$2 per vehicle (up to 7 passengers). Whitewater Falls on the Whitewater River is the last river in the Jocassee Gorge area just before you reach South Carolina. 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. Whitewater Falls: the hike. Whitewater Falls Recreation Area is a popular spot to visit, so be prepared to see some other folks while you're there. Lower Whitewater Falls. Turn left on NC-281. Trail Type: Asphalt and stairs Go to the Asheville Airport/Brevard Exit (exit 40) and take a right onto US 64. So from Brevard, we drove about 17 miles southwest on NC64 (Rosman Hwy) then turned left onto Hwy 281 going south.. Cascading waterfalls plunge over towering cliffs all along the East Coast, and more than one has been claimed to be the tallest, highest or greatest volume (including Amicalola Falls in North Georgia). Location & Directions. When we visited Lower Whitewater Falls, we were staying in Brevard, North Carolina so we’ll describe the directions from there.. Directions: From Walhalla, take SC 28 north to where it intersects SC 107. The hike trails a short, paved stretch of the Foothills Trail through a wildflower-filled forest, and catches some stunning views of Lake Jocassee nestled in the rolling surrounding mountains. 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. The hike catches its first views of Whitewater Falls at .25 mile, as the upper falls tumble in a series of wispy white cascades over a blocky, boulder-riddled cliff. The best time to visit would be through the week to try and avoid any large crowds. VISIT OUR SHOP ABOUT US OUR STORY CONTACT US. Height: 411 feet As you approach the entrance, it may look like it isn't a place open to the public; but it … ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT ERIC CHAMPLIN OR SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC. Upper Whitewater Falls is a waterfall in North Carolina on the Whitewater River.As with most of North Carolina's waterfalls, it is in the mountainous area of the state. However, we recommend this area highly because of the magnitude of the falls and great viewing area. The hike catches one last view of the waterfall at the upper overlook before descending to the trailhead, completing the adventure at just under .6 mile. Descend into the lush Panthertown Valley to Schoolhouse Falls, a beautiful single-drop waterfall that cascades into an enormous, shallow, pebble-lined pool below. Go 8 miles to the Whitewater Falls entrance, on your left. 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. Both the upper and lower falls feature scenic overlooks that can be accessed by car. $1 extra per passenger for vehicles over 7 passengers. It’s a gorgeous waterfall, and well worth the half-mile (round trip) hike to view a 400+ foot cascade. Easy 10 minute walk to a viewing platform at the end of an asphalt path. Upper Whitewater Falls is on the NC side of the border and the Lower Whitewater Falls is on the SC side. A moderate one-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills Trail and a spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook. However, the falls are so massive that it’s still a wonderful view. This is also a dandy little spot to take a swim. The view only gets better, though, as the trail begins a descent down a series of wooden stairs and landings. 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. 35.030250, -83.016183     //     N35 01.815 W83 00.971. There are a series of over 100 steps that lead down to a lower viewing area as well. From Brevard, NC: Drive west on US 64. They’re seven of our favorite hikes in Western NC, and while they’re all stunningly beautiful, the hikes are quite beginner friendly and perfect for family hikes with kids, too. Directions: 1.) He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. 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