There are a series of over 100 steps that lead down to a lower viewing area as well. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 11 in Salem, go North on Hwy 130 ten miles and follow signs to Whitewater Falls. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! Coordinates: 35.0716, -82.8869 Elevation: USGS Map: Reid 7 1/2" Directions are … Whitewater Falls Recreation Area is a popular spot to visit, so be prepared to see some other folks while you're there. The road crossed the Whitewater River on a ford above the falls and then skirted the edge of the gorge to the present upper falls overlook. Check out the full list of our favorite Highlands and Cashiers hiking trails for even more adventures. 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. Get Directions to Whitewater Falls. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 ft.! 11-26-17 Lower Whitewater Falls is about 2 miles down river from North Carolina's 411' Whitewater Falls.Starting at Whitewater Falls, you could hike to both via the Foothills Trail and spur trails, but that's not the easiest way to see Lower Whitewater Falls. It’s a gorgeous waterfall, and well worth the half-mile (round trip) hike to view a 400+ foot cascade. Hike Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. There is a small fee to park here, but it’s on the honor system as I’ve never seen any park or forest official here actually collecting money. Or trek through Gorges State Park to Rainbow Falls, a towering waterfall framed in wildflowers and lush, green forest. However, the falls are so massive that it’s still a wonderful view. However, we recommend this area highly because of the magnitude of the falls and great viewing area. Regardless, this waterfall is undisputedly worth a visit, and undeniably beautiful. 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). Upper Whitewater Falls is a waterfall in North Carolina on the Whitewater River.As with most of North Carolina's waterfalls, it is in the mountainous area of the state. 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. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. Check out more of our favorite. 64 and NC Hwy. $2 per vehicle (up to 7 passengers). We'd love to know! Whitewater Falls Overlook Trail is a 0.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The upper section is a huge free fall, probably 150 feet. Google Directions 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. You’ll pass the entrance to Gorges State Park along the way. South Carolina’s Lake Jocassee is visible as the trail gains elevation and approaches the falls. The Nantahala National Forest is the largest National Forest in the state of North Carolina spanning over 830 square miles; almost the entire Western tip of the state. Trail Type: Asphalt and stairs When we visited Lower Whitewater Falls, we were staying in Brevard, North Carolina so we’ll describe the directions from there.. From the turnaround at the lower end of the parking area, a paved path leads to an upper overlook of the falls. Trailful Outdoor Co. is a registered trademark of Summit19 Studio LLC.Privacy Policy | Terms of Use No photo, illustration, data, or text on this website may be reproduced, published, or distributed without prior written permission and license. This waterfall is not known to have been named, but considering Gail Falls, a mile or so upstream, was named at one point, I'd be surprised if this waterfall didn't recieve similar attention. The trail climbs elevation, meandering as it rises beside a tall rock outcrop on the trail’s left. The falls are quite beautiful in every season, but especially in fall and winter. The county’s unique geography allows for 250 magnificent cascades within a few miles of each other. From Asheville, NC: Take I 240-West to I 26-West. Whitewater Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall. 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. Scattered benches line the trail as it curves, meanders and climbs, offering great resting spots to enjoy the increasingly more beautiful view. Whitewater Falls is one of the tallest chains of waterfalls in the eastern U.S. and the Lower Falls are not as frequently visited but just as impressive. The best time to visit would be through the week to try and avoid any large crowds. Whitewater Falls: the hike. Whitewater Falls. You can either scramble through the lush undergrowth to find your own personal angle of Whitewater Falls, or you can easily access a spectacular panoramic view on the paved walkway. So from Brevard, we drove about 17 miles southwest on NC64 (Rosman Hwy) then turned left onto Hwy 281.. 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