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Waterfall is right next to the road so it can be very crowded during peak time. Parking and photo opportunities will be limited to. Just walk down flights of stairs and you will be at the waterfall. You can get very close if you want to, only if you wear waterproof shoe or if you don't mind getting wet.
I can not believe how accessible it is to get to this breathtaking waterfall! On route to fall you have many spots to pull over bring lunch or snacks and see flowing river that takes you to the fall. I'm not a fan of stairs and there's a few sets leading down to it but they are not bad at all.. it's a must to go down see and feel the magnitude of this fall. Just very stunning to see how tall it is at bottom. Just be careful if you go off path to the rocks and water because can be slippery but wow! I'm very glad we took time to come find this beautiful spot!!
Now this is one beautiful, accessible waterfall. Lots of people taking selfies, but who wouldn't want this wonderful backdrop in their photos?! Parking along the road is easy to find, although tourist season hasn't hit yet. People don't stay long, so it should not be hard to find a temporary space. At these falls you are actually aloud to wade in the water. Parents need to be cautious of their little ones as I am sure the rocks are slippery. You can view the falls from different levels, but it's nice to take the steps all the way to the bottom. It's worth it.
A beautiful staple miles away from Asheville if you're new to the area! It's an easy drive getting to the falls, just small windy roads. Once you get there (and there's a lot of off road parking), you can feel the mist of the waterfall when you get out of the car. It's about 60 steps to get down to the fall, and you are able to walk around the barricade to dip your feet in the water. It's free but it's not an ideal place to "swim." It's very rocky and who knows what's living in that water. I recommend coming during the spring when the waterfall shine's a rainbow.
We stopped in here to look at this beautiful location. A couple of things I wish I had known. It is long and winding road on the 276 coming south from Ashville. Long....long and winding roads and zero bathroom stops, which is not good when coming from breweries in Ashville. Come in from the south through Brevard, the falls are very close when coming from that direction. The falls themself need to go down some stairs and on rocks that are not even, you can look from the stairs, but if you can go down do so. It is a great and free stop showing North Carolina and its natural locations and sites.
There were a lot of vehicles parked along the side of the road headed to Sliding Rock. All of a sudden, the cars stop and we see a waterfall. Metal note to stop on the way out has been made. We stop on the way out and expect to take some beautiful scenic photos of the water. My son runs to the ledge and see that there are people in the water. So, logically, we go down to find our way closer to the waterfall. The spot is absolutely breathtaking. Amazing open view of the waterfall, good flat rocks to sit on while you just take in the surroundings, and not too deep that I am worried about my nine year old exploring. If I had a pool noodle or a life vest, I would have let him swim in the deeper area nearer the waterfall.
Very easy falls to drive to. Easy 30 minute drive from the airport. The good: easy parking, paved walkway down to the falls, good handrails and not to steep. You can also see and feel the falls from the side of the road without even getting out of the car. The bad: only parking for about 10 cars.
Gorgeous place, easy parking on the side of the roads with multiple stopping areas. Dog friendly and people friendly. Able to swim and to walk around (very cautiously) on rocks. Relaxing to just lay on a massive rock and listen to the waterfall. read more
5-Stars for simply being a beautiful waterfall relatively close to town and located just a few short steps from the road, no hiking required. There are 3 viewpoints: road level, mid-level down a short set of stairs, and at the base down a second set of stairs. This is a great option for people with little kids, people with limited mobility, or those just short on time. There is limited roadside parking. Free to visit. No restroom. Easy peasy. read more
4 months ago
This waterfall is a minute walk to the lookout and if you have enough energy, you can walk down and get closer to the falls park on the street on the side. It was beautiful. Limited parking on street. read more
6 months ago
Easy to get to. Good if you have kids with you. Parking right next to the waterfall. Stairs access down. Looks like it would be even more fun during summertime read more
2 years ago
Waterfall is right next to the road so it can be very crowded during peak time. Parking and photo opportunities will be limited to. Just walk down flights of stairs and you will be at the waterfall. You can get very close if you want to, only if you wear waterproof shoe or if you don't mind getting wet. read more
2 years ago
I can not believe how accessible it is to get to this breathtaking waterfall! On route to fall you have many spots to pull over bring lunch or snacks and see flowing river that takes you to the fall. I'm not a fan of stairs and there's a few sets leading down to it but they are not bad at all.. it's a must to go down see and feel the magnitude of this fall. Just very stunning to see how tall it is at bottom. Just be careful if you go off path to the rocks and water because can be slippery but wow! I'm very glad we took time to come find this beautiful spot!! read more
Now this is one beautiful, accessible waterfall. Lots of people taking selfies, but who wouldn't want this wonderful backdrop in their photos?! Parking along the road is easy to find, although tourist season hasn't hit yet. People don't stay long, so it should not be hard to find a temporary space. At these falls you are actually aloud to wade in the water. Parents need to be cautious of their little ones as I am sure the rocks are slippery. You can view the falls from different levels, but it's nice to take the steps all the way to the bottom. It's worth it. read more
A beautiful staple miles away from Asheville if you're new to the area! It's an easy drive getting to the falls, just small windy roads. Once you get there (and there's a lot of off road parking), you can feel the mist of the waterfall when you get out of the car. It's about 60 steps to get down to the fall, and you are able to walk around the barricade to dip your feet in the water. It's free but it's not an ideal place to "swim." It's very rocky and who knows what's living in that water. I recommend coming during the spring when the waterfall shine's a rainbow. read more
Our first stop on our chasing waterfalls adventure. This was probably my favorite of the few we saw today. It was beautiful! The stairway and walkway were easy to access and clear of ice. Which was great considering how cold it was. read more
We stopped in here to look at this beautiful location. A couple of things I wish I had known. It is long and winding road on the 276 coming south from Ashville. Long....long and winding roads and zero bathroom stops, which is not good when coming from breweries in Ashville. Come in from the south through Brevard, the falls are very close when coming from that direction. The falls themself need to go down some stairs and on rocks that are not even, you can look from the stairs, but if you can go down do so. It is a great and free stop showing North Carolina and its natural locations and sites. read more
There were a lot of vehicles parked along the side of the road headed to Sliding Rock. All of a sudden, the cars stop and we see a waterfall. Metal note to stop on the way out has been made. We stop on the way out and expect to take some beautiful scenic photos of the water. My son runs to the ledge and see that there are people in the water. So, logically, we go down to find our way closer to the waterfall. The spot is absolutely breathtaking. Amazing open view of the waterfall, good flat rocks to sit on while you just take in the surroundings, and not too deep that I am worried about my nine year old exploring. If I had a pool noodle or a life vest, I would have let him swim in the deeper area nearer the waterfall. read more
Situated right along the highway is this beautiful waterfall. During winter it can get pretty icy on the bottom deck, so be careful. They advised no one to enter the water at the time of this review (January 2022) because of falling rock potential. Parking is along the road. read more
Very easy falls to drive to. Easy 30 minute drive from the airport. The good: easy parking, paved walkway down to the falls, good handrails and not to steep. You can also see and feel the falls from the side of the road without even getting out of the car. The bad: only parking for about 10 cars. read more
Brevard is so cute! I loved exploring the town and Pisgah National Forest hikes. During the Summer it is heavily populated which is both great and not so fun. Great for single party hikers like me who don't want to be kidnapped or mauled by an animal. Not so great for parking and taking scenic photos where you have to crop the people in the background out of them. Looking Glass Falls is just a few minutes drive inside the National Park. There's tons of parking alongside the road, close to the overlook and stairs. Unless I missed it, there isn't really a "hike" to get you to these falls. It's more of a park and there it is, kind of deal. I visited on a hot August day where tons of families were taking advantage of the cool waters and treating it as a swimming hole. There was tons of water in the falls which I found odd for it being late Summer, but a few storms had passed through the area a week before so I guess it adds up. I'd say never rely on waterfall pictures online solely - look at the dates, read up about the time of year expectancy, and so on. Otherwise you may be disappointed about how full they look in comparison to images you saw online. I was lucky and pleasantly surprised! This is a lovely spot for families. There's tons of easy hikes nearby, restaurants, a brewery, picnic areas and so much more. I saw many people fishing in the streams and swimming in the low current rivers. If you're road tripping, this area is great for a quick scenic group of sights for sore eyes. It's right off the freeway and most of the hikes are not long or strenuous. For Looking Glass, you can literally pop out to the car look, take pictures and jump back in - it's that convenient of a stop. Definitely recommend! read more
2 years ago
This waterfall is located in the Pisgah National Forest. Easy to find it is located right off Pisgah highway or 276. It's just North of Brevard. No parking lot so just pull over and park on the widened shoulder. Not much of a hike more of an attraction. It's only about a 5 minute walk to the falls. Family friendly so anyone can join and enjoy. Of the 12 waterfalls I hiked to on this trip I would put it in the top 5. read more
3 years ago
What an amazing time we had at Looking Glass Falls! Located right inside the Pigsah National Forest! You can find lots of parking right before the falls. Descend down 4-5 flights of stars and you are at the base of the waterfall. My husband and I brought our dog and he was able to experience an extraordinary time. We went on a cold day so I recommend layering up near the base of the waterfall. Make sure to wear boots or sneakers as you climb on rocks down by the falls. Overall, we would definitely be back! read more
While on vacation in Asheville, we knew we would have to make some time to see some waterfalls! It's just what you do. The Fella did some googling and searching and Looking Glass Falls was on the top of our To See list. The previous day we had done a massive hike and were sore and tired. So we were interested in some falls that didn't require *too* much physical exertion. Looking Glass Falls is easily accessible for all physical ability levels and gave us what we were looking for. It is an easy, simple drive from Asheville and in to the Pisgah National Forest. It is a lovely drive through the woods. We were on the road early enough on Mother's Day morning that most people weren't clogging up the roads yet, and there were only a few other people at the Falls when we arrived. As you approach the falls area, there is a rather long stretch of parking available. I am sure it fills up quickly as the day goes on and more people make their way in to the park. Alongside of the parking lane is a paved sidewalk leading up to the viewing area. There are a few flights of stairs leading to the bottom of the falls, with a couple points/landings to stop and take photos. You get a great view from the top, but if you are capable, take the time to go down and see it from all available view points! The falls are absolutely lovely. We were maybe a little spoiled with our visit...getting there in the morning while the sun was streaming through the leaves and the morning fog and mist from the falls were floating up....I just....it was spectacularly beautiful and peaceful on that particular morning. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the area! read more
This spot was well worth the drive. Beautiful views driving through the forest. Leftover areas of ice which was beautiful. Falls had a great view from up on the deck and it was an easy walk to get a closer look! Lots of places to stop and take a picture. read more
3 years ago
A nice easy stop off the Pisgah Highway with a great view of the falls. This scenic view and stop are directly off the Pisgah highway. There is limited parking along the side of the road that has the falls. The waterfall is right off the road and easy to see from the sidewalk. It is a plunge waterfall that looked about 30 feet across at the top with about an 80-foot plunge into a broad pool. The viewing platform is about 200 feet from the falls with about 1/2 of that distance covered by rock/ground above water and the rest is the pool that the water cascades into. For the adventurous, you can descend several concrete (wide) steps to get to the bottom where there is a platform for you to take pictures or just enjoy the view. The really adventurous people in your group can go beyond the walkway and stand right by the falls. I have even seen pictures of people in the water although I would recommend staying on the walkway and viewing platform for your safety. Overall, a very nice stop off the Pisgah highway that has a very nice view and is easy to access, and provides great pictures in various seasons. Enjoy! read more
My partner and I regularly enjoy hikes, even more so when there's a waterfall. Best yet, we got to go to - not one, but two waterfalls during our monthly trips. Driving here was relatively easy with paved roads. Parking is right off to the side and you can take a short walk to the overlook down to the falls. Thankfully, it stormed the night before, so the waterfall was at full force. As this spot is fairly popular, I'd recommend coming here before noon. read more
Looking Glass Falls is a pretty spectacular "don't miss" for anyone visiting the Brevard area. And over the years, it seems not many people have. In summer especially, the area can get jammed with sightseerers who unfortunately can behave rudely by repeatedly blocking the best views and ignoring those around them. That gripe aside, the falls are a high volume gem of Pisgah Forest, best seen midday and afternoon when the sun hits the water. There's plenty of parking, and you can even see the falls as you drive by on Hwy 276. But do stop and walk the steps down to the bottom where the views are breathtaking and the noise thrilling. We've been coming here for nearly 50 year and never get tired of it. read more
3 years ago
Long history with these falls Transylvania County Native with a long history with these falls. My father was part of the Civilian Conservation Corp back in the 1930's and he help build the road by these falls. When I was growing up, this was a frequent stop. I've seen it with a torrent going over it after a heavy rain. I've seen it under drought conditions where is was not spectacular. I've seen it in winter with icy almost covering the face.Been 60+ years but I saw it before a huge portion of the rock face on the left let go and fell into the river. This was a place special to my father to the point he even commissioned an oil panting or it and Connestee Falls which are now in my home. One trick you may want to play on the unsuspecting. On the vertical wall on the right side of the road going up are a series of rock shelves. Looking closely you will see kind of yellow amorphous Chrystal's growing. My fathers would encourage us to taste them and you can too. He called them Mountain Honey. Beware - This is a natural source of Alum and if you've ever had a Kosher Dill, you will know it not sugar read more
4 years ago
Absolutely beautiful! It can be a little tricky to find a parking spot close to the waterfall but if you're willing to walk a little it shouldn't be too bad. The bottom of the waterfall is deep & it is rocky so wearing water shoes is advisable. I loved it here! Definitely recommend visiting during the summer! read more
8 years ago
This is one of the EASIEST high volume waterfalls to access in the South that I know! You don't even have to leave the roadway to fully see it, but if you want to get closer, the steps down to the viewing area are not strenuous. Most anyone of any age could handle a walk to the riverbed near the falls. It also happens to be in a very convenient location near civilization, which is probably why it is insanely popular. The one and only negative I have about this waterfall would be some of the people that come to visit. Since it is a very photo friendly waterfall, people come here in mass quantities to take wedding, engagement, family, group, couples and individual photos. Some families can be very large and very discourteous, wanting to hog large amounts of time to take an album full of different poses without regard to others also waiting. It was almost enough to make me lose my patience with one family. They seemed to be completely oblivious to all those waiting and exercising great patience for their lack of etiquette. I truly almost lost it when after waiting more than 8 minutes for them to finish (and it seemed like they were just getting started) we decided to go to a different place to stand. We found someone willing to take our picture, so I walked over and handed her our camera. Just as I'm getting back in position, a portion of their family decided to go to a different spot on the opposite side of us to take more pictures and came strolling in front of the camera as were trying to get a clean shot. I swear I thought I grew horns and a tail in that very moment! So when coming to enjoy this beautiful 60 foot waterfall, PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS who would like to get pictures with their family just as much as you would like to have pics of yours. TIP - The sun rises behind the waterfall, making mornings less ideal for photography. 2018/75 read more
What a beautiful view and great experience! The only reason I give this a 4 star is because I really feel that before the hike begins there should be information on the information post at the beginning of the hike that dictates this is a 3.10 mile hike one way and 6.20 round trip. We did not expect the hike to be that long and therefore we did not prepare with what we would have if we had known. If you are not an experienced hiker (we are not) it's good to know how long a hike is. Besides that the view was spectacular and the hike itself was so clearly marked. We knew exactly where to go which makes it difficult to get lost which I loved. We highly recommend coming to see the waterfall as well. Make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks and toilet paper. read more
3 years ago
10 years ago
While on one of our day trips, Noel, Tony and Sammi and I visited Looking Glass Waterfalls near Brevard, NC part of the Pisgah Forest. This area is considered the Land of Waterfalls because there are so many in this one general area. The falls are open to the public and are accessible on the side of U.S. Highway 276, approximately 5.6 miles north of the intersection of 276, U.S. Highway 64, and NC Highway 280 in Brevard, North Carolina. It is an extremely popular waterfall, due to ease of access to the falls directly on the side of the road. There is a path that leads to the plunge pool. According to local Emergency Services personnel, there have been many injuries and deaths at the falls, mainly due to individuals who rock climb near the edge of the falls and accidentally fall in the plunge pool, or persons who jump in the plunge pool. Persons who visit Looking Glass Falls should take care to respect both basic safety rules and the fragile environment that exist at the falls Once we parked along the road and walked up the start of the trail down to the falls. It was so packed. The weather was nice and hot so there was a lot of people enjoying the water, rocks and falls. It was actually very crowded, reminded me of places my parents used to take me as a kid to swim and play with my brothers and cousins when growing up. I really liked this area and definitely will go back again. read more
Looking Glass Falls is an easily accessible, stunning waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest. The base of the falls is accessible via a few flights of stairs and you can also swim there. Parking can be a significant issue, especially on weekend afternoons. You'll need to parallel park on the side of the road in designated areas. Highly recommend as an easy, beautiful stopoff if driving through the area. read more
6 years ago
This is the best waterfall around! It is in Pisgah National Forest, right off the road and down some stairs. So, if you're not up for a long and treacherous hike like you have to do for so many other waterfalls, this is the perfect spot for you. If you want to make the visit a little more adventurous, you can make the journey across the water and rocks to the other side and sit on the rocks in a more private area, because the main rock area just beneath the stairs can get very crowded. The walk across the rocks however is difficult, so just be careful. My friend and I spent an hour here with my baby and we had an amazing time, I would highly recommend this waterfall. read more
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