🍁 Chasing Waterfalls in Fall: A Long Weekend Near Asheville, NC
There’s no better time to hike near Asheville than autumn. The Blue Ridge Mountains glow with amber, scarlet, and gold. Waterfalls thunder with late-season rain. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and wild. Even though summer may just be starting, it's not too early to start thinking about those autumn trips.
This was more than just a hiking trip—it was a romantic weekend getaway. With each step along the trail and each scenic overlook, it became clear that fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is made for couples. The quiet moments under golden canopies, shared sips of coffee in the rain, and the thrill of discovering hidden waterfalls together made the experience deeply meaningful.
Despite a lingering tropical system that soaked the trails, I ventured out for a three-day hiking weekend in pursuit of some of North Carolina’s most scenic waterfalls. I returned cold, muddy—and absolutely enchanted.
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| In front of Grassy Creek Falls |
🌧️ A Rainy Weekend of Waterfall Wandering
🧼 Day 1: Grassy Creek Falls & Crabtree Falls
Grassy Creek Falls
The trail to Grassy Creek Falls felt more like a forest path than a formal hike. The drizzle continued as we followed the quiet route near Little Switzerland. Here, the forest was quieter, more intimate. Golden ferns lined the trail, and the fog clung to every branch.
Grassy Creek Falls doesn’t announce itself loudly. It emerges gradually through the trees, a wide, slanted flow of water tumbling over a flat rock face. No crowds, no noise—just the sound of rain and the steady whoosh of the falls. I sat for a while on a mossy log, watching the water, trying to memorize the way the leaves danced in the current.
Crabtree Falls
In contrast, Crabtree Falls was a full-blown autumn spectacle. The trail begins near the Blue Ridge Parkway and descends steadily into a basin where the falls roar from a towering cliff.
The hike down was steep, and my boots sank into thick layers of wet leaves. I passed a family with kids giggling under umbrellas and a couple holding hands, soaked but smiling. At the base, Crabtree Falls burst into view, tumbling like thunder down a jagged wall. Trees on either side were ablaze with color, and the air was alive with mist.
We stayed until after the sun went down and hiked back to the car in the dark. I always have my flashlight and headlamp with me for moments like this.
🌳 Day 2: Catawba Falls & Little Bradley Falls
Catawba Falls
Before the sun could rise, I headed northeast toward Old Fort. Catawba Falls is more accessible, but no less magical. The rain had picked up, and the forest here felt like something from a fairytale—thick fog, vivid leaf colors, and the soft drumbeat of rain on my hood.
The trail winds along the river, building anticipation. When the falls finally come into view, it’s breathtaking. The water cascades down rock ledges in layers, surrounded by flame-colored trees. I set up my tripod on a slick rock and took a long exposure shot, the water blurring like silk, the colors popping all around. It felt like autumn had reached its peak in that one moment. I put on my boot covers and headed into the middle of the creek to get some shots. You can also climb up to the top of the falls if you like.
We stopped and had lunch in Old Fort before moving on to the next location.
Catawba Falls is available for sale
Little Bradley Falls
After lunch and some time exploring Old Fort, we made our way to Saluda. I parked near the trailhead and stepped into a misty world where golden leaves clung to wet branches and the earthy smell of rain filled the air. The trail to Little Bradley Falls isn’t long, but it does require a few stream crossings. With the rain still falling, the rocks were slick and the current swift.
Normally the creek crossings are easy in just hiking boots or with boot covers, but today I took off my boots and rolled up my pants and crossed. When I reached the falls, the sight was worth every chilled toe. Water spilled in delicate tiers, flowing like ribbons over mossy stone. The canopy above was lit with yellows and oranges, and for a few minutes, I stood perfectly still, letting the sound of the water wash away the world.
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| Definitely much fuller than usual |
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| It's not easy, but you can climb to the top of Little Bradley Falls |
💜 Day 3: Looking Glass Falls & Linville Falls
Looking Glass Falls
My final morning began with Looking Glass Falls—the easiest to access, but still powerful and beautiful. Just off Highway 276, it’s one of the few you can see from the roadside. But that doesn’t mean it lacks magic.
The fog was thick as I arrived, and the sun was just beginning to rise. I descended the short path and found the falls roaring under the weight of the weekend rain. A few early risers had already arrived, some bundled in flannel, sipping coffee. I waited for a moment when the overlook cleared and stepped out to take a long exposure photo. The water blurred perfectly while the trees framed the scene in red and gold.
Linville Falls
Last, but not least, we drove north to Linville Gorge. Linville Falls is dramatic, powerful, and endlessly photogenic. We hiked to several overlooks, each one offering a new view of the gorge in peak autumn color.
The sky threatened more rain, but I lingered anyway. One overlook showed the river snaking through layers of orange-cloaked ridges, the falls crashing below like a ribbon of white fire. I sat on a boulder and ate the last of my snacks, completely drenched, but happier than I’d been in weeks.
🏟️ Where to Stay Near Asheville
Quality Inn Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road -- For those traveling on a budget
Tru by Hilton Asheville Blue Ridge Parkway -- Hotel with free breakfast, in the vicinity of Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
- Comfort Inn Asheville East-Blue Ridge Pkwy Access -- Easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and near Asheville
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Asheville Tunnel Road -- Near City Hall
🎒 Fall Packing Guide
Hiking Essentials:
Good hiking boots and waterproof boot covers if you want to wade into the creek for pictures
Extra socks -- you will want to change afterwards before heading to dinner
Rain jacket & fleece layers
Gloves and warm hat
Trail snacks and thermos
Headlamp, trail map, and first aid
Photography Kit:
ND filter for long exposures
Extra batteries and SD cards
Lens cloths (mist gets everywhere!)
📷 Long Exposure Photography Tips
Use a tripod and shoot in manual mode
Start with 1/4 to 2 second shutter speeds
Use a low ISO (100-200)
Aperture f/8 to f/16 for clarity
Use an ND filter to extend shutter time
Compose using fall color as a frame
Shoot in RAW for best post-processing results
🌿 Final Thoughts
The rain might’ve soaked my boots and chilled my bones, but it also transformed every trail into a mosaic of color and texture. If you ever get the chance to spend a rainy autumn weekend chasing waterfalls around Asheville, do it.
Bring your camera, your sense of wonder, and maybe an extra pair of socks.
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