Looking Glass Falls - Swimming Hole near Brevard, North Carolina
U.S. 276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA,Brevard,North Carolina
35.2960335, -82.7688443
4.7 miles NW of Brevard, North Carolina
Address: U.S. 276, Brevard, NC 28712, USA
GPS: 35°17'45.7"N 82°46'7.8"W
Maps | Directions
State: North Carolina

Hike and Swim

Looking Glass Falls is a gorgeous and easily accessible waterfall in Brevard, North Carolina. This waterfall is a short and beautiful walk from Pigsah Highway (Highway 276). Parking is available just off the highway, but is limited. The accessibility and unique beauty of this waterfall make it a popular place to visit. For easier parking visitors should consider arriving early or coming on weekdays. 

Looking Glass Falls is a cascading waterfall that drops off a sheer and mossy, stone cliff. The cliff pierces through the surrounding lush green, trees creating a stunning contrast. Beneath the waterfall the water pools into an area that has become popular for wading. The cool water is enjoyable on summer days, but those who wish to enjoy the pool should be cautious, as the water flows quickly and the rocks can be slippery. 

The walk to the waterfall is short and surrounded by beautiful trees. This walk is great to take year round, enjoying the beautiful colors in the fall and interesting ice formations on the waterfall in the winter. 

4.2K Edited by tasiawhicker

More Information

Looking Glass Falls - Asheville Trails

Catch views of the gorgeous, cascading Looking Glass Falls, a roadside waterfall just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Brevard, NC.

https://ashevilletrails.com/pisgah-national-forest/looking-glass-falls/

Looking Glass Falls, NC | RomanticAsheville.com

See photos, video and tips for visiting Looking Glass Falls in North Carolina, located in the Pisgah National Forest near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

https://www.romanticasheville.com/looking_glass_falls.htm
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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Brevard, North Carolina

  1. Head northeast on US-64 E/S Broad St toward E Main St
    Continue to follow US-64 E
    (2.9 mi)
  2. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto US-276 N/US-64 E
    Pass by Waffle House (on the right in 0.3 mi)
    (0.5 mi)
  3. Turn left onto US-276 N
    Destination will be on the right
    (5.7 mi)
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Guest Review/Comments

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hdm1320

9/4/23 12:40 pm
Looking Glass is a beautiful waterfall at any time of year! You can swim in the river and feel the mist from the falls. I’ve been many times and it’s a great place to go if you have any mobility issues because you can see it from the road. The road does get busy during tourist season.
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Looking Glass Falls - Pisgah National Forest - Bre by Carolina Things
Looking Glass Rock & Looking Glass Falls by Philip Dean

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