Looking Glass Falls, NC

Looking Glass Falls From a Lower Platform, NC

Looking Glass Falls is a true roadside gem. It doesn't require a hike to have a close-up view of a natural wonder and feel a refreshing blanket of mist on your face. There are two viewing platforms, the top one is at the head of the parking area along the road, and the other sits at the foot of the waterfall with flights of steps leading straight to it.

Looking Glass Falls is located directly off Hwy 276 between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Brevard, NC, in the Pisgah National Forest. By far, it was the easiest waterfall sight to access and view in both South and North Carolina. There's no admission fee and this natural attraction is always open to the public.

Sets of stairs lead down directly to the creek and a pool at the foot of the waterfall.

An up-close view just takes your breath away. A 60-foot drop creates a refreshing blanket of mist when it rolls off the cliff. The weather was pleasantly warm, and the water level was low at this time of the year, so we got close to the drop and felt tiny cool water droplets touching our faces.

Looking Glass Creek

There are rocks of all shapes and sizes at the bottom of the falls you can sit on, enjoy views, relax, and watch the world go by.

Surrounded by the towering rock walls standing guard above us, we perched on one of the boulders to relish the moment and soak it all up.

We visited later in the fall, past leaf season, so we didn't have the chance to marvel at all the vivid fall colors of plant life surrounding the falls, but we fully enjoyed unobstructed views and fewer crowds.

Words cannot describe how much we enjoyed this natural wonder. Feeling like all the weight of this day flows out of me to the sound of rushing water, this could definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So if you were looking for a sign to venture out into the great outdoors and explore more, this is it.