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. We had visited several the day before... Beautiful falls, though only visible from afar. –WALK 150 yards on right to FS 702 –Roadbed goes along creekside. These majestic falls are an outdoor lover's dream and are sure to leave a lasting impression on any spectator. Turn right (S) on NC 281. Both the upper and lower falls feature scenic overlooks that can be accessed by car. contact lodging establishments directly for their most up-to-date information. There is net ascent of about 800 feet (200 m). The listing for Whitewater Falls, MN needs a slight correction as to the location. 107 –12.5 miles PARK on left. All individuals must stay A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Please use your best judgment if traveling, and practice good hygiene while It lies along NC Route just north of the South Carolina line. Continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SC 130, which becomes NC 281 at the North Carolina state line. 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! Make another left and drive north on SR 130 (SC), which becomes SR 281 (NC) at the state line. The self-help payment drop slots at the parking lot for the Upper Whitewater Falls The walk to the top viewing area is less than 1/4 mile and is on a sloped The falls (and parking) are on your right. Please turn on for a full experience. Tony, Noel and I was out with our little doggie Sammi, visiting the Land of the Waterfalls and we visited UPPER WHITEWATER FALLS last. 1 mi. … Visitors can enjoy the remoteness of the Southern Nantahala WIlderness, a scenic drive along the Mountain Waters By-way or a view Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. 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 series falls is 800+ feet in total, but this hike only catches the upper 400 feet of the falls. 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. You can hear the sound of the water from the parking lot. This site requires that javascript is enabled. the Count On Me NC training, as these businesses are making a concerted effort to help keep everyone 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. More information about local restaurant resources If you are The parking area is just ahead on the right. This waterfall has a claim as the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, which is apparently disputed. south on Whitewater Rd., near the NC-SC state line. Location is Closed. On the north side of the river, the trail intersects with the Foothills Trail. safe and healthy. They have been closed due to forest fires in November of 2016 that destroyed the previous stairs down to the deck. WHITEWATER FALLS DIRECTIONS Bad Creek Access to Upper Whitewater Falls is a 2.3-mile section of the trail. The 400-foot Lower Falls can be accessed from a different location in South Carolina. Highway 215. Drive 3.5 miles north from the Ranger Station to the first left turn … If traveling, individuals are encouraged to check with local This 1896 map shows the actual platted location of Whitewater Falls in sections 27 and 34 of Whitewater Township, Winona County, Minnesota. Go 5.6 miles on US-276. 3. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. Along the way in the National Forest we found Whitewater Falls, said to be the highest falls east of the Mississippi. The parking area for Upper Whitewater Falls is large and includes picnic tables and restrooms. avoiding close contact with others. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 feet! Directions: From intersection of US-276/US-64/NC-280, enter Pisgah National Forest. The best time to visit would be through the week to try and avoid any large crowds. 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. 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, … As a guest, you can take your own pledge, too, to show you're doing your part. Continue for 9.9 miles. A hike a bit south of here leads to the lower falls. Many people hike the old road from the upper overlook thinking it will take them to the top of the falls… at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and face masks are still required in public places. As you approach the entrance, it may look like it isn't a place open to the public; but it … The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. © 2020 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. Landlubbers can hike to the falls, but you'll be trekking on a path that is not an official Forest Service trail. 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. Go to the Asheville Airport/Brevard Exit (exit 40) and take a right onto NC 280. Scroll over the images to see section titles. 64 and NC Hwy. 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. Drift, Horsepasture and Rainbow Falls are also accessible from Whitewater Rd. Falls are located 10 mi. There is a nominal fee for parking. Upper Whitewater Falls is on the NC side of the border and the Lower Whitewater Falls is on the SC side. 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. Whitewater Falls Recreation Area is a popular spot to visit, so be prepared to see some other folks while you're there. Hiking trails take you to the top & bottom of this fall, but hiking is not necessary to view this waterfall. More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. Laurel Fork Falls: You have to … Visit Count On Me NC Shortly after crossing the South Carolina state line, turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls. The crown jewel of these falls is Whitewater Falls - the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. From the parking lot the signs says it's a half mile to view the falls. 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. From North Carolina you approach from Highway 64 turning South onto NC Highway 281 for about 8 miles. Whitewater Falls is located along NC Highway 281 less than 1 mile from the South Carolina border where the Highway becomes SC Highway 130. 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. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. A slow drive along mountain roads with a little picnic makes for a fun afternoon. 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. Driving Directions From the intersection of US Hwy. It is described as being near Whitewater cemetery, but the cemetery is quite a ways north of the ghost town site. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. The waterfall is beautiful. to "Whitewater Road." After 0.3 miles, the trail heads down toward a river crossing with a couple bridges across Whitewater River. Views open immediately to the east from the trailhead, where the rounded, rolling southern Appalachian mountains stretch far into the horizon. From Brevard, NC: Drive west on US 64. 28. A moderate one-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills Trail and a spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook. for the entire state of North Carolina from Dec. 11 through Jan. 8 at the earliest. Check before you go. Turn left into parking lot. Very beautiful and breathtaking waterfall! However, we recommend this area highly because of the magnitude of the falls and great viewing area. Do not forget your camera for this trek! 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. Continue north (right), following blue blazes and good signage pointing toward Lower Whitewater Falls. so be prepared to pay. 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. Short walk to lookout. Whitewater Falls can also be reached from N.C. 107, south of Cashiers. tourism organizations to determine if any limitations are in place to see a list of businesses – restaurants, lodging, attractions and others – that have completed 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. There are trails to top and bottom of Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the eastern U.S. Turtleback Falls and Rainbow Falls A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Click anywhere on the photo for more information and a full photo gallery of each section. Turn left and continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SR 130 (SC). Drive to Brevard and take US 64 West (toward Lake Toxaway and Highlands). When you hike to the falls, you’re walking the original roadway. So from Brevard, we drove about 17 miles southwest on NC64 (Rosman Hwy) then turned left onto Hwy 281 going south.. organization, which can be found here. 281 in Saphire (east of Highlands or West of Brevard/Lake Toxaway), drive 8.8 miles South on 281 to the well-signed parking area on the left. –BEAR RIGHT Hwy. Directions/GPS N 34.98149 W 083.06280 –NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy. This District is a diverse, rugged, and mountainous area with raging rivers, granite walls, and waterfalls. Governor Roy Cooper has issued a modified Stay at Home order Just beyond the state line is a sign for Whitewater Falls. Whitewater Falls. Whitewater Falls. The Lower Whitewater Falls comprises a dramatic 200-foot drop. It crosses back into North Carolina. (e.g., visitor center closures), and to https://www.mapquest.com/us/north-carolina/whitewater-falls-361709702 From intersection of US 64 and NC 107 take NC 107 south for approximately 10 mi. Fall colors were amazing when the fog parted. Just beyond this point is a sign for the entrance to Whitewater Falls. Whitewater Falls only (From Cashiers) From intersection of US 64 & NC 107, drive E on US 64 for 10.4 miles. 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. There is a pretty spacious parking lot with a $3 fee that you pay via envelope station. You can hear the roaring of the falls from a long distance this can tell you how big the falls are. Remote multi-tiered falls is a difficult 2-3 hour hike, but worth the effort! Directions From Asheville: Take I-240 West to I-26 East. At 411 ft., the highest falls in Eastern America. Directions from Cashiers, NC: Travel south on SR 107 9.3 miles to SR 413 (SC) and a sign for Whitewater Falls. The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. 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. 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. specific to North Carolina destinations can be found via their local tourism It’s on the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge area of North Carolina. It is a lovely park. From Cashiers, take U.S. 64 east, 10 mi. Whitewater Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall. Much of it parallels the Whitewater River. Directions: This 411 ft. waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and is the highest waterfall in the eastern U.S. Courthouse Falls. 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