Waterfall Roundup: Take 5

Are you ready to soak up some of those negative ions at one of the area’s many beautiful waterfalls? Negative ions are positive and the air near waterfalls are among some of the best places to take them in. So, you’re in luck. When it comes to experiencing a negative ion rush, there’s no shortage of choices – that’s for sure. Here, we’ve named a few of the most popular waterfalls in the area to explore:

1. Linville Falls: The granddaddy of them all, this is one of the most photographed falls in North Carolina. And, this 150-foot waterfall is easy to get to. Several short hikes provide an array of different panoramic views that you’re not soon to forget. Visitors can access these falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.4.
2. Crabtree Falls: About 24 miles south of Linville, Crabtree Falls is a bit more strenuous to get to than Linville Falls, but the 2.5 mile loop hike is well worth the trip. It’s one of the most picturesque falls in western NC. The parking lot is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 339.5.
3. Glen Burney Falls: Parking for these falls is in downtown Blowing Rock off of Highway 321. It’s about a 3-mile loop and includes small creeks, gravel roads, bridges, and an observation deck at the end. And after the hike, you can explore the lovely town of Blowing Rock too.
4. Elk River Falls: Located near Beech Mountain and Banner Elk, Elk River Falls is located in the the Pisgah National Forest. At 50 feet, this impressive waterfall cascades over a rock cliff into a pool that is ideal for swimming and sunning on a warm summer day. The trail to the top is an easy five-minute walk.
5. Cascade Falls: This beautiful, high-pounding waterfall is located on Falls Creek about 15 miles east of Boone, NC at milepost 271.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a fairly easy 1.2 mile hike, although there are lots of steps, to two different overlooks.

Are you inspired? Whether you visit one or five, these waterfalls will lift your mood, relieve your stress and boost your energy! And, you’ll have those negative ions to thank for it all.