Ramblings and images of some of the wonderful places we've visited
Friday, July 21, 2017
Whitewater Falls - Nantahala National Forest
Whitewater Falls is the only waterfall I am aware of that is located in two national forests. The Whitewater River is part of the boundary between Jackson and Transylvania counties in western North Carolina. When the US Forest Service reorganized the ranger districts in Nantahala National Forest several years ago, all the forest land in Transylvania County was transferred to the Pisgah National Forest. Looking at the view above, everything to the left of the river is in Nantahala and everything to the right is in Pisgah. The falls is listed as Upper Falls on USGS topographic maps. The US Forest Service calls it Whitewater Falls. Some people have called it Upper Whitewater Falls to differentiate it from the Lower Falls just downstream in South Carolina.
To reach the viewpoint for the falls from Cashiers, drive 10 miles east on US 64 to the junction with NC 281. From Rosman, drive 10 miles west on US 64 to reach the same junction. Turn south on NC 281 and drive 8.5 miles. Once you cross the Whitewater River, you are getting close. From the intersection of SC 11 and SC 130 near Salem, South Carolina drive north on SC 130 for 10.5 miles crossing into North Carolina and becoming NC 281. The turnoff is less than ¼ mile north of the state line. A small forest service sign on the west side of the road marks the Whitewater Falls Scenic Area. The paved road to the east ends in about ¼ mile at a large paved parking area with about 50 parking spots for passenger vehicles as well as a couple of spots for handicap placarded or plated vehicles. In addition, there is parking for five buses or RVs. In addition, there are several picnic tables and shelters near the parking area.
This is a day use fee area of the Nantahala National Forest with a fee of $2 per vehicle up to seven people and an additional $1 each person above seven. There are a couple of self-serve payment stations. If you posses any of the America the Beautiful passes (annual, military, 4th grade, senior, access, or volunteer), you can enter the pass details on the pay envelope and hang tag in lieu of the $2 fee.
A ¼ mile ADA compliant paved path leads from the north end of the parking area to an obstructed view of the falls. The trail climbs at a 4.75% grade, so it is near the ADA limit of 5%. I would suggest anyone in a wheelchair have someone to assist with the trip to and from the viewpoint.
In November 2016, a small wildfire consumed the stairs descending to the observation deck. The stairs were rebuilt in time for the influx of Independence Day visitors. I visited about a week later in mid-July 2017 and found workers sanding the wooden handrails. However, the 154 steps were open and the workers ensured visitor safety around their equipment. Many of the noises you may hear in the video below are from the operation of the belt and orbital sanders. The rebuilt stairs are very sturdy and have additional railings to ensure visitors don't stray off the stairs. The continuing trail to the Whitewater River was still closed when I visited. The trail should be rebuilt later in the summer of 2017. There are no views of the falls from the lower trail and there has never been any direct access to the falls.
Whitewater Falls has been reported to be 411 feet high for a number of years. Recent observations have questioned that height and have suggested the actual height may be closer to 350 feet. Regardless of the height or whether the falls is the highest east of the Mississippi River, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls you are likely to see. Unfortunately, even though the observation deck could hold a dozen or more visitors, the one clear view of the falls is only wide enough for at most a couple of people. Hopefully, the forest service will find a way to improve the view soon.
Self-service fee station
Trailhead kiosk
Trail sign denoting the round trip distance to the upper viewpoint
Paved trail
View of Lake Jocassee in South Carolina from the trail
The construction crew's truck parked at the end of the trail
Obstructed view from the end of the trail
A look back up the new stairs and burned stump
Observation deck
Whitewater Falls from the observation deck
Top of the falls
Bottom of the falls
Entry requires a fee of $2 per vehicle plus an additional $1 for each passenger over seven. Annual or Senior passholders can enter their pass information on the fee envelope instead of paying the fee.
We saw this waterfall in 2011. It's too bad they haven't built a trail to it yet.
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