There’s a shimmering waterfall in western North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest that takes its name from Looking Glass Rock, upon which water freezes on its sides in winter, then glistens in the sunlight—like a mirror.
Looking Glass Falls measure 60 feet in height and feed into Looking Glass Creek. It’s one of our Fall Landscape destinations. Check out all of our Fall Landscape selections here.
To get there, take U.S. 64 East from Brevard, then U.S. 276 North to the falls. You can take in a nice view from the parking lot or even from the road. A short walk takes you closer to the action.
Equuvation—a nonprofit nature-based therapy and education center located in Statesville, North Carolina—offers innovative equine-facilitated and nature-based programs for individuals with disabilities, and those whose lives are impacted by trauma, abuse, or chronic illness. Learn more and help them reach their goal of providing 100% no-cost services by 2026.
Visit Western North Carolina
We encourage you to visit western North Carolina as the peak fall colors are on full display this week, and the region urgently needs tourism revenue. Many of the roads that closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene have reopened, enabling fall travel to resume in this beautiful part of the Southeast.
VisitNC maintains a Western North Carolina travel advisory page offering the latest updates on the areas open for business. Check it out before you hit the road.
Open for Business
Here are seven Western North Carolina destinations to visit this fall. Some areas are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. You can contact specific businesses to check their status.
Brevard: Downtown Brevard, Pisgah National Forest, and Lake Toxaway welcome visitors for shopping, dining, and plentiful natural beauty. Discover 250 spectacular waterfalls, 100,000 acres of public lands, a live music scene, diverse restaurants, craft breweries, and more.
Bryson City: Experience the “adventure capital of the Great Smoky Mountains” for recreational fun, shopping, lodging, dining, and other attractions. From hiking to elk viewing to motorcycling, there’s something for everyone in this Swain County town.
Cashiers: At an elevation of 3,500 feet, this Jackson County destination is smack in the middle of the Nantahala Forest. It’s filled with rivers and waterfalls, and plentiful recreational opportunities.
Cherokee County: Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, explore Murphy, Andrews, and Brasstown where businesses, restaurants, and artisans thrive. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking trails, and other recreational opportunities.
Hendersonville: Pick apples at local orchards, hike scenic trails, stroll through the charming downtown area, enjoy wineries and breweries, and choose from a variety of cozy accommodations.
Highlands: One of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River at 4,118 feet, this town boasts one North America’s few temperate rainforests . Enjoy fine dining, boutique shopping, cultural arts, antique stores, and more.
Robbinsville: This Graham County town claims three of the best motorcycle and sports car touring roads in America. Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap features 318 curves in 11 miles. You’ll also find scenic rivers and lakes, old growth trees, and recreational opportunities aplenty since it’s right next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Take the long way home.
I always take the long way home!