Whitewater Falls

Upper Whitewater Falls

Over a course of less than three miles the Whitewater River drops nearly 1100 feet, coursing it's way over the Blue Ridge Escarpment and producing two of the area's most spectacular waterfalls. The Whitewater River Gorge is one of four gorges that comprise the Jocassee Gorges. The Thompson, Toxaway, and Horsepasture Rivers, along with the Whitewater are the four major waterways that feed Lake Jocassee on the border of North and South Carolina.

On it's initial plunge the Whitewater River plummets over 400 feet through some of the most pristine wilderness in the Eastern United States. It's incredible height, unmatched water volume, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area make Upper Whitewater Falls one of the most revered in the area. It is reputed to be the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States and is certainly one of the most spectacular. Upper Whitewater Falls is also one of the most accessible in The Land of Waterfalls, provided one doesn't mind viewing it from a distance. The paved, handicap accessible trail is less than a quarter mile from parking area to overlook.

Lower Whitewater falls is approximately a half-mile downstream and can be viewed from an observation platform at the end of a 1.9 mile trail. Nearly as impressive as it's up-river cousin, Lower Whitewater Falls cascades some 180 feet before free-falling another 200 feet to the rock-laden river below. The view here, like that of the upper falls, is distant and encompasses nearly the entire falls. Due to the extreme nature of the surrounding topography, attempting to get any closer to the falls is extraordinarily dangerous and many have died trying.

Rugged terrain, steep elevations, and dense hardwood forests have inhibited development and discouraged human molestation of the natural environment, making the Jocassee Gorge area home to a plethora of rare plant and animal life. The spray areas around the falls form 'tropical' micro-climates that support a variety of plant life which require the specific moisture conditions found near waterfalls. Many of the ferns, mosses, and wildflowers which thrive here take decades to establish themselves. Venturing into these areas is dangerous, not only for you, but for the fragile ecosystems that exist here. If you must go, tread lightly and Leave No Trace.

From Highlands N.C. head East on US-64 to Lake Toxaway. At the intersection of US-64 and NC-281 you will see signs for Whitewater Falls.


Hike On!