind the falls. See more photos of Moore Cove Falls and learn about trail.
Justus Cove Falls
Justus Cove Falls is a 20-foot waterfall about 8.5 miles from the intersection with U.S. 64 and NC-280. There is a small pull-off on the right side of the road (Northbound side). This is beyond Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls but before Headwaters Road (Forest Road 475B).
The trail is less than a half-mile roundtrip. It is mostly level with two short inclines. You can catch a glimpse of the waterfall from the trail, but to get to the base you need to hike a short, steep descent. See more photos of Justus Cove Falls and learn about trail.
NC-215
French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals Falls
French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals Falls are a set of twin waterfalls located just off NC-215. The 15-foot waterfalls are on private property – Living Waters Christian Retreat Center – but they graciously allow visitors to hike the riverside trail.
Start on the trail in the woods to the left of the private property signs. The trail dead-ends at the river and splits to the right and the left. To see the twin falls, collectively known as Mill Shoals, take the short path to the right.
French Broad Falls is the waterfall to the left. Also called Shoal Creek Falls, Mill Shoals Falls is the waterfall to your right. See more photos of French Broad Falls and Mills Shoals Falls and learn about the trail.
Cathedral Falls (Bird Rock Falls)
This 15-foot waterfall is along the same trail as French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals Falls. Turn left at the river and follow the trail about a quarter-mile down river.
Just before the trail ends, take a spur trail to your right to walk on the bedrock above the waterfall. Here you get your first view of the impressive rock wall next to the falls. Head back to the trail to view the falls from below. The path takes steps down to the slanted boulders at the base. Take care as you scramble across the rocks – they are very slippery!
The massive rock face amplifies the sound of falling water, giving it the “cathedral” in its name. It is stunning to stand in its shadow and watch the water flow over the falls and downriver. See more photos of Cathedral Falls and learn about the trail.
Dill Falls and Upper Dill Falls
From NC Highway 215, turn on Forest Road 4663. Drive two miles and take a slight left on Forest Road 4663B at the fork. Continue on FR 4663B for half a mile.
Park at the wide area at the end of the road. From here, there are two hiking trails – one leading down to Dill Falls and one heading up to Upper Dill Falls. These trails are old logging roads with no markers. Each trail is a half mile roundtrip.
I suggest starting with Dill Falls and then working your way uphill to the upper falls. Dill Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Tanasee Creek.
Return on the same path back uphill to where you parked your car then take the right trail uphill. This is a steep quarter-mile trail, walking on an incline almost all the way. Look for a spur trail to your left. Take the steep, downhill route to the base of the falls.
Upper Dill Falls is around 20-feet. Make sure to walk around for different vantage points as the waterfall looks very different depending on where you stand. See more photos of Dill Falls and Upper Dill Falls and learn about the trail.
For other waterfalls in the area, check out my list of Brevard waterfalls.