Mountain Bike Rides with Waterfalls in Western North Carolina
Welcome to the Land of Waterfalls, where the trails are unforgettable and the views are unmatched. Make your next mountain bike outing that much more epic by adding one (or two!) of these falls to your route.
Did you know Western North Carolina is home to an Appalachian temperate rainforest?
This high rainfall leads to rich biodiversity and a great abundance of ✨waterfalls✨.
Here are some top waterfalls you can bike to:
💧 High Falls: DuPont State Forest
The largest waterfall in DuPont, High Falls is a geological marvel where the water doesn't just drop, it clings to the rock face, sliding down 120 feet of solid granite. Take Buck Forest Road, which leads you over a beautiful covered wooden bridge floating over the deceptively calm Little River. Fun fact: The water flows under this bridge just moments before plunging down the slide. Hang right onto High Falls Trail to catch views of the two iconic waterfalls, High Falls & Triple Falls (dismount required near falls & watch out for hikers, this is a busy trail for all).
💧 Triple Falls: DuPont State Forest
A stark contrast to the smooth slide of High Falls upstream, Triple Falls is a massive three-tiered "staircase." Thanks to its striking and unusual shape, you can be on a level rock just feet away from the cascading water (behind the barrier, of course!). A lengthy staircase provides access to this up close & personal view, but it’s a spectacular sight even from the main path. Reach it via Buck Forest Road & High Falls Loop Trail.
Not only is Triple Falls a favorite for locals, it was for movie producers as it was used in the Hunger Games, along with Bridal Veil Falls.
💧 Grassy Creek Falls: DuPont State Forest
Just a short distance from Triple & High Falls, this quieter and peaceful oasis is tucked away. We love hitting this falls as it’s conveniently right off Hilltop Trail, a sweet intermediate trail we like to add in on a DuPont half-day guided ride or lesson.
Hilltop connects you to the many of the park’s popular intermediate flow mountain bike trails like Ridgeline, Jim Branch, Isaac Health, and Hooker Creek Trail. The waterfall is also right off Buck Forest Road, which is great to add in for a gravel or beginner MTB ride.
💧 Daniel Ridge Falls: Daniel Ridge Loop / Pisgah National Forest
The falls (also known as Tom’s Spring Falls) are a stunning 90-foot curtain that spans the width of the rock face. Take a short ride on a double track from the primitive parking lot at the end of Forest Service Road 475 before greeting the backcountry beauty.
If you are looking for a technical, challenging Pisgah adventure, look no further than the full Daniel Ridge Loop to earn your view of the falls — though you can reach the sight easily from the starting gravel.
Hurricane Helene and other major rain events have impacted the Daniels Ridge area and we strongly suggest a guide or an experienced local to ride with you if you do decide on the full Loop.
💧 Bridal Veil Falls: DuPont State Forest
This 120-foot waterfall was famously also used in the filming of The Hunger Games movies! The falls are wonderfully wide and lined with mountain laurel that blooms in the late spring. Please dismount near the falls where instructed (we walked our bikes up for this shot). We love accessing this via Corn Mill Shoals Trail, which features baby drops/roll-downs throughout. Don’t miss this one!
💧 Wintergreen Falls: DuPont State Forest
If you are looking for a quieter experience in DuPont away from the main attraction loops, head over to Wintergreen Falls. True to its name, the area stays lush and green year-round with heavy rhododendron cover. Tarklin Branch Road & Wintergreen Trail are mostly washed-out doubletrack, making for a rugged, raw ride that is still fairly accessible to most riders. Horses often use the trail and remember bikers always yield to horses!
We love taking our summer campers here to cool off after a full day of mountain bike skills & epic trails!
💧 Cove Creek Falls: Pisgah National Forest
Just down the road from Daniel Ridge, Cove Creek Falls, is a modest, idyllic falls waiting for you. The falls here are tucked into a tight, mossy gorge that feels like a secret garden. Cove Creek Loop is a great intermediate Pisgah sampler. Plus, throughout Pisgah National Forest, you will typically stumble past smaller falls and babbling brooks as you weave through the trails. 🐟
