Looking Glass Falls

If you're chasing waterfalls but you don't have time to commit to a long hike or sweat-filled day, head to Looking Glass Falls. Located within Pisgah National Forest outside of the quaint town of Brevard, North Carolina, the falls offer easy access and a non-existent hike perfect for the kiddos and a picnic. During summer months Looking Glass Falls is a hot spot, and road-side parking often fills up. After taking in the falls, turn left to head back to Brevard for shopping, ice cream, and beers, or take a right and head straight for the parkway for more adventures.

Looking Glass Falls drops 60 feet into a surprisingly shallow pool. The falls are named after the nearby Looking Glass Rock, which is known for its shimmering, glass-like shine during the winter months. The pool is perfect for cooling off or splashing around on a hot day. If you head to the falls in the morning you're likely to catch beautiful lighting, fewer crowds, and a fly fisherman or two near the base or just downriver.

While the view beside or near the top of the falls is sure to be impressive, this waterfall racks up a hefty number of injuries and fatalities, so use your brain and heed to those warning signs. A fall from the top is almost sure to be fatal due to the very shallow rocky pool below. Stick to the path, river, and grassy area below, and you're bound to have a beautiful relaxing time.