upper whitewater falls hike

Great views of the falls are available from two overlooks. The first issue in visiting the upper Whitewater River is an issue of access. You'll see them soon, along with a metal footbridge over the river. The Blue Ridge Escarpment is an abrupt 3,000-foot rise from the rolling hills and plains of the Piedmont to the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Altitude change -680 ft. … As with most of North Carolina's waterfalls, it is in the mountainous area of the state. Sculpted Falls is arguably the most scenic waterfall on the Upper Whitewater River, located in the middle of the Upper Whitewater Slot Canyon. Upper Whitewater Falls was definitely a waterfall that left a lasting impression on us. This quarter mile stretch drops around 600 feet/mile and is super sick. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. No camping. Of Travel and Tourism, 301 N. Wilmington Street , Raleigh, NC, 27601, Phone: 919-733-4171. It's a beautiful spot. Turn left and continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SR 130 (SC). The other whitewater stretch is the breakdown of Upper Whitewater Falls. The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. Turn … To reach the upper falls first, turn left on Foothills. Thus, while the trailhead for this hike is in South Carolina, Upper Whitewater Falls lies in North Carolina. Then we trekked down the foothills trail. We all gathered in the Upper Whitewater Falls parking lot under clear blue, but cool skies. 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. Here we'll cross over the highway and proceed to views along the top of Whitewater Falls before returning to our cars. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Some bushwacking required to reach a good view of the falls. Dogs are also able to use this trail … Steep hike. Very very beautiful and magnificent even from a distance. It is steep and slick when wet, and it drops nearly 600 feet to the Whitewater River below. The easiest overlook to reach is a quarter-mile from the parking lot along a paved path. We had a wintry start to this early spring hike. Paved and wide open space. Stop and enjoy an impressive 400 foot multi-tiered waterfall in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest. Linville Falls Hike. We'll head west on the Foothills Trail and pass several incredible views of Lake Jocassee and beyond. Absolutely stunning views of the North Carolina South Carolina border in the gorges park, Easy gradual uphill walk to the overlook. Lower falls accessible by trail down from the platform. Then leave the pavement to form a slightly longer loop along a short section of the 76 mile Foothills Trail. The trail towards the falls is rather treacherous and hard to follow in places. First time I’ve been to the river. 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. 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. The upper falls plummet 411 feet. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. drop on the Chattooga River with whitewater in action. Gorgeous and not too difficult! If you’re looking for a traditional hike this isn’t going to be for you, but if you’re looking for a short easy paved path to two observation points of a beautiful waterfall, this is exactly for you. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. The series falls is 800+ feet in total, but this hike only catches the upper 400 feet of the falls. All paved. Hike by the river to the lower falls, a 100-foot cascade. The boofs are 12 footers, with class 5 approaches and washouts. The Whitewater River drops 700+ feet in about a half mile before it flows into Lake Jocassee. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. The trail is also very nicely maintained with blue blazes marking your path and well constructed bridges in place for when you cross whitewater river. March 28, 2015 from Whitewater Falls to Bad Creek. Follow the trail over the rocks. 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. Upper Whitewater Falls to Sloan Bridge is a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) section of the trail that crosses into North Carolina's Upper Whitewater Falls is a spectacular 411-foot cascade that rests near the border of South Carolina, dropping precipitously from the Blue Ridge Escarpment toward Jocassee Lake. Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina. Directions from Cashiers, NC: Travel south on SR 107 9.3 miles to SR 413 (SC) and a sign for Whitewater Falls. Foothills Trail (Upper Whitewater Falls) is a 6 mile blue singletrack trail located near Brevard North Carolina. There is net ascent of about 800 feet (200 m). Make another left and drive north on SR 130 (SC), which becomes SR 281 (NC) at the state line. Stairs are steep and wet going down to the viewing platform but never felt unsafe. It is maintained by Duke Energy Co. It’s actually only a 5 minute drive from the Bad Creek parking lot for the Lower Whitewater Falls hike. (3 miles roundtrip, easy) This waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest is just three miles from I-40 in Old Fort. Linville Falls—near Linville, NC. It’s about nourishment and learning. Definitely recommend if going up stairs is too much on your knees. Fee: $3 for vehicles with seven passengers or less; $1 per person for more than seven people traveling together in a vehicle. From here, it is a longer hike following the Foothills Trail. Refreshing swimming hole. The orogeny of the steep slope is uncertain, but its effects are better understood. More Stats for Foothills Trail (Upper Whitewater Falls) hike trail. This trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the steep sections with a grade of up to 20%. First little bit is easy and then it gets at least moderate. Clean, well maintained. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Once you hit the stairs to the foothills trail though, it becomes an easy moderate. You see the entire waterfall from a distance. After a series of ups and downs, you will cross over Corbin Creek – look for Corbin Creek Falls, nearby. Get a little peace and quiet at the popular Upper Whitewater Falls with a short trip down the Foothills Trail on this less than one mile loop. Upper Whitewater Falls (A8) to Sloan Bridge (A9) Bad Creek Access (A7) to Upper Whitewater Falls (A8) Canebrake (A6) to Bad Creek Access (A7) Laurel Fork Falls (A5) to Canebrake (A6) There are two trails that will take hikers to Linville Falls, and both … The view only gets better, though, as the trail begins a descent down a series of wooden stairs and landings. An alternative route to the base of the falls and overlooks leaves from a parking area further south on NC-281. Upper Whitewater Falls is a waterfall in North Carolina on the Whitewater River. After a short downhill section (.1 mile) you reach the Foothills Trail. Really easy- has a small uphill road towards the first outlook and then a series of stairs down to the second. You can also reach the bridge by walking/scrambling over rocks in the water to the right. It’s about protecting what sustains us. © 2020 Outdoor Project. The view of Sculpted Falls described here is known as the River Right Perch, because it is on the south side of the river - the right side looking downstream. The Falls at the very start are the big pay off and amazing. Hours: Dawn until dusk, year-round. Just beyond the state line is a sign for Whitewater Falls. 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. At 6.3 miles, reach a junction with the Upper Whitewater Falls Trail. This waterfall has a claim as the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, which is apparently disputed. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Upper Whitewater Falls overlook can be accessed via a walkway/trail, rated as easy, and located at a different parking lot off of SR 281. Anyone can do it. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. This area is managed by the Forest Service. 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. It is accessed via a different parking lot off of Bad Creek Road. 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. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Some technical sections with rocks and roots. Whitewater Falls is part of a series of six different falls on the Whitewater River along the North and South Carolina border that collectively fall over 800 feet. Experienced hikers and rock climbers can continue on to a challenging hike to the stunning Upper Catawba Falls. Then we will circle around Grassy Knob onto the Old Foothills Trail which will return us to SC Hwy 130/NC Hwy 281. Easy hike down to the valley floor where the river is and bridge to cross it. Easy for all ages. There is a pretty I found other reviews a bit confusing when it comes to the trail & directions. 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. Left to right: Upper Whitewater Falls on the NC side of the state border, Lower Whitewater Falls on the SC side of the state border. Right along the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, lies one of the highest waterfalls (811 feet) east of the Rockies – Whitewater Falls. GPS Coordinates to parking area: N 34.81473 W 083.30512 Partially-paved trail to an overlook of the Falls then on to Whitewater River. Annual pass available for $15; One-day or season permits are also valid at Whiteside Mountain and at Dry Falls. Bit upper whitewater falls hike easy and then a series of wooden stairs and landings One-day! Our readers this early spring hike, NC, 27601, Phone: 919-733-4171 moderate. Very very beautiful and some great views of the Rocky Mountains sits below this overlook 154... The highest Falls east of the Falls at the very start are the big pay off upper whitewater falls hike amazing in than. The mountainous area of the waterfall caused by the River sculpted Falls a... 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