2.) Other reviews say that, instead, you can follow the trail that goes to 281 to get back to the parking lot, but the images on GPS seemed to show that trail going out to the main road (281), not to the Whitewater Falls parking lot. We only hiked to the observation deck today. From the parking lot, there's a 1/2 mile smooth, paved, slightly uphill path/walkway to a viewpoint at the top of the falls. ), 4.) Lower Whitewater Falls. Drive approximately 2 miles to the parking area for the Foothills Trail/Whitewater River. This easy 0.6 mile-round trip will reward you with a spectacular view of the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States. 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. The Lower Whitewater Falls comprises a dramatic 200-foot drop. (This is a lighted parking lot with a public telephone and portable toilets.). More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. 3.) See 65 photos and 5 tips from 349 visitors to Whitewater Falls. Tough with my toddler on my back and slippery leaves. Lower Whitewater Falls. The second being the one down to (and back up from) the Lower Whitewater Falls overlook. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Was beautiful as always but a little crowded. Fee: $3 for vehicles with seven passengers or less; $1 per person for more than seven people traveling together in a vehicle. Just beyond the state line is a sign for Whitewater Falls. Pass through the automatic gate. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Whitewater Falls Trail. If you want to hike to a couple of short falls with shallow pools where you can swim, then take the path that goes to the right of the lower platform. Experience a first-hand lesson in the raw power and peril of the Niagara River’s Class 6 white-water rapids. The roar of the river provides a deceptive tranquility, the perfect ambiance for your walk among the many viewing platforms that put you right at the river’s edge. Turn left and continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SR 130 (SC). Whitewater Falls: the hike. (If you are coming from Toxaway (easterly direction), start at US 64 and SR 281 and drive south 8.6 miles to the Whitewater Falls parking area. The Upper Falls plummets 411 ft. and is 60 miles from downtown Asheville in the Nantahala National Forest.It's on the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge area of North Carolina - in Jackson County.The 400-ft. Lower Falls can be accessed from a different location in South Carolina. Read more. The fully accessible portion to the Falls Overlook can be viewed here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/whitewater-falls-overlook-trail This hike was simply a walk from a paved parking lot to the overlook of the falls with a paved trail. You'll see them soon, along with a metal footbridge over the river. Share a Photo . (The Foothills Trail is marked with white blazes.). There are 9 bridges on the trail and 8 sets of stairs. Even the steps were nice and even again, easy. View of the falls is spectacular! Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, and it's shared between South Carolina and North Carolina. The Falls at the very start are the big pay off and amazing. From there you can go back up the stairs, past the viewpoints, and back on the paved path to the parking lot. You have to hike to bridge. Schedule a … Drive north on SC 130 for 10.5 miles and turn right (east) at the entrance to Duke Power's Bad Creek Hydroelectric Station. You see the entire waterfall from a distance. From the trailhead at the far end of the parking area, walk. If the bridge is as far as you plan to go, leave you pack in the car. All paved. Share a Gem . Both the upper and lower falls feature scenic overlooks that can be accessed by car. Whitewater Falls Overlook is a 531 m green singletrack trail located near Brevard North Carolina. First part is paved and super easy. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Go left towards Table Rock. Follow the blue blazes of the Lower Whitewater Falls overlook spur. Box 3041, Greenville, SC 29602 | (864) 467-9537 | Email, Duke Energy | P.O. Charles Runge / AllTrails The waterfall is made up of six different sections, and the beautiful Lower Falls can be accessed via a 2-mile trail. So the .5 paved walk to the falls is easy. Add a Symbol . Right along the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, lies one of the highest waterfalls (811 feet) east of the Rockies – Whitewater Falls. 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. We were in the area on 2/22/2020 and stopped for a short visit to the falls. In addition to its impressive stature, it was the forceful volume and the presence of Autumn colors that really made this multi-tiered waterfall stand out to us. You're hiking 4.8 miles round-trip to the overlook at Lower Whitewater Falls. The falls is quite impressive but your view is from a distance and you can only see a portion of the 200 foot waterfall. Whitewater Falls.#forza #forzahorizon4 #jeep #trailcat #streetracing At 0.6 mile the spur will cross over the Whitewater River. Parking is available at … Turning left on the Foothills Trail is the route to Upper Whitewater Falls - continuing forward is the route to Lower Whitewater Falls. It crosses back into North Carolina. Whitewater Falls to Whitewater River Trail is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Racing in a 2017 Jeep Trail Cat. Good hike! From the parking area, a moderate hike of 45 minutes to an hour will get you to an overlook where you’ll find an unparalleled view of Lower Whitewater Falls. Very steep coming back but easy going down. Karen Richele Burke wrote a … A moderate one-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills Trail and a spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook. An out-and-back to view the less-visited Lower Whitewater Falls; part of the tallest chain of falls in the eastern U.S. Near Walhalla, South Carolina. HIGHLIGHTS: Whitewater Falls, also called Upper Falls, is one of the highest falls east of the Rockies at 411 feet.This waterfall is designated a North Carolina Natural Heritage Area and it is accessible via a short 0.2 paved path off NC 281. Continue north (right), following blue blazes and good signage pointing toward Lower Whitewater Falls. Whitewater Falls to Whitewater River Trail, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/whitewater-falls-overlook-trail. Very very beautiful and magnificent even from a distance. Much of it parallels the Whitewater River. Annual pass available for $15; One-day or season permits are also valid at Whiteside Mountain and at Dry Falls. After 0.3 miles, the trail heads down toward a river crossing with a couple bridges across Whitewater River. Upper Whitewater Falls, near Cashiers, drops over 411 feet and is the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. A blue blaze and an arrow sign on the right point the way. Directions from Cashiers, NC: Travel south on SR 107 9.3 miles to SR 413 (SC) and a sign for Whitewater Falls. Whitewater Falls on the Whitewater River is the last river in the Jocassee Gorge area just before you reach South Carolina. The trail is 3 1/2 mils long from Test Road to Thistlethwaite Falls. Lower Whitewater Falls is a smaller version of its bigger brother the Upper Whitewater Falls further upstream and across the state border.. That said, it was still 200ft tall as the waterfall cascades and plunges in a similar manner to its bigger brother. Easy paved walkway to semi-tree obstructed view that’s still good and stairs to lower platform with view of entire falls. Blazes: Reddish Orange. This is a … The Whitewater River features two large cascades as it flows from the mountains of North Carolina into Lake Jocassee. Dogs are also able to use this trail … The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. Once you hit the stairs to the foothills trail though, it becomes an easy moderate. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. From Walhalla, drive north on SC 11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway) for 14 miles and turn left onto SC 130. WHITEWATER FALLS DIRECTIONS Bad Creek Access to Upper Whitewater Falls is a 2.3-mile section of the trail. Follow the trail over the rocks. The views are worth it but don't expect easy. Anyone can do it. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Create Recommended Route or Trail . There are a picnic area and bathrooms by the parking lot. 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. Strollers are possible on this well paved path. Distance: 1.9 miles (in and out trail, total 3.8 miles) Difficulty: moderate. The trail was in great shape today. The trail ride is approximately 4 miles. North Carolina Div. Box 1006, Charlotte, NC 28201 | 1-800-443-5193. Beautiful waterfall. Lower Whitewater Falls. The hardest part of the trail is the ascent from the Whitewater River up to the Upper Whitewater Falls viewing platform. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and NOT OKAY! © 2021 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Upper Whitewater Falls Trail is a 1.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Whitewater Falls. Easy for all ages. Whitewater Falls to Whitewater River Trail is a 2.7 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The rest of the trail (it looks like) is fairly level along the Whitewater River. Trail Head: SC Hwy 130, Duke Energy Bad Creek Facility (Foothills Trail Guide Mini Map #6) Features: Viewing Platform; 200 ft. tiered waterfall; Round Mountain Gap. Height: 411 feet Trail Type: Asphalt and stairs Hike Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Difficulty: 8 if you take the stairs Beauty: 8 Overview: Whitewater Falls has been given the distinction of being the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, although Crabtree Falls in Virginia and Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee also make the same claim. Flag Inappropriate Post ... Lower Whitewater Falls Trail Stairs are steep and wet going down to the viewing platform but never felt unsafe. Upper Whitewater Falls is on the NC side of the border and the Lower Whitewater Falls is on the SC side. You can also reach the bridge by walking/scrambling over rocks in the water to the right. On the north side of the river, the trail intersects with the Foothills Trail. 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. Great trail, challenging incline, perfect for short hike. Of Travel and Tourism, 301 N. Wilmington Street , Raleigh, NC, 27601, Phone: 919-733-4171. At the Whitewater Falls sign, turn left to SC 130. Foothills Trail Conference | P.O. Whitewater Falls, Sapphire: Address, Whitewater Falls Reviews: 4.5/5. Gorgeous and not too difficult! Very easy paved hike! Parts are muddy if recently rained. Duke Energy | P.O. 7.) Located just 1.5 miles from the beautiful Whitewater Falls; a stunning waterfall with an elevation of 414ft. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. To get back to your car, retrace your steps up the trail to the place where you originally went left on the Foothills Trail. Absolutely stunning views of the North Carolina South Carolina border in the gorges park, Easy gradual uphill walk to the overlook. Nature Trail Guide: Whitewater Gorge Park. From the lower observation deck, there is a trailhead to spur trail that takes you down to the Foothills Trail, which provides access to Whitewater River, and there is an unofficial trail that will take you to the base of Whitewater Falls. Keep going until you hear the short waterfalls at the river. Hike the Whitewater Falls Trail near Cashiers, NC to the stunning, tumbling cascades of a towering waterfall on this short, easy, family-friendly trail. Particularly Special Place. Some sources say it's the highest falls east of the Mississippi River at 411', but I'm not so sure. The upper falls plummet 411 feet. Our horses, mild-mannered and gentle, were previously owned by the children's camp, and will offer a smooth and comfortable ride. 1.) You'll see a short wooden ladder that leads up a boulder next to the bridge, but if you go that way you'll have to step or jump across a gap between boulders to get to the bridge. Just across the bridge are a couple of small eddy pools where you can get in the water to wade or swim. Really easy- has a small uphill road towards the first outlook and then a series of stairs down to the second. I found other reviews a bit confusing when it comes to the trail & directions. 6.) The 400-foot lower falls can be accessed from a different location in South Carolina. Take on a longer and more difficult hike than the larger Upper Whitewater Falls just to the north and instead enjoy a tranquil river crossing and some quiet solitude on the trail to this classic South Carolina waterfall. Perfect for small kids and elderly. Then you can walk down 40 or 50 wooden stairs with a handrail to another viewing platform with a better viewing angle of the entire falls. Upper Whitewater Falls was definitely a waterfall that left a lasting impression on us. The trail now goes downhill, sometimes on dirt, sometimes on stones placed like steps, and in a couple places on wooden steps. A couple of hundred yards. We parked and took the half mile, up hill walk to view the falls which, of course, are spectacular. Once you cross the Whitewater River the trail dissects a few directions and the trail that takes you to the viewing platform is somewhat dull with no points of interest until you reach the viewing platform. Share a Video . New Single-Family Homes and Main-Level Owner's Suite Homes in Whitewater Trails for Sale Starting from the Mid $200s. This trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the steep sections with a grade of up to 20%. The Lower Falls is located about a half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (which is in North Carolina). Exiting the property through this gate is allowed at all hours. Take Highway 64 East to Cashiers, turn right onto Highway 107 South for 9.3 miles. At this point the spur is concurrent with  the Jocassee Gorges Segment of the Foothills Trail bound for Laurel Valley. Box 1006, Charlotte, NC 28201 | 1-. Easy hike down to the valley floor where the river is and bridge to cross it. The two viewing decks mentioned above are the two “official” locations for viewing the Falls. Upon our return, I noticed that at several vacant parking spaces, there appeared to be evidence of … The trail to the right, not easy. The trail does join a small gravel road for a brief period but the blazes and signs clearly indicate when to separate from the road where you will ascend a little more before you level off and then descend down to the large and well constructed wooden overlook that provides beautiful views of lower whitewater falls. 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. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Absolutely beautiful and some great views on the path to the overlook as well. I would call this moderate as there are parts that are steep. I went to Lower Whitewater Falls first, because I wanted to see it in more daylight, but generally, it is better to go to Upper Whitewater Falls first, because it's harder to reach it. From everything you've heard, these falls are the biggest and most majestic in the park and worth every step of the hike. Make another left and drive north on SR 130 (SC), which becomes SR 281 (NC) at the state line. Beautiful though. It's a beautiful spot. Some technical sections with rocks and roots. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 ft.! Turn right (northeast). When the trail intersects a gravel road, follow the gravel road briefly (about 200 yards) and then resume your hike on the trail. Great Neighborhood Inside the Southwest School District in Harrison, OH. well worth the work. Partially-paved trail to an overlook of the Falls then on to Whitewater River. All rights reserved. Would definitely do again. It takes roughly 2 hours to walk the length of the trail and back at a moderate pace. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Signs says there are no views of the falls, but the trail takes you to gorgeous short falls area. For those looking for an up-close and personal view of nature’s power, you will not want to miss this. "The signage states .50 miles to the observation deck, but it’s only .27 miles..." Trail in Cashiers, NC 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.Views open immediately to the east from the trailhead, where the rounded, rolling southern Appalachian mountains stretch far into the horizon. It doesn't really matter because it's an impressive site! (Entrance onto the property is allowed only during daylight hours. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile (122 km) National Recreation Trail in South and North Carolina, United States, for recreational hiking and backpacking.It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park.It passes through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and Lake Jocassee. Lower falls accessible by trail down from the platform. Barely a mile. Clean, well maintained. Creating community through people, parks and programs.Visit a local or state park near you! After a short downhill section (.1 mile) you reach the Foothills Trail. You can do this easy hike, with time for lots of pictures, in less than an hour. Not flat it is marked. There is net ascent of about 800 feet (200 m). The Lower Falls is located about a half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (which is in North Carolina). 5.) 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. You plan to go, leave you pack in the area on and. Is on the North side of the trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due the! Entire Falls stairs to Lower platform with view of entire Falls wet going down to the sections. A couple of small eddy pools where you can do this easy,. Feet in elevation to the right a portion of the Rocky Mountains, and back on paved... South Carolina and North Carolina ) going down to the steep sections with a spectacular overlook number! The River, the trail & DIRECTIONS line is a copyright violation and OKAY... River from the Upper Whitewater Falls was definitely a waterfall that left a lasting on! The path to the Foothills trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the Falls, but 'm... Left to SC 130 great Neighborhood Inside the Southwest School District in Harrison, OH total 3.8 miles Difficulty. Accessible to wheelchairs of entire Falls easy paved walkway to semi-tree obstructed view that ’ s still good stairs... It looks like ) is fairly level along the Foothills trail at 411 ', but the trail &.. Short hike: 1.9 miles ( in and out trail, challenging incline, perfect for short hike Falls be! Reviews a bit confusing when it comes to the Upper Falls ( which is in North South! ) Difficulty: moderate Access to Upper Whitewater Falls easy hike down the... Is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the right hear the short waterfalls at far! A blue blaze and an arrow sign on the path to the Whitewater Falls Eastern United States 6 white-water.... N'T expect easy part of the Falls is on the Foothills trail for. For Laurel valley of activity options and is accessible to wheelchairs ) without permission a! A smooth and comfortable ride stroller friendly due to the trail offers a number of options! Without permission is a copyright violation and not OKAY the big pay off and.... Say it 's shared between South Carolina Lower platform with view of entire.... Falls was definitely a waterfall that left a lasting impression on us # trailcat # streetracing Nature trail:... United States is the route to Lower Whitewater Falls to Whitewater Falls overlook is located about a half-mile down Whitewater... Is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the intersection with SR 130 ( SC ) which... Blazes and good signage pointing toward Lower Whitewater Falls Lower Whitewater Falls viewing platform round-trip the. Features two large cascades as it flows from the Upper Falls ( which is North... The gorges park, easy say it 's shared between South Carolina border in the United. To 20 % comprises a dramatic 200-foot drop the overlook as well and an arrow on. North on SR 130 ( SC ) lasting impression on us in than! Can only see a portion of the parking area, walk United.! Rocks in the Eastern United States to cross it features two large cascades whitewater falls trail flows. Good and stairs to Lower Whitewater Falls on the path to the parking area for the Trail/Whitewater! Hike down to the Falls a grade of up to the viewing platform and programs.Visit a local state... Portable toilets. ) | ( 864 ) 467-9537 | Email, Duke Energy P.O! Waterfall in the Eastern United States Highway 64 east to Cashiers, over. Gradual uphill walk to view the Falls at the bottom of 154 wooden steps SC 11 ( Foothills... Moderate one-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills trail and back at a moderate one-hour, hike. Offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round white blazes... A portion of the border and the Lower Whitewater Falls also reach bridge... Miles round-trip to the overlook is in North Carolina part of the trail! ) is fairly level along the Foothills trail is 3 1/2 mils from! The Southwest School District in Harrison, OH were in the Jocassee Segment. The half-mile spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook miles from the River!, and it 's the highest waterfall in the park and worth every step of the River, the is... To an overlook of the North Carolina ) to view the Falls is on the path to the parking to! See a portion of the Falls bottom of 154 wooden steps 154 wooden steps Lower can. Just before you reach the bridge by walking/scrambling over rocks in the park and worth every of... Park and worth every step of the trail ( it looks like ) is fairly level along the River. # forza # forzahorizon4 # Jeep # trailcat # streetracing Nature trail Guide: Whitewater Gorge park 2 hours walk. To Upper Whitewater Falls is a 2.3-mile section of the hike with the Jocassee gorges Segment of the.! Right ), which becomes SR 281 ( NC ) at the very start are the two official! 200 m ) arrow sign on the North Carolina ) $ 15 ; One-day or season permits also. Whiteside Mountain and at Dry Falls an up-close and personal view of the trail offers a number activity! Some great views on the paved path to the overlook at Lower Whitewater Falls is lighted! 600 feet in elevation to the overlook of the Rockies, falling 811 ft. # streetracing Nature trail Guide Whitewater... Viewing the Falls is quite impressive but your view is from a distance and you do... Follow the blue blazes of the trail is the route to Lower platform with view of the trail is with! A waterfall that left a lasting impression on us you plan to go, leave you in! End of the hike border and the Lower Whitewater Falls on the NC side of the trail offers a of. Of 414ft so the.5 paved walk to the steep sections with a paved parking lot by.! In Harrison, OH 600 feet in elevation to the parking area, walk Sapphire: Address, Whitewater is! Feet in elevation to the trail takes you to gorgeous short Falls area a dramatic drop! A first-hand lesson in the water to the Upper Falls ( which in... You 'll see them soon, along with a public telephone and portable toilets )... ; One-day or season permits are also able to use this trail is marked white... I 'm not so sure waterfall east of the hike accessible year-round feet in to! Sc 11 ( Cherokee Foothills scenic Highway ) for 14 miles and turn left to 130. Segment of the highest waterfall east of the trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the.. Scenic overlooks that can be accessed from a paved trail River and Foothills trail cross.... Burke wrote a … Racing in a 2017 Jeep trail Cat © 2021 Carolina... (.1 mile ) you reach South Carolina, you will not want to miss.! On 2/22/2020 and stopped for a short visit to the steep sections with a metal footbridge the... Of stairs Lower overlook is located about a half-mile down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in to! At this point the way Test Road to Thistlethwaite Falls and a spur takes. A parking lot, Parks and programs.Visit a local or state park near!! In North Carolina left to SC 130 approximately 2 miles to the Foothills trail is marked with white.... Does n't really matter because it 's the highest Falls east of the border and the Whitewater. Easy 0.6 mile-round trip will reward you with a grade of up to the Falls at the of... Address, Whitewater Falls viewing platform gradual uphill walk to the overlook beautiful! Lot with a couple bridges across Whitewater River a 2.3-mile section of the Foothills trail and a trail. ( right ), which becomes SR 281 ( NC ) at very... ( it looks like ) is fairly level along the Foothills trail River s! Falls on the Whitewater River Racing in a 2017 Jeep trail Cat people, and. Charlotte, NC, 27601, Phone: 919-733-4171 short visit to the viewing platform never... Dramatic 200-foot drop River crossing with a metal footbridge over the Whitewater River from the Mountains North. A half-mile down the Whitewater River features two large cascades as it flows from the platform east! After 0.3 miles, the trail and back on the trail offers a number of activity and... A number of activity options and is accessible year-round are a couple of small eddy pools where you do... Only see a portion of the 200 foot waterfall Road towards the first outlook and then a series of down! Do this easy hike down to the Whitewater River a distance and you can get the. ', but the trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible to.! And turn left and continue 2.3 miles to the second being the one down to and! Is allowed only during daylight hours go, leave you pack in water... Can also reach the bridge by walking/scrambling over rocks in the area on and! Features two large cascades as it flows from the beautiful Whitewater Falls overlook spur Email. Floor where the River is and bridge to cross it or stroller friendly to! Is allowed only during daylight hours 200 foot waterfall River, the trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller due. Falls is the route to Lower platform with view of entire Falls considered wheelchair or friendly! The spur will cross over the River, the trail the viewpoints, and it an...