400feet! It was foggy, wish I got to see the view from up top. First visited 2/23 and it was too foggy to even see the Upper Falls. Sign In To Add To Favorites Foothills-Lower Whitewater Falls Trail Junction. Both the upper and lower falls feature scenic overlooks that can be accessed by car. The trail features sturdy bridges crossing … The trail is beautiful through woods and offers spectacular views of the valley. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. The hike from the river up to the Upper Whitewater Falls overlook is steep and makes up most of the 1568 foot gain on this hike. Both Falls can be hiked to via the Foothills Trail or spur trails. The stairs are very steep at the beginning and were not suitable for our dogs. Leaves would block views in summer time. The waterfalls, Upper Whitewater and Corbin Creek Falls were flush with water and fury of sound as we passed by. ... Join Foothills Trail Conservancy. The last mile back was so painful. The trail was also in very good condition considering the rain. beautiful trail. It will be very slippery on a wet day. You watch your step as the ground curves downward, but then all of … Easy hike. 7.6 miles was a non-issue for this dominantly flat stroll through the woods. Lower Whitewater Falls. It's a nice spot to swim and hang out on the big rocks. Easy half mile walk on a paved walkway to view the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies. Note: parents came with dogs and had to turn around. One important thing to note: if you park at the forest service lot off 281, the parking area closest to the Upper Whitewater Falls viewing deck, it is a fee area: $3/car up to 7 people, $1/person over that, cash or check. Stunning views of a powerful waterfall! Venture down the steps for better views! Long dull through woods. Beautiful hike to an awesome, powerful waterfall, well worth the hike! I would rate it as moderate for the area. The obstacles are NOT temporary due to weather. The Lower Whitewater Falls comprises a dramatic 200-foot drop. Beautiful view from viewing platform! There are bridges, ladders and boulders. Foothills Trail to Whitewater Falls is a 9.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Tamassee, South Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. You’ll also see signs about the Foothills Trail (especially since you’ll be on the trail for part of the hike), as well as the Lower Whitewater Falls trail. Lower Whitewater Falls Via Foothills Trail is a 8.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cashiers, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. 34 51.807. This hike visits both overlooks: Upper Whitewater Falls and Lower Whitewater Falls. One important note here is that the sign says that it’s 1.7 miles to the overlook. https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/05/06/waterfall-rescue-effort-leads-death-first-responder-eldon-jamison/5174602002/. The Lower Falls is a dramatic 200-foot drop, which can best be viewed from an observation platform at the end of a 1.9-mile trail. Lower Whitewater Falls. Oconee St Park Access. The climbs may not be AS difficult as other moderate trails but there are climbs, descents, roots, rocks, water, ledges, and quite a few obstacles to climb over. A moderate one-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills Trail and a spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook. Lower Whitewater Falls Via Foothills Trail. Lower Whitewater Falls Via Foothills Trail is a 14.2 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cashiers, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The lookout points are nice and new. But I clocked much higher at 2.3-2.6 oneway (phone vs. my watch). A9 SC Hwy 107 (Foothills Trail Guide Mini Map #8) Features: View of Upper Whitewater Falls Distance: 5.5 miles. Plus, the Foothills Trail is always very well maintained. Foothills Trail: Whitewater River is a 4.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Great hike if you like the sound of water! Difficulty: easy. The idea for the Foothills Trail, a National Recreation Trail located in far western South Carolina, began in the 1960s as an effort to preserve and protect the beauty of the Appalachian Foothills.A trail corridor linking Table Rock State Park in the north/east to Oconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. Note that this parking lot is adjacent to a Duke Energy Bad Creek Hydro facility. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. About the hike: You can approach this hike via two different trailheads, depending on where you park. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Beaut hike. My quads were so tired. So naturally we continued down some 154 or so stair steps towards a lower overlook for a closer and more direct view of the Upper Whitewater Falls (despite a misleading sign saying “Foothills Trail 0.1” implying it only goes there?!?). Parking is at Duke Energy lot. Very easy with clearly marked trails and stairs for some sections. Hikers seeking a more difficult challenge can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and onto the 85-mile Foothills Trail which stretches along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Foothills Trail: Whitewater Falls to Oconee State Park is a 26.8 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Cross the metal bridge and take the path to the left towards the falls. HIGHLIGHTS: Whitewater Falls, also called Upper Falls, is one of the highest falls east of the Rockies at 411 feet.This waterfall is designated a North Carolina Natural Heritage Area and it is accessible via a short 0.2 paved path off NC 281. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Lower Whitewater Falls Distance: 1.9 miles (in and out trail, total 3.8 miles) ... Upper Whitewater Falls Trail Access. You end at the upper falls platform then wind your way downhill next to the river the while easy back. It ends at SC Highway 107. It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. Shortly thereafter, we arrived at the signposted and paved car park for both the Foothills Trail and the Lower Whitewater Falls Overlook Trail. A large opening in the forest atop the ridge marked my turn onto the Lower Whitewater Falls Trail. In addition, a long time member of search and rescue lost his life during the rescue operation. View of Lower Whitewater Falls from the Bad Creek Foothills Trail overlook. From the base of the stairs, an unpaved trail provides access to the 76-mile Foothills Trail, descending along the river to Lower Whitewater Falls in South Carolina. The advantage starting at the Lower Whitewater Falls trailhead is you are doing the steepest ascend/descend in the middle of the hike as opposed to saving it for the end of the hike. Magnificent! 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Roots begin to act as stairs in the trail and tree branches become helping hands as the rumbling of the falls grows louder. GPS Coordinates. Pack a lunch. If it has been raining, then the downhill becomes very slippery. This is an absolutely gorgeous, moderate-hard hike, which novices should be aware of before they trek out. Looking towards the Duke Energy Bad Creek Hydro Facility from the Lower Whitewater Falls Trailhead parking lot. The Foothills Trail passes near the Upper Whitewater Falls and this route is a loop hike that combines the Foothills Trail with a spur trail … The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. On the north side of the river, the trail intersects with the Foothills Trail . Falls are great at end but would rather just park at falls. Summary: The Lower Falls is located about a half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (which is in North Carolina). Absolutely beautiful. Both of the cascades are on the Foothills Trail and are linked. So you could park in one place and hike to both attractions in the same day. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. The section of the Foothills Trail east of Musterground Road visits Hilliard Falls, a tall waterfall on Bearcamp Creek, before using forest roads to wind through hills before reaching the Horsepasture River. I would not bring a dog if I parked at the forest service lot unless it was experienced with exposed steps, ladders, and scrambling in general. An easy and short walk on a paved road and then about a 100 steps down to the viewing platform. Upper Whitewater Falls is on the NC side of the border and the Lower Whitewater Falls is on the SC side. My dog loves to hike but this would have been more than he could safely do. This road provides access to the Foothills Trail several miles east of the traditional Lower Whitewater Falls Trailhead. The hike featured two spectacular waterfalls. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Such a magnificent waterfall! The slow mosey down the hill was due to the many areas of abundant spring ephemerals to notice, photograph and share with others. 100 steps to viewing platform are worth it. Foothills Trail to the base of the Whitewater Falls As of our most recent visit on 7/3/2017, the spur trail down the base of the falls was closed, due to fire damage. NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST — Whitewater Falls and the Foothills Trail (TR 437) that connects to Whitewater Falls on the Nantahala Ranger District are expected to remain closed for some time. Overall, a great hike with a mix of woodland, lush fern areas, river views, and of course two gorgeous waterfalls. The trail to the Lower Whitewater Falls leaves the river and ends at a viewing deck that is a good ways from the falls. Highlights of the route include Sassafras Mountain (3,500 ft), the Chattooga River, and Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall in the eastern US. First, this should not be rated as an EASY trail. I would absolutely recommend for those looking for a challenge with amazing views, but be prepared. Novice hikers beware: First off, I want to state, that this is a gorgeous hiking trail, with 2 magnificent views of awe-inspiring waterfalls, and the sound of rushing water through most of the trail as you follow the river between the 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. 83 05.880. Otherwise, the portion along the river is relatively flat with a few stairs. You will not be disappointed! If it is foggy, come back another day. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. AllTrails states this is kid, dog and stroller friendly, which I disagree with. The trail is well maintained, and not often crowded. I was told the fine is $15 if you don't pay. View of Upper Whitewater Falls from the wheelchair-accessible lookout Continue north (right), following blue blazes and good signage pointing toward Lower Whitewater Falls. Fun trail!! Video Review of Falls: https://youtu.be/M-m6QBo4Wa0. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. A few nice sightseeing areas. Trail Head: A8 NC Hwy 281 (SC 130), Upper Whitewater Overlook (Foothills Trail Guide Mini Map #7). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. Sloan Bridge to Fish Hatchery Road is a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) section of the trail that starts at SC Highway 107 and ends at Fish Hatchery Road. Not really a hike rather a nice walk, but well worth it. The two viewing decks mentioned above are the two “official” locations for viewing the Falls. Foothills Trail Guide p. 46. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Paved place to park with bathrooms. Absolutely gorgeous and huge! Initial elevation change is a bit challenging (both down and up). I went to Lower Whitewater Falls first, because I wanted to see it in more daylight, but generally, it is better to go to Upper Whitewater Falls first, because it's … Jumping Branch Access ( SC 107 ) 34 54.197. Please note that while the Foothills Trail Conference has endeavored to make all maps and trail descriptions as accurate and reliable as possible, they should be considered informational only. Upper Whitewater Falls to Sloan Bridge is a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) section of the trail that crosses into North Carolina and back into South Carolina. Please note, a hiker lost his life at the bottom of Whitewater Falls which he accessed from the Foothills Trail. Returned 2/24 when it was clear. Just a beautiful site. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Fee: $3 for vehicles with seven passengers or less; $1 per person for more than seven people traveling together in a vehicle. This hike turns from the platform at the base of the stairs, retracing the outbound route and climbing the wooden stairs to the upper overlook. The other somewhat significant descend/ascend is near the Lower Whitewater Falls overlook. Every other hiker we saw was actually hiking the entire Foothills Trail. Whitewater Falls is a series of waterfalls and cascades on the Whitewater River in North Carolina and South Carolina. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Nice picnic areas once at the bottom. Crossing the river below Whitewater Falls Today, the Foothills Trail Conference is a non-profit organization whose mission is to maintain the trail. 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