Looking Glass Falls

Pisgah National Forest, Transylvania, NC

Description

Looking Glass Falls is extremely popular for two reasons;

One – you can get a great view of it from the parking area.  No hike, no sweat – literally.

Two – it’s a great waterfall.  Dropping around 45 feet (sources vary from 45 to 60), Looking Glass Creek is a beautiful mountain stream that drops into a small plunge pool before continuing on down the mountain towards Brevard, NC.

Typical summertime crowds were there when I visited.  Patience, grasshopper, is a virtue.  It’s either that or get up with the birds to see this great waterfall without adults and kids alike driving you insane.  Relax.  Take a deep breath.  This too shall pass.

Or if you can’t take the crowds, hike to Moore Cove Falls.  It’s just a little bit north of Looking Glass Falls.  The hike is easy and you’ll get away from the crowds while seeing a nice, little waterfall.  Check out my Moore Cove Falls page for detailed information and pictures.

I also have visitor-submitted pages for Looking Glass Falls, here, and here, and here.  Yes, it's popular.

Getting There

Looking Glass Falls is located on the right side of U.S. 276 when headed north out of Brevard.  Parking is likewise on the right side of the road.  The GPS coordinates for the parking area  are here:

35.2965, -82.7698

Use the following link to customize your own directions to Looking Glass Falls or just click through the map below.

Hike Details

No hike.  However, there are steps to the bottom of the waterfall if you are so inclined.  I was.  The path is paved.  Elevation change is circa 50 feet.

Photo Tips

The primary tip here is to avoid the crowds and in doing so you will also get better lighting.  The canopy is open so expect direct sunlight on part or all of the waterfall except early and late in the day.  For crowd avoidance I would advise you go early.  People normally don’t get up early while on vacation – unless they’re photographers, of course.

Shutter speed is a little tricky on this one.  In some respects I like to freeze the action and in some ways I like to use a slow shutter and smooth out the waterfall.  I have uploaded pictures of both so you can come to your own conclusion and preference.

Video

Here you go. 

Waterfall-Picture-Guide › North Carolina Waterfalls › Looking Glass Falls

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