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Whitewater Falls North Carolina.
Published: 05/12/2010 by Karen Smith
Whitewater Falls
On the Whitewater River Jocassee Gorge, North Carolina
Whitewater Falls is fed by Lake Jocassee and provides a beautiful view of one of the many waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. The Falls are located along highway NC 281 and are one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies at about 411 feet. When you arrive there is a ½ mile paved walk to the lookout where you can access a set of 154 steps down to another lookout. Unfortunately both of the lookouts are quite a distance from the falls. After talking with someone who had just completed that little journey of 154 steps and citing it was one of the more foolish things he had ever done we decided we would just enjoy the view from the top lookout. Put feel free to ad that to your viewing pleasure if you are up to the climb.
There were a couple of benches at the end of the ½ mile walk if you needed to rest. The top of the falls provides a place for great photo opportunities using the falls as a stunning backdrop.
If you find yourself in this area or are looking for a great ride with a great payoff at the end you should consider taking a ride to Whitewater Falls.
More information
Hours: Dawn until dusk, year-round.
Picnic tables: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Fee: $2 for vehicles with seven passengers or less; $1 per person for more than seven people traveling together in a vehicle. Annual pass available for $15; One-day or season permits are also valid at Whiteside Mountain and at Dry Falls.
Camping: No
How to get there
From Cashiers: Drive south on NC 107 for 9.3 miles. Shortly after crossing the State line, turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls. Continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SC 130, which becomes NC 281 at the North Carolina State line. Just beyond this point is a sign for the entrance to Whitewater Falls.
From Brevard: Drive west on U.S. 64. At Sapphire, turn left on NC 281 and go south to the Whitewater Falls entrance.
From South Carolina: Drive north on SC 130, which becomes NC 281. The Whitewater Falls entrance is on the right after driving into North Carolina.
From Walhalla, SC: Use SC 107 and cross over to SC 130 and NC 281.
