A Unique Community Hidden In North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Is An Ethereal Waterfall Haven

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains are well known as one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in America. However, in the surrounding area, you'll also find an unparalleled landscape. Connestee Falls community is a preservation area that is heavily forested and bursting with flora and fauna. It is one of the many jewels of the Blue Ridge Parkway, set against the epic mountainous area. Home to countless waterfalls and streams, a trip to Connestee Falls is full of breathtaking views, and visitors can admire the scenery from certain viewpoints and the surrounding area. Mountain vistas, extensive hiking trails, and relaxing lakeside parks await the lucky residents of the private gated community. However, from a public overlook, visitors can catch a view of the ethereal Connesttee Falls. 

You can reach Connesstee Falls via the nearest airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International, a mere 1.5 hours away. South Carolina's cities of Greenville and Spartanburg lie not far away from these 3,900 acres of preserved natural area while also being a 7.5-hour drive from North Carolina's beachy haven of Beaufort. To reach the public overlook, head eight miles south on US 276 from downtown Brevard. After parking on the public lot, there's an ADA-accessible boardwalk that leads to the viewpoint. 

Water is always close by at Connestee Falls. Streams and creeks lead to a web of lakes and crashing falls, which can be surveyed from Connestee's extensive trail system. The surrounding Transylvania county deemed the "Land of Waterfalls," has over 250 waterfalls in total, with some (Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls) having been made famous by their silver screen appearances in epic movies such as "The Hunger Games" and "The Last of the Mohicans." Of course, Connestee Falls gets its name from the largest waterfall within its grounds. This 85-foot-tall roaring beauty is a sight to behold, with revelers traveling from all over to witness its magnitude and power.

Visiting Connesstee Falls is listed as one of the top things to do in Brevard on Tripadvisor, and it's easy to see why. Even though the spectacular Connesstee Falls is only visible to the public via an outlook, the view from there is still picturesque — a testament to how special the falls are. "This is a hidden gem right off the road," one reviewer wrote on Tripadvisor. "Doesn't seem like much from the parking lot. If you are traveling with elderly folks or toddlers, you get a lot of bang for your buck at this site. It is a very short walk and just a spectacular view. We are so glad our family of five stopped!"

Plus, with a habitat unique to the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Connestee Falls' flora and fauna are a rare sight to behold. Luckily enough, the area is so well preserved that you are more than likely to see various examples of the area's wildlife during your stop. From deer and bald eagles to stunning wildflowers such as Jack-in-the-pulpit and hemlock, the wildlife at Connestee Falls can feel like something straight out of a fairytale. This under-the-radar gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a worthwhile stop while in the area. And, if you want to see more wildlife and extend your trip, spot unique wildlife at South Carolina's serene Barrier Island.