📷 USDAgov, Public domainLooking Glass Falls
Brevard, NC
A 60-foot waterfall right beside US-276, seen from the roadside with steps down to the plunge pool. Parking is along the road, so arrive early in summer and on autumn weekends.
Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard is a waterfall on Looking Glass Creek. It plunges about 60 feet (18 m) in a single drop. The name comes from Looking Glass Rock, which in winter glitters with ice like a mirror, and from the creek. The falls lie right beside US-276, about 5.6 miles (9 km) north of the junction at Pisgah Forest.
A path leads down to the plunge pool at the foot of the falls; thanks to the easy access it is very popular, and in winter, when it freezes, with ice climbers too. Arrive early, especially in summer and on fall weekends, to beat the biggest crowds. Stay on the trails, do not climb on the wet rocks and do not jump into the pool: rescue services report numerous injuries and deaths there.
- Nearest town
- Brevard, NC
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.2964, -82.7694
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Davidson River CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Looking Glass Falls · 144 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Mount Pisgah Campground - Milepost 408.6Campsite8 mi from Looking Glass Falls · 70 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Sunburst CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Looking Glass Falls · 9 pitchesDrinking water
- Rutledge Lake Rv ParkCampsite17 mi from Looking Glass FallsCaravans
- Gorges State Park CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Looking Glass FallsTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Palmetto Cove RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Looking Glass FallsMotorhomes
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Looking Glass Falls?
Looking Glass Falls is in Brevard, NC, at GPS 35.2964, -82.7694. It is about 23 mi from Cashiers.
Can you camp near Looking Glass Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Davidson River Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 72 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Looking Glass Falls?
Looking Glass Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Pisgah National Forest: the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway and Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is there to see near Looking Glass Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sliding Rock (1 mi), Cradle of Forestry in America (4 mi), Graveyard Fields (5 mi) and Mount Pisgah (8 mi).
When is the best time to visit Looking Glass Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)