Sometimes we want to adventure without having to hike five miles to get to a beautiful view. The best spots with amazing views are those that you barely have to hike to. This short five-minute short North Carolina hike will lead you to a huge waterfall that is so picturesque you will stay there for hours. Elk River Falls is located in Elk Park, North Carolina, which is near Beech Mountain. To actually get to the falls, you don't have to walk far, which is nice if you're not into hiking. Once you park, it will only take you five minutes to get to the falls, which is amazing. It's a 50-foot cascading waterfall that's almost too picturesque. You cannot get into the waterfall's clear-watered oval pool below because of how swift the currents are, but there is a small beach right next to it that you are more than welcome to enjoy as much as you like. View this post on Instagram •Banner Elk, NC• A post shared by Peyton Turnage (@savannah_turnage) on Jan 12, 2019 at 6:27pm PST The stairs that lead you down to the falls are very steep, but they will lead you to a huge boulder that is right in front of the falls. This is the perfect spot to take photos, have a picnic or just lay and enjoy the waterfall. On the other side of the boulder (to the left) you will see a smaller pool of water that is not affected by the strong currents of the falls and is safe to swim in. The temperatures might be cooling down this month, but there is still time to enjoy the water before it becomes too cold. View this post on Instagram She's watching my sanity tumble down the falls. #isitfridayyet #tomorrowiscincodemayoandimaygohomeinahearse A post shared by Matt Johnson (@jmattjohnson) on May 4, 2017 at 8:19am PDT Elk River Falls is pretty impressive and the pictures you will take will be beautiful. The waterfall drops 50 feet over a huge rock cliff, so it's free-falling instead of cascading. View this post on Instagram Love the view when you're in it A post shared by Will Hardin (@williamrhardin) on Jan 22, 2017 at 4:43pm PST If you are looking for more of a hike with your adventure, there is a 1.4-mile round trip journey to a three-tiered waterfall in the state and this short, fun hike will take you to a 411-foot waterfall. Elk River Falls Price: Free Address: 1 Golda Davis Lane Elk Park, NC 28622 Why You Need To Go: A five-minute hike will lead you to this beautiful waterfall, a beach and a small pool that you can swim in. Website We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
