Directions: From Walhalla, SC, drive SC 11 east past Tamassee, SC to Salem, SC at the intersection of SC 11 and SC 130. The falls are part of chain of waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border that is the highest series of falls in Eastern North America. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. It lies along NC Route just north More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. If you don't have exact change, you could probably get away with not paying.The hike … Find must-see attractions and long-distance travel resources, including visa information, regional overviews and tour operator credentials. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Lower Whitewater Falls. If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience there! It once powered a mill and is now used occasionally by Class VI whitewater paddlers. Have you visited Lower Whitewater Falls recently? All Rights Reserved. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Upper Whitewater Falls is a waterfall in North Carolina on the Whitewater River. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Lower Whitewater Falls . Whitewater Falls Overlook Trail is a 0.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Download your free guide or request a copy by mail below, and start planning your one-of-a-kind South Carolina adventure today. The hike featured two spectacular waterfalls. A short easy walking trail leads from Stumphouse Mountain Park to Issaqueena Falls, a beautiful 200-ft. cascade. It is administered by the USDA Forest Service. The historic park rests deep in the Blue Ridge foothills, with several picturesque but non-demanding hiking trails and well-kept cabins and campgrounds that have... Whitewater Falls is one of the tallest chains of waterfalls in the eastern U.S. and the Lower Falls are not as frequently visited but just as impressive. Along the way in the National Forest we found Whitewater Falls, said to be the highest falls east of the Mississippi. It’s here, nestled near the border of North Carolina, that you’ll find one of the state’s most beautiful natural wonders: Lower Whitewater Falls. Charles Runge / AllTrails The waterfall is made up of six different sections, and the beautiful Lower Falls can be accessed via a 2-mile trail. From the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Plant parking area, take the Bad Creek Access trail (blue blazes), keeping left at the trail junction. Fun for watching rafters and kayakers drop over a class IV falls. Read More, The largest city in Oconee County, Seneca is situated in the northwestern corner of South Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s no secret that the South Carolina Lowcountry is one of the crown jewels of our beautiful state. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. To reach the upper falls first, turn left on Foothills. A moderate one-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills Trail and a spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook. When it comes to height, Lower Whitewater Falls comes towards the top of the list, certainly in eastern USA. Gather inspiration with trip ideas for planning your next South Carolina vacation. Some sources say it's the highest falls east of the Mississippi River at 411', but I'm not so sure. 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Mid … The rugged terrain around these two waterfalls remains wild and undeveloped. From the parking area, a moderate hike of 45 minutes to an hour will get … Upper Whitewater Falls, near Cashiers, drops over 411 feet and is the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. The Lower Whitewater Falls comprises a dramatic 200-foot drop. Whether you’re looking for a bit of hiking, picnicking, or an excuse to enjoy the serenity of nature, you’ll be glad you visited this South Carolina landmark. The Nantahala National Forest is the largest National Forest in the state of North Carolina spanning over 830 square miles; almost the entire Western tip of the state. This waterfall has a claim as the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, which is apparently disputed. The Official Website of the South Carolina Office of Tourism | © 2020 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website or Facebook page. You will receive your first email soon. Moreover, accessing the Lower Whitewater Falls required a bit of a longer hike as well as getting past some of the uninviting Duke Energy gates and infrastructure. Thank you! Get out and discover over 100 of these beautiful gems. Lower Whitewater Falls, located just across the border in South Carolina, drops another 400 feet. SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Over 3.5 miles, the Whitewater River drops 1,500 feet. The park has 26 campsites with water and electricity; four rental areas for... Length 4.2 miElevation gain 882 ftRoute type Out & back We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Love South Carolina? Legend has it that the Indian maiden, Issaqueena, rode to the nearby fort to warn of a pending Indian attack and then escaped pursuing... You'll receive your first newsletter soon! A dramatic 200 ft. drop, these falls are the highest in eastern America. Further up the Whitewater River in North Carolina, there are impressive falls, but across the border in South Carolina, these falls make a great photograph. Yet today we’d like to take you inland quite a bit, to a place where the foothills give way to flowing rivers and beautiful mountainscapes. The hike is … South Carolina is the perfect vacation destination for every family. The Whitewater River is a freestone river that originates in North Carolina Transylvania County, (the Land of the Waterfalls) near Cashiers, then flows predominately South into South Carolina and empties into Lake Jocassee.This is one of the most remote areas of both NC and SC, and as such it has some awesome scenery including two dramatic waterfalls each more than 400 feet high. The Whitewater River features two large cascades as it flows from the mountains of North Carolina into Lake Jocassee. From the hiking trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches of the Grand Strand, see for yourself all of the adventure that South Carolina has to offer. Whitewater Falls on the Whitewater River is the last river in the Jocassee Gorge area just before you reach South Carolina. This probably explained why we noticed a considerably quieter experience compared to its more famous counterpart in the Upper Whitewater Falls. A hike a bit south of here leads to the lower falls. More Info × Lower Whitewater Falls. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, and it's shared between South Carolina and North Carolina. Whitewater Falls is part of a series of six different falls on the Whitewater River along the North and South Carolina border that collectively fall over 800 feet. or uncover more great South Carolina trip ideas on: The entire Whitewater Falls chain - six different waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border - is the highest series of falls in eastern North America. A8 NC Hwy 281 (SC 130), Upper Whitewater Overlook (Foothills Trail Guide Mini Map #7) Features: Hiking beside the Whitewater River; Corbin Creek Falls; Spur trail to Lower Whitewater Falls; View of Upper Whitewater Falls; Join Foothills Trail Conservancy. Forest: Nantahala National Forest District: Highlands Ranger District Description: Whitewater Falls is accessed by way of a steep, 1.0 mile trail through a cove forest, beginning at the overlook for the falls, and descending to a bridge crossing the Whitewater River. As with most of North Carolina's waterfalls, it is in the mountainous area of the state. South Carolina accommodations are famous for their beauty and Southern charm. Whitewater Falls. 9. Take on a longer and more difficult hike than the larger Upper Whitewater Falls just to the north and instead enjoy a tranquil river crossing and some quiet solitude on the trail to this classic South Carolina waterfall. Both Falls can be … New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. The 45 minute, moderate 1 mile hike is worth the travel time. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. The Upper Falls plummets 411 ft. and is 60 miles from downtown Asheville in the Nantahala National Forest.It's on the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge area of North Carolina - in Jackson County.The 400-ft. Lower Falls can be accessed from a different location in South Carolina. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Family friendly, with restrooms and a beach area for swimming nearby. Look for signs directing you to Whitewater Falls. Lower Whitewater Falls. Most people begin at the Bad Creek pumped storage facility in SC which makes the hike about 2 miles one way. Source: MarksPhotoTravels / Flickr. Lower Whitewater Falls is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Salem, South Carolina that features a lake and is rated as moderate. GPS for waterfall: 35.01641, -82.99368 Water source: Whitewater River Height: Approximately 200 feet The upper portion of the falls: Along the way to the base of Lower Whitewater Falls lies the remains of a small plane, which crashed in 1972, killing all four of its passengers. It's a moderate two-mile hike to an overlook where you can stand and gaze in amazement at the enormous rush of water plummeting down a rock face. Both the upper and lower falls feature scenic overlooks that can be accessed by car. Lower Whitewater Falls. This out-and-back hike follows blue blazes to a constructed viewing platform for an optimal vantage point to see the falls, though visitors shouldn't expect access to the falls themselves. Turn right, drive up to the gate and wait for it to open. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It’s a gorgeous waterfall, and well worth the half-mile (round trip) hike to view a 400+ foot cascade. Plan your Palmetto State adventure today. Waterfalls Here's a list of waterfalls in South Carolina's Upcountry, ranging in height from 40 to 700 feet. drop on the Chattooga River with whitewater in action. Read More. Whitewater Falls is a stunningly beautiful, multi-drop cascading waterfall near Cashiers, NC and the South Carolina state line. Starting at Whitewater Falls, you could hike to both via the Foothills Trail and spur trails, but that's not the easiest way to see Lower Whitewater Falls. Over the 3.5 mi (5.6 km) course of the river between the two falls, the Whitewater River drops 1,500 ft (460 m), and crosses the state border. Lower Whitewater Falls, Oconee County. The staff is also very friendly and will offer great advice, if needed. There is a pretty spacious parking lot with a $3 fee that you pay via envelope station. This report focuses on the area immediately upstream, known as the Upper Whitewater River area, which is one of the most rugged, pristine, and gorgeous stretches of river that I've hiked. Tubing, hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping and sight-seeing are popular activities. Follow along the Whitewater River, and after crossing the river the access trail will run into Foothills Trail. The Palmetto State's culinary scene is famous for quality and originality, from unique Gullah cuisine to our thriving farm-to-table movement. Most folks familiar with the Whitewater River only know about Upper & Lower Whitewater Falls. Read More, Over three miles of hiking trails and a mile of the Chauga River runs through the park. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 ft.! A slow drive along mountain roads with a little picnic makes for a fun afternoon. Read More, Oconee State Park offers the joys of a mountain retreat without the work. Whitewater Falls is a series of waterfalls and cascades on the Whitewater River in North Carolina and South Carolina. Read More, There are a few choices of sauces and many sides to choose from to go with your hickory smoked BAR-B-Q cooked daily. This beautiful 200ft waterfall is viewable from an overlook that is a moderate 4 mile round trip hike. There is a cluster of falls in the area where the borders of Georgia and the Carolinas come together. It doesn't really matter because it's an impressive site! The entire Whitewater Falls chain – six different waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border – is the highest series of falls in eastern North America. It is a mountainous region with numerous rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and popular … Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. Thank you! The hike trails a short, paved stretch of the Foothills Trail through a wildflower-filled forest, and catches some stunning views of Lake Jocassee nestled in the rolling surrounding mountains. The Lower Falls (in South Carolina) is about half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (in North Carolina). Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! The two largest drops (Upper and … The Lower Whitewater Falls comprises a dramatic 200-foot drop. The entire Whitewater Falls chain - six different waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border - is the highest series of falls in eastern North America. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The Whitewater Falls section is difficult but rewarding. The trail to the overlook is a dangerous 1.7 mile trek. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Don't forget to bring your camera; you'll definitely want to capture the beauty of this South Carolina landmark! From that intersection, turn left and drive 10 miles up SC 130 to the Duke Power Bad Creek Project. Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet high, are one of the highest pure waterfalls in the South. Whitewater Falls. And though more travelers journey to Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, the Lower Falls in Oconee County comprise a 200-foot drop as dramatic as any in this guide. Read More, Riley Moore Falls is a relatively short cascade of about 12 feet, but is 100 feet wide. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 11-26-17 Lower Whitewater Falls is about 2 miles down river from North Carolina's 411' Whitewater Falls. Lower Whitewater Falls: I'm starting big - really big. Located in Oconee County of South Carolina just south of the North Carolina border is the amazing and impressive Lower Whitewater Falls. Upper Whitewater Falls is on the NC side of the border and the Lower Whitewater Falls is on the SC side. An easy hike on a well marked trail leads to a 14ft. A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. GPS Coordinates to parking area: N 34.81473 W 083.30512 From the … If you’re looking for other unforgettable day trips to read in South Carolina, check out our previous article: These 15 Amazing Day Trips Will Have You Falling In Love With South Carolina All Over Again. Watch for clusters... 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