This month I would like to cover one of the most well-known waterfalls in the area, Whitewater Falls, which is known to be the highest east of the Rockies.
Information is also provided on the Whitewater Falls to Foothills Trail. This spectacular waterfall and trail are a short drive south of Lake Toxaway on 281, towards the SC border. Similar information can be found in my new travel guide, titled Exploring Western North Carolina, which covers many highlights in the region.
Something many people may not be aware of is the fire that affected this area in 2016. Wildfires burned 23 acres around Upper Whitewater Falls, destroying the stairway and access to the observation deck, the site was temporarily closed. With about $85,000 in funding from the Federal Highways Administration’s Eastern Federal Lands division and a grant from REI, the stairway was rebuilt and improvements were made to parts of the Foothills Trail, including the bridge below the falls. The observation area officially reopened on June 29, 2017.
For the best views of Whitewater Falls, visitors can follow the paved, wheelchair-accessible walkway from the parking area to the upper overlook or descend 154 steps to a lower overlook. While the overlooks provide the safest and most scenic views, hikers are reminded to never climb on rocks near the path, where several accidents have occurred. With the exception of the two overlooks near the top, no other views of the falls are offered.
Take a left at the Foothills Trail sign below the lower observation deck. It’s a moderate, yet steep half-mile downhill trek to the bridge over the rushing water. There are large rocks along the shore, perfect for enjoying a picnic, and the majesty of the river rapids is all around you. This journey entails a strenuous uphill climb back to the parking area. Sturdy hiking boots, water, and snacks are recommended. The trail drops 600 feet before linking to the 85-mile Foothills Trail.
This scenic trail winds through the Blue Ridge Escarpment across North and South Carolina. From the junction, hikers can head east toward South Carolina and Lower Whitewater Falls, with trail maintenance supported by the Foothills Trail Conference and the Nantahala Ranger District.
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