.The title "Land of Waterfalls"................More Pictures Click >.

Was bestowed on Transylvania County in 1912 for good reason; Transylvania contains more waterfalls than any other county in the state. Waterfalls are plentiful in Transylvania County primarily because of the topography and geology of the region. The county lies between the high points of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont regions of North and South Carolina. Because of the location there is a significant change in elevation throughout the county. Another very important aspect of Transylvania's immense abundance of waterfalls is the amount of rainfall. Transylvania County has the highest average rainfall east of the Pacific Northwest. Brevard averages nearly 70 inches annually and Lake Toxaway, in the western part of the county, averages 80 inches. Though Transylvania's waterfalls are at present visited by tourists, earlier in history they were sites for industries. Settlers used many of the falls in the region for water-powered grist mills, hence came such names as Mill Shoals or Mill Falls. Not all early industries located around waterfalls were legal.

The production of moonshine,' the illegal manufacturing of homemade liquor, was easily concealed near isolated waterfalls. This became a booming business for bootleggers. Today Transylvania's waterfalls brings. tourists from all over.

Looking Glass Falls is one of most popular waterfalls in the state.

The falls are named after the immense dome Looking Glass Rock which is visible from U.S. 276 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Looking Glass Falls - One of the most scenic and best known falls in the Eastern United States. Adjacent to U.S. 276, five miles from intersection of U.S. Highways 276, 280 and 64. It is a picturesque and unbroken rush of water 30 feet wide and 60 feet high. Park in area at falls.

Whitewater Falls is another site worth seeing. It is the tallest in Transylvania and one of the highest falls in the Eastern United States.

Whitewater Falls

is located in the southwest corner of the county on the border of Jackson and Transylvania counties. For those who wish to venture out near the brink of the falls, keep in mind that Whitewater Falls claims more lives than any other in the state. Use good judgment and caution while near all water falls at all times.

Bear Wallow Falls-U.S. 64 Southwest to Whitewater Road, turn left four and one-half miles. Bear Wallow Creek is probably the most rugged stream in Transylvania County. From its origin near Oakland, it is a continuous series of falls and cascades until it joins Toxaway River near the head of Lake Jocassee. To reach the upper falls follow U.S. 64 from Rosman for 13 1/2 miles or one and one-half miles west of Toxaway River Bridge.

Cedar Rock Creek Falls- Near Cedar Rock Mountain in Pisgah National Forest. State Road 1338, right from U.S. 64 at Cathey's Creek and on right from road a short distance from Cathey's Creek Road. two falls on creek.

Cathey's Creek Falls - A short distance on left of State Road 1338, approximately three and one-half miles from Brevard on U.S. 64. Falls are beautiful and easily accessible.

Courthouse- Falls- - Hike down short trail at last bridge on Forest Service Road l 40 Courthouse Creek Road) off NC. 215 above Balsam Grove.

Connestee Falls - Two falls are at the same location, Connestee and Batson creeks, and can be viewed from many places from well-kept trail to the toot of these waterfalls. Each tall is about 110 feet high. About 100 yards from U.S. 276, 10 miles south of Brevard. CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Cove Creek Falls- A 30 foot falls off Caney Bottom Creek Trail above the Cove Creek Campground. Park at the gate to campgrounds approximately two miles above Pisgah Fish Hatchery on Forest Service Road 475.

Dismal Falls- - Bushwhack one-and one-half miles up treacherous, undeveloped path to Diamond Creek. Access is on N.C. 281 near where it climbs away from West Fork French Broad River.

Diamond Creek Falls - Diamond Creek flows into North Fork of the French Broad River near Rosman. Between the river's North Fork and West Fork near State Road 1322.

Flat Creek Falls ( also called Lovers Falls )In Quebec community to right of state Road 1313. Other falls off State Road 1147, South of U.S. 64.

Frozen Creek Shoals-- Near State Road 1139 in the Frozen Creek - Old Toxaway areas requiring only a very short hike to bottom of the Falls.

Glen Cannon Falls - One of these twin falls can be seen from the Glen Cannon Golf course. The second green is just in front of the lower falls, and a short hike is required to the top falls.

High Falls - On the South Fork of Mills River in Pisgah National Forest. Several other falls are on this fork between the Pink Beds and the Henderson County line, which requires a two mile hike from Wolfe Ford Road (FS 476).

Kiasee Falls - In a hidden cove under the Pisgah Ledge near Pinhook Gap Road 1369. In general area of Courthouse Falls.

Kathey Falls - On Bearwallow Creek about one mile from Toxaway Falls Road or three-fourths of a mile from U.S. 64. Kathey is probably the most visited of the many falls on this tributary of the Toxaway River.

Lake Toxaway Falls-U.S. 84 crosses the top of the falls, 123 feet high, 20 miles southwest of Brevard.

The waterfalls are just below Toxaway Falls dam, named Toxaway (Red Bird) by the Cherokee Indians.

Laughing Falls - One mile off U.S. 280 on Turkey Creek. Near State Road 1360 in Pisgah National Forest.

Mill Shoals Falls - Adjacent to Owens Gap Road near Jackson County line.Two other falls can be visited in same area - Dismal Falls and Still House Falls left of State Road 1308.

Moore Cove Falls- - A 50 foot falls at the end of a popular 0.7 mile trail. Parking is along U.S. 276 about 6-1-2 miles above the Ranger Station.

MT Toxaway Falls - Just over the Jackson County line. Probably the highest falls in the area. Turn right from U.S. 64 on road to Mt. Toxaway Lookout Tower. Lake Toxaway, Rosman Research Station and various other places of interest can be seen from the top of the mountain.

Pounding, Mill Falls - On Middle Fork of French Broad River near Eastatoe Gap. Can be seen from U.S. 178 or by turning on road to lakes.

Rainbow Falls- Near Whitewater Falls Road. Waterfalls on Horsepasture River one-fourth mile from N.C. 281. Drift Falls are passed before reaching the 200-foot-high Rainbow Falls.

Raven Cliff Falls -Drops 600 feet in the space of about a half mile. Two miles on right of U.S. 276 before reaching Caesar's Head. A steep path of about 60 degrees leads to the bottom of the falls.

Slick Rock Falls - On Head Water Road (FS 47SB) between the Pisgah Fish Hatchery and the Pink Beds. This Forest Service Road offers a nice drive to U.S. 276 with excellent views of John Rock and Looking Glass Rock.

Stairstep Falls - Near the headwaters of Lake Jocassee on Horsepasture River. Rough terrain, but falls can be reached by a hike down the river from Whitewater Road (N.C. 281). Several other fails can be seen on way to Stairstep Falls.

StillHouse Falls--A few of the water falls in the area have dry spaces between the water and the back wall. One of these, Stillhouse Falls, was named by the Boy Scouts, who found a liquor still behind the falls. Bushwhack from N.C.1306 or N.C. 1375.

Whitewater Falls - Turn south from U.S. 64 onto N.C. 281 near Sapphire. Parking area is near the South Carolina line.

White Owl Falls- On head waters of Thompson River on Whitewater Falls Road 1149 in the Bohaynee area. Between Rainbow and Whitewater Falls.

Windy Falls - Like many waterfalls, Windy has been known by several names. On the Horsepasture River between Rainbow and Stairstep Falls.

Wintergreen Falls - On the Toxaway River just above the entrance to Bear Wallow Creek. One of the most beautiful waterfalls- in the area. Plans should be made to see Bear Wallow Falls on the same hike. To see several falls, go down Bear Wallow then turn up Toxaway to Wintergreen.

We recommend that you investigate a beautiful book called "The Land of Waterfalls" by Brevardian Jim Bob Tinsley, a local authority on waterfalls and a national authority on cowboy music and lore. Tinsley's book also contains much of the folklore about waterfalls. You can purchase his book at The Transylvania Times, Highland Books and other locations in Brevard.

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