Trail Blaze Color(s): Bad Creek Access Trail -Blue; Lower Whitewater Falls Trail - Blue; Upper Whitewater Falls Trail - Blue; Foothills Trail - White Beginning Point: Bad Creek Access Parking Lot Directions: From Salem, SC: Follow SC State Route 130 for about 11 miles, … Just beyond the state line is a sign for Whitewater Falls. Continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SC 130, which becomes NC 281 at the North Carolina state line. A hike a bit south of here leads to the lower falls. Whitewater Falls: the hike 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. … Fall colors were amazing when the fog parted. Turn left into parking lot. Shortly after crossing the South Carolina state line, turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls. It crosses back into North Carolina. As you approach the entrance, it may look like it isn't a place open to the public; but it … Click anywhere on the photo for more information and a full photo gallery of each section. The Lower Whitewater Falls comprises a dramatic 200-foot drop. Directions to Location From the junction of NC 281 and US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, drive south on NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls The road leads a short distance to a large parking area A small fee is charged for parking. You can hear the roaring of the falls from a long distance this can tell you how big the falls are. There is a nominal fee for parking. Views open immediately to the east from the trailhead, where the rounded, rolling southern Appalachian mountains stretch far into the horizon. The 400-foot Lower Falls can be accessed from a different location in South Carolina. So from Brevard, we drove about 17 miles southwest on NC64 (Rosman Hwy) then turned left onto Hwy 281 going south.. Whitewater Falls. specific to North Carolina destinations can be found via their local tourism Lower Whitewater falls is located inside Duke Energy's Bad Creek Hydroelectric station along South Carolina Highway 130 immediately south of the North Carolina border. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. 3. Whitewater Falls is located along NC Highway 281 less than 1 mile from the South Carolina border where the Highway becomes SC Highway 130. 28. Driving Directions From the intersection of US Hwy. The multi-tiered, 50-foot waterfall is one of the highlights of the whitewater trip that doesn't involve plunging into a raging torrent of water. This waterfall has a claim as the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, which is apparently disputed. for the entire state of North Carolina from Dec. 11 through Jan. 8 at the earliest. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. The best time to visit would be through the week to try and avoid any large crowds. safe and healthy. Landlubbers can hike to the falls, but you'll be trekking on a path that is not an official Forest Service trail. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. Directions/GPS N 34.98149 W 083.06280 –NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy. –BEAR RIGHT Hwy. More information about local restaurant resources contact lodging establishments directly for their most up-to-date information. Whitewater Falls. Make another left and drive north on SR 130 (SC), which becomes SR 281 (NC) at the state line. avoiding close contact with others. As a guest, you can take your own pledge, too, to show you're doing your part. The Whitewater River features two large cascades as it flows from the mountains of North Carolina into Lake Jocassee. WHITEWATER FALLS DIRECTIONS Bad Creek Access to Upper Whitewater Falls is a 2.3-mile section of the trail. 64 and NC Hwy. There is a pretty spacious parking lot with a $3 fee that you pay via envelope station. 1 mi. to "Whitewater Road." Very beautiful and breathtaking waterfall! organization, which can be found here. Falls are located 10 mi. 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. A moderate one-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills Trail and a spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook. Much of it parallels the Whitewater River. Drift, Horsepasture and Rainbow Falls are also accessible from Whitewater Rd. Scroll over the images to see section titles. Turn right (S) on NC 281. However, we recommend this area highly because of the magnitude of the falls and great viewing area. The crown jewel of these falls is Whitewater Falls - the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 feet! Forest: Nantahala National Forest District: Highlands Ranger District Description: Whitewater Falls is accessed by way of a steep, 1.0 mile trail through a cove forest, beginning at the overlook for the falls, and descending to a bridge crossing the Whitewater River. –WALK 150 yards on right to FS 702 –Roadbed goes along creekside. south on Whitewater Rd., near the NC-SC state line. at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and face masks are still required in public places. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Directions: Drive 9 miles south of Hwy 64 on Hwy 281 in Sapphire, NC and look for the sign for the left turn into the parking area. Tony, Noel and I was out with our little doggie Sammi, visiting the Land of the Waterfalls and we visited UPPER WHITEWATER FALLS last. View detailed information and reviews for 1105 Whitewater Falls Rd in Salem, South Carolina and get driving directions with road conditions and live traffic updates along the way. Whitewater Falls only (From Cashiers) From intersection of US 64 & NC 107, drive E on US 64 for 10.4 miles. From Cashiers, take U.S. 64 east, 10 mi. Directions: From intersection of US-276/US-64/NC-280, enter Pisgah National Forest. These majestic falls are an outdoor lover's dream and are sure to leave a lasting impression on any spectator. And though more travelers journey to Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, the Lower Falls in Oconee County comprise a 200-foot drop as dramatic as any in this guide. Whitewater Falls can also be reached from N.C. 107, south of Cashiers. The parking area for Upper Whitewater Falls is large and includes picnic tables and restrooms. The entire Whitewater Falls chain – six different waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border – is the highest series of falls in eastern North America. Drive 3.5 miles north from the Ranger Station to the first left turn … This 1896 map shows the actual platted location of Whitewater Falls in sections 27 and 34 of Whitewater Township, Winona County, Minnesota. 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. Whitewater Falls NC, located near Sapphire NC is the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, measuring 411 feet.. Update 6/30/2017 – The stairs leading to the lower observation deck are now open again! Both the upper and lower falls feature scenic overlooks that can be accessed by car. Check before you go. Whitewater Falls Recreation Area is a popular spot to visit, so be prepared to see some other folks while you're there. From Brevard, NC: Drive west on US 64. Hiking trails take you to the top & bottom of this fall, but hiking is not necessary to view this waterfall. They have been closed due to forest fires in November of 2016 that destroyed the previous stairs down to the deck. Please turn on for a full experience. It lies along NC Route just north of the South Carolina line. Along the way in the National Forest we found Whitewater Falls, said to be the highest falls east of the Mississippi. Whitewater Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall. When you hike to the falls, you’re walking the original roadway. Continue for 9.9 miles. Continue north (right), following blue blazes and good signage pointing toward Lower Whitewater Falls. https://www.mapquest.com/us/north-carolina/whitewater-falls-361709702 Location is Closed. More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. 107 –12.5 miles PARK on left. Go to the Asheville Airport/Brevard Exit (exit 40) and take a right onto NC 280. Turn left and continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SR 130 (SC). to see a list of businesses – restaurants, lodging, attractions and others – that have completed Directions From Asheville: Take I-240 West to I-26 East. You can hear the sound of the water from the parking lot. tourism organizations to determine if any limitations are in place Please use your best judgment if traveling, and practice good hygiene while It is a lovely park. There are trails to top and bottom of Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the eastern U.S. Turtleback Falls and Rainbow Falls The falls (and parking) are on your right. Many people hike the old road from the upper overlook thinking it will take them to the top of the falls… On the north side of the river, the trail intersects with the Foothills Trail. Laurel Fork Falls: You have to … The listing for Whitewater Falls, MN needs a slight correction as to the location. the Count On Me NC training, as these businesses are making a concerted effort to help keep everyone Alternatively, if you’re coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed south on US-276 for 9.2 miles and the falls will be on your left. From intersection of US 64 and NC 107 take NC 107 south for approximately 10 mi. 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. A slow drive along mountain roads with a little picnic makes for a fun afternoon. The waterfall is beautiful. so be prepared to pay. Short walk to lookout. Do not forget your camera for this trek! 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. You will cross into South Carolina approx. This site requires that javascript is enabled. © 2020 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. If you are The parking area is just ahead on the right. Highway 215. From the parking lot the signs says it's a half mile to view the falls. Remote multi-tiered falls is a difficult 2-3 hour hike, but worth the effort! The self-help payment drop slots at the parking lot for the Upper Whitewater Falls This District is a diverse, rugged, and mountainous area with raging rivers, granite walls, and waterfalls. The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. Upper Whitewater Falls is on the NC side of the border and the Lower Whitewater Falls is on the SC side. The entire Whitewater Falls chain - six different waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border - is the highest series of falls in eastern North America. Courthouse Falls. Visit Count On Me NC When we visited Upper Whitewater Falls, we were staying in Brevard, North Carolina so we’ll describe the directions from there.. The Upper Falls plummets 411 feet. It’s on the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge area of North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper has issued a modified Stay at Home order Just beyond this point is a sign for the entrance to Whitewater Falls. After 0.3 miles, the trail heads down toward a river crossing with a couple bridges across Whitewater River. It is described as being near Whitewater cemetery, but the cemetery is quite a ways north of the ghost town site. Drive to Brevard and take US 64 West (toward Lake Toxaway and Highlands). High School Reunion Picnic and something was going on in the Brevard, Asheville, Hendersonville area so ended up stay at the Hampton Inn in Sapphire. Directions from Cashiers, NC: Travel south on SR 107 9.3 miles to SR 413 (SC) and a sign for Whitewater Falls. From North Carolina you approach from Highway 64 turning South onto NC Highway 281 for about 8 miles. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Go 5.6 miles on US-276. 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. We had visited several the day before... Beautiful falls, though only visible from afar. The series falls is 800+ feet in total, but this hike only catches the upper 400 feet of the falls. At 411 ft., the highest falls in Eastern America. 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