Waterfalls In North Carolina That Look Just Like Bali

Picture this: you’re walking along a winding trail through a dense forest as birds squawk loudly as they fly above your head; sunlight dapples through the canopies and spreads across the floor like gold coins scattered on the earth. The air is thick with the smell of earth and rain, and you hear the sounds of water flowing, before the trail opens up to the sight of a towering waterfall gushing over a cliff face thick in green foliage and tumbling onto moss-kissed rocks.

You might be imagining a scene of a waterfall in Bali, where waterfalls are surrounded by jungle scenery and require an adventurous mind to access them, but you may be surprised to find that similar sites can be found right here in North Carolina. Yes, you don’t have to board a plane to find waterfalls in North Carolina that look like Bali, but you do need to jump in your car and pack your hiking legs and can-do attitude …. and a little bit of imagination.

Linville Falls

Waterfall in the mountains falling into a pool below

Distance from Raleigh: 224 miles (360 km)
Drive time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and accessed off the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, is Lineville Falls, one of the most beautiful places in North Carolin, according to locals.

Linville Falls is the most voluminous waterfall on the northern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is fed by the high-volume Linville River. This tiered cascade tumbles ferociously over a craggy rock cliff into a glassy pool below. The whole falls measures over 90 ft, with its main fall measuring 45 ft.

Linville Falls is surrounded by a dramatic gorge that’s thick in foliage, and could easily be mistaken for Tegenungan Waterfall in Bali, which shares a similar verdant landscape. Unlike Tegenungan Waterfall, though, Linville Falls has a longer hike to access. To get there, you must pull over at the trailhead near Milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and then embark on a moderate 1.6-mile loop hike from the Visitors Center.

Note, that due to the fast-flowing water, you cannot swim in Linville Falls. Read more: While you’re visiting Linville Falls, why not check out the blissful mountain town of Boone? Here are some unmissable things to do in Boone!

Crabtree Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 235 miles (378 km)
Drive time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Another beautiful waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway is Crabtree Falls, which is one of the most scenic falls along the scenic drive. Located off Milepost 339.5, simply walk an easy, 2.6-mile loop hike from the trailhead at the Crabtree Meadows Picnic Area, and you’ll reach this 70-foot cascade tucked under the canopies of mixed oak-hickory and rhododendron thickets.

The falls tumble over a granite cliff, which tumbles down the mountainside in a series of beautiful, flowing steps. The lush forest setting and moss-covered rocks, and fast rushing water are akin to Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Bali, which also tumbles over a series of rocks. Unlike Kanto Lampo, you cannot swim in Crabtree Falls due to safety concerns over the slippery rocks.

This waterfall is especially dramatic after a rainstorm and is well worth a stop for those driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Little Bradley Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 256 miles (411 km)
Drive time: 4 hours

Not many people think to head South to the town of Saluda, just above our border with South Carolina, but perhaps Little Bradley Falls is your reason to visit. Located in the Green River Game Lands, this hidden gem is a serene 50-foot cascading waterfall surrounded by dense forest and tumbling over sweeping granite rocks, feeding a large pool at the bottom that’s perfect for swimming in on a hot summer’s day.

Little Bradley Falls reminds me of Jembong Waterfall in Bali, which is also tucked away in a gorge and surrounded by foliage. Unlike the hardwood trees around Little Bradley Falls, Jembong is surrounded by chocolate trees and ferns, but it’s similar in that it cascades over a black granite rock similar to the rock type you see at Little Bradley.

A big difference is that Little Bradley Falls hasn’t been overcommercialised for tourism and doesn’t have a resort at the bottom of it! Personally, that sounds better to me. You can access Little Bradley Falls via a moderate 1.9-mile hike along the Little Bradley Falls Trail, which starts from a small parking area off Little Bradley Falls Road.

Paradise Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 315 miles (506 km)
Drive time: 5 hours

Not too far away in the rugged Nantahala National Forest, which is home to several of our favourite waterfalls in North Carolina. One of those is Paradise Falls, a stunning and lesser-known waterfall that’s perfect for those who love a bit of adventure off the beaten path.

To reach the falls, you’ll need to hike the Paradise Falls Trail, which starts at a small parking area off Canada Road near Tuckasegee. The trail is about a half a mile round trip, but it’s a challenging trail involving descending a muddy mountainside with ropes, and there are sections that require scrambling over tree roots and rocks.

Once you reach the falls, you’re treated to a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall cascading over a beautiful rocky cliff face, plunging into a glassy pool below that’s ideal for swimming in. There’s also a cliff jumping spot with a rope, if you’re feeling brave enough.

It looks similar to the Aling-Aling Waterfall, as well as some sections of the Desa Musi Waterfall in Bali, which are known for their refreshing pools and cliff jumping spots. Due to its remote location and the level of adventure you need to access it, this is a hidden treasure that you may get all to yourself.

Elk River Falls

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Distance from Raleigh: 218 miles (350 km)
Drive time: 4 hours

On the other side of the state close to the Tennessee border is Elk River Falls, near the cute small town of Banner Elk in the Pisgah Game Lands. This refreshing swimming spot is relatively easy-to-access by walking a short 500 meter hike from a parking area off River Elk Road, which connects to Highway 194.

The stunning 50-foot cascade plunges into a deep pool surrounded by large rocks and thick, lush forest. The falls are particularly popular for the refreshing pool below which looks like a wonderful swimming spot for a hot day but the currents in the pool directly in front of the waterfall are very strong and people have died To the LEFT of the boulders downstream is is the safe wading area nd beach. Although it may be tempting, it’s advised not to walk along the top of the falls or jump off as the rocks are slippery and have led to serious accidents in the past. Don’t be that person!

While the falls aren’t as large as some of the more famous waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, they are a striking resemblance to the Kembar Waterfall in Bali.

Looking Glass Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 280 miles (452 km)
Drive time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Just outside of Brevard, one of the cutest small towns in North Carolina, is Looking Glass Falls, which has a distinct resemblance to one of Bali’s most famous waterfalls, Pucuk waterfall. Located in Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this impressive 60 foot fall cascades down a rock face into a large pool. The falls are named after the way the water reflects sunlight off the rock face, which is said to be looking like glass.

It’s also accessible, unlike many other waterfalls in the area. Simply walk along a short paved trail and you’re at the falls – it’s perfect for families.

Rainbow Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 333 miles (535 km)
Drive time: 6 hours

Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park is a striking 150-foot waterfall, surrounded by dense forest filled with wildflowers. What’s unique about Rainbow Falls is that often the light shines on the water in such a way that it reflects rainbows. Tegenungan Waterfall in Bali has a similar phenomenon at sunset as the sun casts a glow behind it, illuminating the water and often creating rainbows.

To access Rainbow Falls, there is a moderate 1.7-mile hiking trail to the falls, but you can continue along the trail to see two more beautiful waterfalls, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls. The entire loop trail for all three falls is 4 miles.

Upper Whitewater Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 304 miles (489 km)
Drive time: 5 hours

Another beautiful waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States, with a dramatic drop of 411 feet. Upper Whitewater Falls is a cluster of falls that tumble over jagged rocks and are surrounded by a thick forest of hardwoods and conifers, similar to the scenes you would find at Banyumala Twin Waterfall in Bali.

To access the falls, there is a short, paved path from the Upper Whitewater Falls Overlook, which is about 500 meters from a parking area off Highway 281. The falls are best seen from the overlook, where you can clearly see the dips and folds in the rock and admire the way the water separates in a series of trails, but you can also take a steep trail down to the base of the falls for an up-close experience.

Silver Run Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 310 miles (498 km)
Drive time: 5 hours

Also in the Nantahala National Forest is Silver Run Falls, just outside the town of Cashiers. This short, 25 foot cascade is a popular swimming spot and is accessible by a 300 meter paved trail, making it ideal for families. It’s low height, surrounding lush forest landscape, and clear waters make it synonymous with Bali’s popular swimming hole, Air Terjun Sambangan.

Mingo Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 303 miles (487 km)
Drive time: 5 hours

We love the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s one of our favorite national parks and the perfect getaway from Raleigh. Known for its hiking trails and bear activity, the Smokies are also home to some hidden waterfalls that could easily be mistaken for a lost waterfall in the jungles of Indonesia.

One of those falls is just outside the famous mountain town of Cherokee, Mingo Falls. This impressive 120 foot tall cascade is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Smokies, and is known for its snaggy rock face and narrow, graceful flow gently tippling over the folds and boulders. They are also surrounded by lush, thick forest, similar to Yeh Mampeh Waterfall or Pucak Manik Waterfall in Bali.

Mingo Falls is accessible by a steep 500 meter hike from the Mingo Falls parking area, which is situated off Big Cove Road. The trail is relatively easy to follow but be prepared for a bit of an uphill climb and a series of 161 stairs that take you closer to the base of the falls. From the base, you can view the falls from a wooden viewing bridge directly in front of the falls.

Dry Falls

Distance from Raleigh: 326 miles (524 km)
Drive time: 5 hours

Lastly, nestled in the concentrated Nantahala National Forest, is Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls. Don’t let the name deceive you, these falls are so named because there is a path behind the falls that allow you to walk behind the water flow and stay dry – well, if you’re lucky!

This 75-ft. tall waterfall is a fast-flowing waterfall tucked in a picturesque gorge, similar to Bali’s famous cave waterfall, Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Although you’d be unlikely to stay dry when visiting Tukad Cepung!

Dry Falls is accessed by a 300 meter walk near Highlands. The trail is well-maintained, making it perfect for families and those looking for a quick, scenic walk. The wide cascade of water flowing over a rock ledge and impressive rocky landscape make Dry Falls one of the most unique in North Carolina.

Waterfalls in North Carolina that look just like Bali

Linville Falls

Crabtree Falls

Little Bradley Falls

Paradise Falls

Elk River Falls

Looking Glass Falls

Rainbow Falls

Upper Whitewater Falls

Silver Run Falls

Mingo Falls

Dry Falls

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About The Author

Caroline Makepeace

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