Whitewater Falls
Whitewater Falls
4.7
About
A favorite spot for hikers and picnickers, this scenic area features the Whitewater River dropping more than 400 feet in a series of cascading falls.
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4.7
468 reviews
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4
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KMB_GA
Fort Myers, FL1,292 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Beautiful waterfall views a short (less than 1/2 mile) hike from the parking area. Be warned, have a map with you for the drive to/from the park or a traditional GPS because there is NO phone signal this deep into the mountains. Also, be sure to bring $3 cash to put in an envelope for parking or pay online. Last of all, if you are in a wheelchair or have mobility issues, the paved trail to see the waterfall is manageable but uphill. If you wish to see the whole waterfall with a closer view, you will need to hike down a steep, narrow set of wooden stairs. The trail appears to be dog friendly for those wanting to include their furry friends in the adventure.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drtess5549
Hillsborough, NC16 contributions
Oct 2022
There's a short paved walk to view the falls, and it is really spectacular. It's one of the highest falls in this area of many water falls, and my disabled wife was able to access it with her scooter. There's a steep set of stairs one can take to get to the bottom of the falls, but I don't recommend it for those who are not very physically fit.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA1,055 contributions
Dec 2020
This waterfall has a claim as the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, which is apparently disputed. The series falls is 800+ feet in total, but this hike only catches the upper 400 feet of the falls. A hike a bit south of here leads to the lower falls. There is a pretty spacious parking lot with a $3 fee that you pay via envelope station. If you don't have exact change, you could probably get away with not paying.The hike to the view is paved and quite easy. There are two viewpoints with the lower view being the best of them. It is a pretty falls, but one that is quite a distance from the viewpoint. Do not expect to get close to this one. By not being close, that takes some of the intrigue for me, but it is still worth a look if you are nearby. Apparently, you can go down to Foothills and take a social trail to get closer, but it says not to because of the whole spooky death danger signs. I didn't have time to check that out, but it might be intriguing.
Written December 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wewhynot
Salisbury, NC995 contributions
Jun 2020
Located next to the border of North Carolina this fall is part of a set, with an additional one in South Carolina.
A $3.00 fee or more based on number of visitors is supposed to be paid, I used my National Park pass to cover that.
I'd say the paved walkway to the first overlook is about 1/4 to 1/2 mile with a slight incline. The second overlook requires desciending a number of steps down to the next overlook.
For the mobility challenged, I'd recommned not attempting the lower overlook, wish that I hadn't visited it. Going down was easy, unfortunatley it is a bit of a climb back up.
The waterfall is somewhat impressive, you can get a decent view from the top overlook of the entire falls.
A $3.00 fee or more based on number of visitors is supposed to be paid, I used my National Park pass to cover that.
I'd say the paved walkway to the first overlook is about 1/4 to 1/2 mile with a slight incline. The second overlook requires desciending a number of steps down to the next overlook.
For the mobility challenged, I'd recommned not attempting the lower overlook, wish that I hadn't visited it. Going down was easy, unfortunatley it is a bit of a climb back up.
The waterfall is somewhat impressive, you can get a decent view from the top overlook of the entire falls.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert P
Dunwoody, GA271 contributions
Dec 2020
This a great very short hike to a spectacular falls, if you're in the area. The first part of the trail is wide and paved (i.e. accessible) and ends with a view of the falls. There is a set of stairs (not accessible) to a viewing platform that gets you a little closer. You will not get close to the falls, but you will get a nice view. There is a small fee required ($3 per car) paid via an envelope pay station.
Written December 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al Parker
Raleigh, NC82 contributions
Oct 2020
This is an incredibly beautiful waterfall. The walk from the parking lot is very easy. The first view does not require much effort to reach. The second, more spectacular view is accessed by 150 steps down. This is one of the highest falls in the Eastern U.S. Highly recommend!!! There is a $3 fee (payment on the honor system) at the parking area, so make sure you bring some one dollar bills.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Richele Burke
Charleston, SC22 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The Whitewater Falls are absolutely stunning. Easy walk to several different area to view them.
Watching the rush of that water and the beauty of it just brings peace to your mind and body.
Highly recommend.
Watching the rush of that water and the beauty of it just brings peace to your mind and body.
Highly recommend.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandRSeakerJA
Winder, GA10 contributions
Jun 2020
The hike to get to the waterfall is relatively easy, and well worth the effort. My wife and I are both in our 70s, but in relatively good shape, but the hike was not challenging. Once you get here and see the waterfall, it is truly a beauty and worth spending some time enjoying God's magnificent work. They have a lower platform for better viewing that you get to by going down quite a few steps, but also doable and gets you closer for better viewing. Gorgeous!The only drawback was that because of the COVID19, the park was closed and had to park by the road and walk in. Would definitely recommend it.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vhash77
North Wilkesboro, NC1,086 contributions
Oct 2020
Simply beautiful! Watching the power of the water flowing, hearing the roar, and enjoying it in the fall with all the fall colors. Oh we wished we could have gotten closer. It's a nice little walk to the overlook area only 1/2 mile on a paved walk way. We could have spent hours just watching the falls. There are 2 observation areas - one at the end of the paved walkway, the other down a few steps. It's a must see waterfalls. I found it more beautiful than the powerful Niagra Falls.
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeptuneBelle
Neptune Beach, FL241 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
At 881 feet, this is the tallest waterfall on the East Coast. The parking lot is nearby and you will pay a three dollar fee at a box. The paved, short trail is easy for everyone. It will lead you to the perfect view of the falls. If you’re looking for a lot of hiking trails, this might not be the place for you. Don’t miss this if you’re in the area
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I see people saying the walk is level but also there are steps. Is there a viewing area where I can avoid the steps? I have mobility issues & can walk mostly flat areas with the assist of a cane, but stairs are tough! We’re on a family vacation here in October & trying to find things we can all do together, even if I can’t do all of it.
Written May 7, 2024
I was hoping someone could tell me how tough the walk is to the upper viewing spot. I have 2 bad knees and it says it’s paved, is it fairly level? Or will it be a Celebrex day for me? Thanks so much.
Written August 7, 2021
It's not a short walk, but it's probably doable for you at a slow pace without too much difficulty. The incline is very slight on the way there, and the path is paved and in very good shape. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that I don't believe there are benches along the way upon which to rest.
Written August 9, 2021
Hi, is there a ranger station on site to pay the parking fee if you arrive early or is it a self pay system? Is it typically crowded for sunrise or sunset? Thanks!
Written July 26, 2019
No Ranger station. Self Pay. We were there mid day so I can not address what sunrise and sunset would be like.
Written August 3, 2019
This is normally open year round, daylight only.
Written February 13, 2018
USDA Forest Service still lists Whitewater Falls as closed. Is it open or did you walk around the barricade to an area not normally open to the public?
Written July 8, 2017
There is a gate across the road with a sign closed to fire damage to the stairs.
Asked the attendant at the Gorges Park Center and she said it had been closed since last November. Small fire burned to stairs and observation deck.
Park Service also has a site with status and according to it, they don't know when it will reopen
Written June 10, 2017
My ride planner will not locate it. What is the ADDRESS of (upper) Whitewater Falls?
Written May 25, 2016
Oops, I missed seeing your question till tonight. I am not sure of the exact address, but perhaps these directions will help (depending on your starting point). From Brevard, NC, head west on Hiway 64, (toward Lake Toxaway and Highlands). You will actually pass Lake Toxaway on your way. At Sapphire, turn left on NC 281 and go south about eight miles to the Whitewater Falls entrance, on your left. (If you're coming from the west on 64, the turn onto 281 will be on your right.) I hope this is helpful. (There's also a website called RomanticAsheville which has information on other waterfalls.)
Written May 30, 2016
Yes they are however to the bottom view area it is 152 steps. Down and up. That is a lot of steps for a dogs hips.
Written August 8, 2015
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