Waterfall & Cascade 100 (WC100)

The Carolina Mountain Club Waterfall & Cascade 100 Challenge (WC100) was created in 2008 to encourage hikers to discover the beauty of the more than 1,500 waterfalls found throughout Western North Carolina and parts of South Carolina and Tennessee.

The challenge list includes more than 100 waterfalls, allowing participants to choose hikes that match their interests and abilities. Hikes range from easy walks of less than two miles to strenuous outings exceeding ten miles. Complete any 100 waterfalls from the list to earn recognition.

For information and inquiries about WC100, contact Judy Magura at WC100@carolinamountainclub.org.

Challenge Rules

1. Hike and visit at least 100 waterfalls on our current list to be considered.
2. The list includes the name of the waterfall, the geographical location, round trip trail length, and the degree of estimated difficulty and other helpful information.
3. There is no specific time frame for viewing all the waterfalls. You can estimate the date you visited any waterfall, even prior to the initiation of the Waterfall Challenge in 2008.
4. There is no requirement to reach the bottom of each waterfall. Many can only be viewed from a distance.

The waterfall list includes:

• Waterfall name
• Geographic location
• Round-trip hiking distance
• Estimated difficulty
• Additional hiking information

Finding the Waterfalls

The Waterfall List includes references to help you locate each waterfall, including:

• Carolina Mountain Club Hike Finder hike numbers
• North Carolina Waterfalls (3rd Edition, 2016) by Kevin Adams
• Waterfalls of North Carolina map (2009) by Outdoor Path Publishing

Participants are encouraged to research lesser-known and more challenging waterfalls before their hike. Additional information can often be found through AllTrails, Gaia GPS, YouTube, National Geographic maps, and other online resources.

Safety

Waterfalls are beautiful, but they can also be hazardous. Please use caution.

• Never go to the top of a waterfall. You won’t be able to see the falls from there, and the risk is significant.
• Rocks and vegetation around waterfalls are often extremely slippery. Do not climb on or around waterfalls.
• Never cross a stream near the top of a waterfall. A slip could result in being swept over the falls.
• Some waterfalls require off-trail travel or steep bushwhacking. Know your abilities before attempting these hikes.
• Many waterfalls can only be viewed safely from a distance.
• Always know your hiking skills and physical limits, and make safety your highest priority.

Recognition

Completion of the Waterfall & Cascade 100 Challenge is based on the honor system.

There is no time limit for completing the challenge. Waterfalls visited before the program began in 2008 may be counted if you can reasonably estimate the date of your visit.

There is no requirement to reach the base of every waterfall. Many can only be viewed safely from designated overlooks or from a distance.

Completed applications are accepted by email only. Email your completed Waterfall Recognition Application and Waterfall List to Judy Magura at WC100@carolinamountainclub.org. Paper applications are not accepted.

Successful participants receive:

• A WC100 patch
• A certificate of completion
• Recognition at the Carolina Mountain Club Annual Meeting

Awards can also be mailed upon request.

Please allow 4–6 weeks for review and processing. As a volunteer organization, CMC appreciates your patience.

Participants must be current Carolina Mountain Club members. There is no additional charge for the patch and certificate for current members.