Outdoor Guide
Waterfalls, hikes & outdoor events — NC High Country
The NC High Country has some of the most accessible waterfalls and trail systems in the Southeast. Below: a live list of upcoming outdoor events from our calendar, plus a quick guide to four of the best waterfall hikes in the region.
Upcoming outdoor events
Pulled live from our events calendar.
Outdoor & Hiking
Scenic Chairlift Rides
Tue, Sep 15, 2026
See Sugar
Outdoor & Hiking
Concerts in the Park
Tue, Sep 15, 2026
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce
Outdoor & Hiking
Tango in the Park
Tue, Sep 15, 2026
Spruce Pine
Outdoor & Hiking
A Simple Path to Outdoor Creativity with Wes Waugh
Tue, Sep 15, 2026
Blowing Rock NC
Outdoor & Hiking
Mountain Biking
Tue, Sep 15, 2026
See Sugar
Outdoor & Hiking
Run Club!
Tue, Sep 15, 2026
Boone Taproom
Waterfall quick guide
Easy0.8 mi
Linville Falls
0.8mi to upper falls overlook, paved parking — the most accessible major waterfall in the region.
Moderate0.5 mi
Elk Falls (Elk Park)
0.5mi steep descent to a wide 50ft plunge pool — popular swimming hole on summer weekends.
Moderate1.5 mi
Glen Burney Falls (Blowing Rock)
1.5mi, dog-friendly, accessed via Annie Cannon Park in downtown Blowing Rock.
Strenuous3 mi RT
Upper Creek Falls
3mi round trip on Wilson Creek — one of the tallest cascades in the region.