Canyoning in the Carolinas: Biodiversity, Conservation , and Exploration

Canyoning in the Southeast?! You read that right.

While the term canyoning (referring to wet canyons) or canyoneering (referring to dry canyons) often conjures images of tight, sandstone slot canyons, the Southeast—particularly Western North Carolina—offers a different, but no less spectacular, experience. In places like the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, canyons proudly echo the roar of waterfalls as they tumble through ancient, mossy gorges - where water has worked tirelessly for millennia.

So, what is canyoning?

Canyoning is a sport that involves descending canyons using a mix of hiking, rappelling, scrambling, and swimming. In the desert Southwest, that usually means narrowly sculpted slot canyons. But in the Southeast, canyoning means navigating waterfall-fed gorges, sliding down mossy rock chutes, and wading through deep, shaded pools beneath a canopy of rhododendron and mountain laurel. You’re moving with the water, tracing its path through some of the world’s oldest mountains.

The region’s deep gorges are not just scenic—they’re also ecological treasure troves. The Southern Appalachian Mountains are one of the most biodiverse temperate zones on the planet. North Carolina is home to over 65 species of salamanders—the highest number on the globe—with more than 50 species found in the mountainous areas alone. The nickname, “Salamander Capital of the World,” couldn’t be more fitting.

Black-bellied Salamander

And it’s not just the fauna—North Carolina boasts over 3,900 native plant species, including nearly 3,000 species of wildflowers, many of which flourish in the shaded, moist gorges that canyoners now explore. Down in the Southeast, you’ll likely find yourself casually strolling past hundreds of trillium blooms or treading water next to a salamander perched on a boulder.

A rare Three Bird Orchid, found trailside during the approach hike to a popular WNC canyon.

In recent years, canyoning in the Southeast has seen a notable surge in popularity. Fueled by social media, adventure tourism, and a broader appreciation for the region's rugged terrain, what was once a niche pursuit has now grown into a burgeoning outdoor movement. Mapping efforts have subsequently ramped up, as “new” routes are being explored, documented, and added to the region's growing list of options.

Unlike the West, where canyoneering is well-established, the Southeast is still emerging as a destination—and that rawness is part of the appeal. Equipped with a deep exploratory vibe, every descent comes armed with a profound sense of discovery. You’re often not just following a trail—you’re helping establish one.

But with growth comes responsibility. Many Southeastern canyons lie in delicate, erosion-prone terrain, meaning access and conservation must be considered in tandem. In response, local canyoning communities are seeking to work together with land managers and document routes with conservation in mind - promoting Leave No Trace ethics as a core part of local and regional standards along the way. This balance of exploration and stewardship is becoming a defining feature of Southeastern canyoning—one where adventure and advocacy go hand in hand.

Out West, the landscape awes with its surreal vastness. Here in the Southeast, it draws you in with its intimacy and mystery—a special kind of wildness cleverly tucked beneath dense canopies.