How To Hike North Carolina’s Largest Waterfall (With Tips)

There aren’t many issues on earth more breathtaking than a majestic waterfall. The tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains will be present in North Carolina, proper on the border of South Carolina. For a lot of, it is well worth the journey to have the prospect to see the unimaginable cascade of Whitewater Falls, with a complete mixed top of greater than 800 ft.

This waterfall from a distance is spectacular, and up shut it is positively mind-blowing. The hike there’s rated as ‘reasonable’ however can be residence to overlooks that enable individuals to get glimpse with out overexerting themselves. So as to add to the commanding presence of Whitewater Falls, the encompassing panorama remains to be wild and untamed, making for an unimaginable vista.

Whitewater Falls: The Tallest Waterfall In The Carolinas

Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall within the Carolinas however can be, arguably, the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. Its solely competitors is Crabtree Falls in Virginia, however some will say that even that does not examine to North Carolina’s unimaginable cascade. Guests to the falls ought to be conscious that there are two waterfalls that make up Whitewater Falls: the Higher and Decrease Falls. Every one tops out round 400 ft, making them each precisely the identical top however collectively, they create an incredible waterfall that draws many hikers, each domestically and from across the nation.

Higher Whitewater Falls

The best solution to see Higher Whitewater Falls is by way of the overlook discovered on the path. After parking, there is a paved path that goes on for a couple of quarter of a mile and that is the place guests will discover the primary overlook.

This path is wheelchair accessible.

From that overlook, there is a stairway that leads guests down 154 steps to a second, decrease overlook. The view from this decrease platform is arguably the higher of the 2, granting onlookers a glimpse of the whole thing of Higher Whitewater Falls. These are the 2 predominant overlooks for the falls, excluding the varied hikes via the realm that skilled hikers may select to stroll.

Don’t enterprise off the paths round Whitewater Falls. Many individuals have fallen or gotten injured by doing so, and the circumstances off-trail will be extremely harmful.

Decrease Whitewater Falls Path

For avid hikers and those that are enticed by the Falls’ more difficult route, there is a decrease path under these two overlooks. For roughly a half-mile, hikers can observe a path that drops 600 feet in elevation the place they will discover themselves on the Whitewater River and Foothills Path.

These taking this path ought to pay attention to its switchback circumstances and the truth that it could be slippery and does have some steep sections. After the steel bridge, hikers will discover themselves with a call on two trails – one which takes them nearer to the falls and could be very troublesome, and the opposite path takes hikers down the river to Corbin Creek Falls.

Hikers ought to be cautious of the moist circumstances alongside each of those trails. Moreover, many hikers touch upon the number of snakes that may typically be seen alongside the path or hiding underneath riverside rocks.

Associated: Here’s Why The La Paz Waterfall Gardens Are Truly Exceptional

Ideas For Visiting Whitewater Falls

These visiting Whitewater Falls ought to determine on a path relying on their mountain climbing talent. Whereas the overlooks are easy, selecting to hike additional down by way of the Corbin Creek Falls path does require a better stage of agility and luxury on slippery trails. Correct footwear is a should, together with waterproof and slip-resistant mountain climbing boots.

The perfect views of the falls are by way of its two overlooks and whereas the hike additional down will present extra vantage factors, it won’t essentially reveal a greater view. The perfect time to go to is in the course of the summer time or fall, when the climate is sweet or when the foliage begins to vary the encompassing panorama.

For many who time their go to proper in the course of the summer time months, it is generally doable to see a rainbow cross in entrance of the falls because of the reflection of daylight on the water spray from the falls.

Reaching Whitewater Falls

For these coming to the Falls from Asheville, instructions are as follows:

• Head west on I-240 till reaching I-26 East. Guests will wish to get off on the Asheville Airport/Brevard Exit – Exit 40 – earlier than taking a proper onto NC 280. From there, guests ought to drive to Brevard, take US 64 West, earlier than taking a left on NC 281 to go south following the Sapphire Group. The Whitewater Falls entrance can be about eight miles down the highway.

Whitewater Falls is a lovely sight to see in particular person, and it is a must-do for these with some spare time in Asheville.