Great for mountains biking and hiking. Trails are very well maintained and clearly marked. Several…read moreoptions for parking and an abundance of fun to be had. Get outside and play!

Good intermediate ride and not crowded until mid-morning during the week. Greens Lick was empty!read more

Love this hike so much. I do have to say it was quite shocking To go back after not visiting for h…read moreyears- there has been a lot of maintenance since the storms washed the bridge out last year (!?). Still a beauty though. The parking lot has space for about 15 but you can park on the side of the road if you need. It's pretty safe and spacious. This hike is great for everyone- small incline and easy 1 mile ish to a fall. Where you can swim if you wish (maybe not skinny dip though- it's pretty popular). Dog friendly. Some rocks at the end but there are alternative ways and it's not unsafe or unstable. Lots of roots but overall the pathways are lovely and wide. . You can also see the semi famous wnc dragon tree :)

SKINNY DIP FALLS is by no means a sizable waterfall and if I'm being honest, I thought it would be…read moremuch larger and more impressive! However, it is indeed a gorgeous waterfall located in a beautiful & scenic section of the forest. The trailhead to the falls is directly across the Blue Ridge Parkway from LOOKING GLASS ROCK OVERLOOK. It is a white blazed trail and although it tends to fork off to smaller, well established side trails, the main trail is pretty obvious. When in doubt, stay on the largest/widest path. The trail starts off fairly level with only minimal ups and downs, but just past the DRAGON TREE begins a significant downhill descent as it drops from an elevation of 4505 feet to 4,325 feet at the bridge. That's 180 feet in just under 1/3rd of a mile. The trail itself is a rocky and heavily-rooted one, so it is important to watch your step considering all the natural tripping hazards. Still, despite the return elevation gain, trail tripping hazards and its small size in comparison to other nearby waterfalls, it is truly a hidden beauty worthy of any waterfall hunters list! It is located on a creek known as Yellowstone Prong and it won't be hard to see where it gets its name. The stones and boulders surrounding the falls are GORGEOUS in color as collectively they take on a golden hue. It is in fact one of the prettiest natural stone settings I've seen in all my waterfall travels. There are plenty of large boulders to sit and enjoy the falls as well as different levels of the falls for everyone to have their own space. Those that climb further to the top will find tranquil hot tub sized pools of turquoise clear water at each level. Towards the bottom is the most significant fall (about 12 feet) that immediately flows into a V-shaped rock channel cutting under the bridge and into two more pools of ultra-clear water! It is a wonderfully flat area great for smaller children to safely explore, under parental supervision of course. *** PRO TIP - I didn't know it during my visit, but even further up the creek is Yellowstone Falls. I'm not absolutely certain you can reach it by climbing from Skinny Dip Falls, but online reports say it IS possible. However, the elevation gains to get to those falls is around 300 feet according to topography maps and would require some bushwhacking to reach Yellowstone Falls from Skinny Dip Falls. But if you are the adventurous type, photos definitely show a very worthy and attractive waterfall awaits. *** [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Total Hiking Distance: 1 mile (round trip) Difficulty: Easy on the way, but a tad more difficult on the return Creek Crossings: YES (bridged) Elevation Gain: 200 feet (if you climb the falls) ~ parking elevation: 4,490' ~ base of falls elevation: 4,325' Waterfall Height: around 35 feet overall counting all the tiers Waterfall source: Yellowstone Prong WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS - 8 out of 10 TRAIL ATTRACTIVENESS - 6 out of 10 Access to top of falls: YES Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES (many) Sitting areas @ base: YES RESTROOM FACILITIES: NO PARKING: YES (space for about 20-25 cars) *** [ WHY IS THIS WATERFALL SO WONDERFUL ] A) Parking for the trailhead is at one of the most beautiful overlooks on the parkway (Looking Glass Rock). B) While the trail is a calorie burner on the return, it is not a long hike and bridges, as well as man-made steps, make it useful to most any hiking ability. C) Bring swimwear and picnic supplies because you're gonna want to stay a while. D) Levels make it possible for many families to have their OWN SECTION of the falls to enjoy, making it one of the easiest waterfalls to practice social distancing when crowds are low. E) The stones, water clarity, and overall venue are simply fabulous. F) Family & pet friendly! *** [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] SKINNY DIP FALLS has been on my radar for over a decade, so I am happy to finally cross it off my list! But make no mistake about it, I will be back again in the summer to enjoy its beauty with the younger members of our family. RICHARD RECOMMENDED :-) 2021 / 63

On a not-quite-hot day that was a bit humid, this was a bit of a workout for someone like me who…read moredoesn't hike much. A level parking lot with restrooms, I left the van there and followed a family carting a cooler, a baby stroller and a bunch of towels. I figured that if they could do it then I sure could. And then they peeled off at the level part and I started up the hill. There's a sign with a warning that it's steep. I ignored the sign at my own peril and climbed up to the view point. Totally worth it. It's quiet other than the sound of crashing water and a few birds in the distance. The view of Triple Falls is amazing. Not an easy climb - I would say this is "moderate plus" because of the incline. It is somewhat smooth but not wheelchair capable and there's a definite risk of slipping on the climb back down. [Review 20013 overall - 3454 in North Carolina - 988 of 2023.]

Easy and beautiful, I hate that it's a little drive for us…read more The leaves are amazing this time of year

A moderately difficult trail that allows some great views when you get to the end. It's about 3…read moremiles and 1700 ft in elevation. It was my second time hiking ever and I didn't have much issues. There was ice on some of the surfaces because of the winter weather so be careful.

Looking Glass Rock Overlook is awesome!…read more What makes this spot so special? 1) It is one of the best places to view LOOKING GLASS ROCK, a huge monolith that, as the Nat'l Forest Service describes: "rises from the surrounding forest like a sentinel." It is said that once upon a time, The Appalachian Mountain chain was taller than the Rockies, but the softer sandstones eroded over time leaving the harder rocks we know today. Looking Glass Rock is volcanic in nature making it harder and denser than most of the surrounding earth and did not erode as the rest of the mountain did. 2) You can also access the mountain to sea trail just across the parkway that leads to Skinny Dip Falls! If you are not in a terrible hurry, the walk to the falls should only take up about an hour of your time. Or you could spend several hours there playing in the many crystal clear pools of water along the many levels of the falls. The Parkway overlooks always give you the above sea level elevation and Looking Glass Rock Overlook is about 4,492 feet. Comparatively, the highest elevation on the parkway is Richland Balsam @ 6,053 feet, which is about 14.5 miles west of this overlook. The lowest point on the parkway is the James River Visitor Center in Virginia @ 649 feet. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] If you haven't heard, The Blue Ridge Parkway is also known as AMERICA'S FAVORITE DRIVE. It is 469 miles long, but it won't take you even a fraction of that to see why it has this nickname. It is absolutely beautiful most times of the year but ESPECIALLY in the fall! If you are looking for a way to get out and still remain socially distanced, I can't really think of a better way than driving this amazing road. It is estimated there are 65 waterfalls just off the Parkway and hundreds more within a mile or two of the parkway. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting Lineville Falls, Mingo Falls, Crabtree Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Mount Mitchell and visiting the mile high swinging bridge @ Grandfather Mountain. AND of course Skinny Dip Falls, where the trailhead is located right here @ Looking Glass Rock Overlook. 2021 / 65

This is a beautiful waterfall located along the road in the Pisgah Forest …read more There is no parking lot so you park alongside the main road and their is an observation deck to view the falls. If you want to get creek-side,you can walk down about 50 stairs for a close-up view. Definitely worth a look!

An absolute must-see if you are exploring the Asheville area. It's a stunning 60-foot roadside…read morewaterfall with hiking not required to see it. There is an accessible upper viewing deck and steps that take you right down to the rushing creek. This is a must see, it is beautiful.

During busy times you may have problems finding parking (paid area) The trail starts off with a…read morecouple of flights of stairs. When you reach the top the left side is the "easier" side up to the top and the right side is more stone stairs that is a shorter distance, but tougher climb. We took the left side going up and down. There are large rock areas along the way, which might make it difficult if you have mobility problems. Otherwise, it was a bit wet on the path in places, but it had rained a good bit of the day before. The whole path is a light incline the entire way up, but an easy decline on the way down. There are no sitting areas along the path when you reached the top there are two overlooked areas. The better view is the one all the way to the right there is a sign, noting the continental divide on either side of White side Mountain very cool. It was definitely worth the hike. It took us about 30 minutes to get to the top. I saw people with dogs and children a lot. It is a very family friendly activity.

This might be my new favorite trail! The parking lot was very busy but we did not see many people…read moreon the trail. There are lots of look outs and the views are amazing! Bathrooms are pretty gross.

Made this trek last year and was disappointed when the water was only dribbling. After our rainy…read moreFebruary we went back to see the grotto in all its glory. It felt like a 3/4 mile walk in. The trail has some elevation but stairs and plateaus make it manageable for most people. It's the icing on the cake after experiencing the majestic looking glass falls.

Great hike to a beautiful fall you can stand behind. Less than 1 more long. Moderately challenging.read more

My kind of hike! It wasn't too difficult when it came to physical exertion, but lots of rocks to…read morewalk around. I was thankful for my hiking shoes although I did see many people out there in sandals. Personally I wouldn't have been able to make it in sandals, but kudos to them. The reward was a beautiful waterfall at the end where my husband and I sat around for 30 min or so enjoying both the beautiful view and weather. The trail wasn't marked perfectly, but there are plenty of people to ask on the way where to go so we made it there and back with no issues. We moved at a steady pace and each way took us about 45 min. The parking lot was pretty full when we got there (around 11am on a week day), but people were coming and going so we found a spot. I got off the hike hungry for lunch so we stopped nearby at a store where we were able to grab a snack, but not too much to eat in the area so eat before or bring something with you.

I gave this 5 stars because if it wasn't raining it would have been. Unfortunately it was rainy and…read moresome muddy areas, but beautiful water ways, well marked trails and got to peep some fall foliage. This is a free stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They also have restrooms and are pet friendly, which is always a plus in my book. The trails are a little rough with roots and some rocks, also some stairs, which in the higher elevation were kicking my butt, but if you're a regular hiker you'll be all set.