North CarolinaNC Waterfalls

Lanier Falls is the most impressive waterfall on Cape Fear River. But remember, on Cape Fear, “waterfall” means rapid, in this case a Class II. Regardless of how you feel about a rapid having a waterfall name, Lanier Falls is a fine destination, and only one of several in Raven Rock State Park.

The rock outcrop that creates the waterfall extends nearly the entire 475-foot width of the river from the southern, river-right, shore to Buzzard Island, although you can’t tell it’s an island from the river-right side. The outcrop runs at an angle to the river, so the actual width of the falls is some 570 feet.

For information about Cape Fear River in general, including a table listing all the waterfalls on the river, visit the River Basins & Rivers page and click on the Cape Fear River Basin tab.