To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. Current destinations with various limitations in place It’s a relatively easy, short and family-friendly hike. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. The Whitewater Falls Recreation Area is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Are you sure you want to do this? Hike the Whitewater Falls Trail near Cashiers, NC to the stunning, tumbling cascades of a towering waterfall on this short, easy, family-friendly trail. The hike departs the trailhead and parking area off NC 281 (view maps and driving directions), following the paved Foothills Trail northbound from the picnic area. Go to the Asheville Airport/Brevard Exit (exit 40) and take a right onto US 64. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Web Design :: Asheville, NC. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! From Brevard, NC: Drive west on US 64. Upper Whitewater Falls, near Cashiers, drops over 411 feet and is the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. The rugged terrain around these two waterfalls remains wild and undeveloped. Lower Whitewater Falls, located just across the border in South Carolina, drops another 400 feet. tourism organizations to determine if any limitations are in place The waterfall holds a (sometimes disputed) claim as the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. From Cashiers, NC: Drive south on NC 107 for 9.3 miles. organization, which can be found here. Please check with the events and venues for the latest information. Your itinerary can only contain 20 destinations. Continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SC 130, which becomes NC 281 at the North Carolina state line.

The Whitewater River features two large cascades as it flows from the mountains of North Carolina into Lake Jocassee. The Lower Falls is a dramatic 200-foot drop, which can best be viewed from an observation platform at the end of a 1.9-mile trail. Helpful. Wildflowers and salamanders abound in the cool, moist shade of the steep slopes and rock cliffs. They’re seven of our favorite hikes in Western NC, and while they’re all stunningly beautiful, the hikes are quite beginner friendly and perfect for family hikes with kids, too. Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? Please use your best judgment if traveling, and practice good hygiene while Fees are charged for day use and for annual passes. The waterfall’s rushing roar amplifies louder as the trail continues its climb. Because of the difficult terrain surrounding Whitewater Falls, visitors are urged not venture off the established trails.

The hike departs the trailhead and parking area off NC 281 (view maps and driving directions), following the paved Foothills Trail northbound from the picnic area. Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop, Mount Mitchell Summit & Balsam Nature Trail, Best fall foliage hikes near Asheville and in the NC mountains, Linville Gorge hiking, camping & adventure guide, Blue Ridge Parkway hikes: our favorite summit views, Roan Mountain & the Roan Highlands on the Appalachian Trail, 2019 Fall color forecast for Asheville, NC, favorite Highlands and Cashiers hiking trails. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! Wildflowers thrive in warmer months in this sun-dappled, lush, green forest. Date of experience: August 2020. LOCATION:near Cashiers and Highlands North Carolina, PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list, OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 785 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.). specific to North Carolina destinations can be found via their local tourism The Whitewater Falls Recreation Area is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Contact us here, and thanks for helping us keep this site updated! Whitewater Falls. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. Just beyond this point is a sign for the entrance to Whitewater Falls. Check out more of our favorite. VISIT OUR SHOP ABOUT US OUR STORY CONTACT US. Hiking in North Carolina State Parks & Forests, Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge Annual Meeting, US Forest Service/National Forests in North Carolina, Website by Integritive Inc. This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map.

contact lodging establishments directly for their most up-to-date information. Descend into the lush Panthertown Valley to Schoolhouse Falls, a beautiful single-drop waterfall that cascades into an enormous, shallow, pebble-lined pool below. The Lower Falls is located about a half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (which is in North Carolina). This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the National Forest Foundation. Views open immediately to the east from the trailhead, where the rounded, rolling southern Appalachian mountains stretch far into the horizon. Hikers seeking a more difficult challenge can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and onto the 85-mile Foothills Trail which stretches along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

All rights reserved. And the picnic area near the trailhead makes a great post-hike snack spot set in a rocky, shady forest. Shortly after crossing the South Carolina state line, turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls. With the exception of the two overlooks near the top, no other views of the falls are offered, so the best views of the falls are from the two overlooks. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty.

As a guest, you can take your own pledge, too, to show you're doing your part. Picnic tables and shelters, flush toilets, and ample parking spaces are available at Whitewater Falls. 35.030250, -83.016183     //     N35 01.815 W83 00.971. Views open immediately to the east from the trailhead, where the rounded, rolling southern Appalachian mountains stretch far into the horizon. The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. Watching the rush of that water and the beauty of it just brings peace to your mind and body. From the base of the stairs, an unpaved trail provides access to the 76-mile Foothills Trail, descending along the river to Lower Whitewater Falls in South Carolina. ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT ERIC CHAMPLIN OR SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC. If you could visit only one waterfall in Western NC, this may be the one I'd recommend. Avoid shortcuts, climbing on the rocks or walking above the waterfall. Face masks are still required in public places. The moist environment also supports a rich array of ferns, mosses, and fungi. This hike turns from the platform at the base of the stairs, retracing the outbound route and climbing the wooden stairs to the upper overlook.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way.

More information about local restaurant resources Stay on the designated trail. the Count On Me NC training, as these businesses are making a concerted effort to help keep everyone The hike catches one last view of the waterfall at the upper overlook before descending to the trailhead, completing the adventure at just under .6 mile.

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A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Read more. Wet rocks are slick, and a slip above a waterfall can be fatal.

safe and healthy. Hike to the beautiful cascades of High Falls at Lake Glenville, a gorgeous multi-drop falls set in a rocky forest. The upper drop consists of a short cascade followed by a huge free-fall, with most of the flow on the right but a few ribbons of water also spilling down on the left. Please turn on for a full experience. avoiding close contact with others. Both the upper and lower falls feature scenic overlooks that can be accessed by car. Regardless, this waterfall is undisputedly worth a visit, and undeniably beautiful. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. $1 extra per passenger for vehicles over 7 passengers. © 2020 Blue Ridge National Heritage Area   :: In light of concerns surrounding COVID-19, some events listed may be cancelled. The hike reaches the lower observation deck at just under .3 mile, catching broad views of the rushing waterfall. The view only gets better, though, as the trail begins a descent down a series of wooden stairs and landings. His mission? Annual passes available.

Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. Replacing your itinerary cannot be undone. The hike trails a short, paved stretch of the Foothills Trail through a wildflower-filled forest, and catches some stunning views of Lake Jocassee nestled in the rolling surrounding mountains. Mid-hike, the trail scores its first views of the upper waterfall before descending a set of wooden stairs to catch a closer, wider view of the waterfall. And if you’re looking for more hikes to falls that are big on beauty but short in distance, don’t miss our favorite hikes to Asheville waterfalls under two miles. Easy walk to several different area to view them. Visit Count On Me NC

From Asheville, NC: Take I 240-West to I 26-West. Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! (e.g., visitor center closures), and to

If traveling, individuals are encouraged to check with local Whitewater Falls: the hike.

$2 per vehicle (up to 7 passengers). It’s a gorgeous waterfall, and well worth the half-mile (round trip) hike to view a 400+ foot cascade. More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. Whitewater Falls is a stunningly beautiful, multi-drop cascading waterfall near Cashiers, NC and the South Carolina state line. Phase 3 through Friday, Nov. 13, at the earliest. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. These majestic falls are an outdoor lover's dream and are sure to leave a lasting impression on any spectator. Previous Next. © 2020 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Jackson County Tourism Development Authority.

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Would you like to add these destinations to your itinerary or replace your itinerary? Share. Check out the full list of our favorite Highlands and Cashiers hiking trails for even more adventures. Cascading waterfalls plunge over towering cliffs all along the East Coast, and more than one has been claimed to be the tallest, highest or greatest volume (including Amicalola Falls in North Georgia).