WHITEWATER FALLS
Location: Western North Carolina
Trip Starts: NC 281
Trip Ends: NC 281
Total Distance: 5.1 miles
Hike Type: Roundtrip, Loop Hike
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Trails Used: Foothills, Spur Trail
Trail Traffic: Moderate
Trip Type: Day or Overnight Hike
More Information:
Nantahala National Forest
Wayah Ranger District
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
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. The Foothills Trail passes near the Upper Whitewater Falls and this route is a loop hike that combines the Foothills Trail with a spur trail that crosses NC 281 near the Whitewater River bridge. There is a designated campsite along the spur trail, and a few other sites that are suitable for small groups that are looking for a nice overnight loop hike in this area.
Recommended:
Foothills Trail Guidebook
Foothills Trail Map
More Details:
- click to see trail photos from this hike: January 21, 2001, May 22, 2011 (password required)
- click to view a detailed trip report: January 21, 2001 (password required)
- click to view maps: area map, detailed map, profile map, trail map (Lower Whitewater Falls) (password required)
- click to see a recap of our annual cold weather Klondike Hikes into the wilderness which began in the early 90’s
- click for more information on the Foothills Trail
- click for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
- click for Foothills Trail hiking and backpacking books
- click to access the guidebook North Carolina Hiking Trails which has details on this destination
- click for other North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
- click for other hikes in the Nantahala National Forest
- click here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination
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