Whitewater Falls
Whitewater Falls, Sapphire: Address, Phone Number, Whitewater Falls Reviews: 4.5/5
Whitewater Falls
Whitewater Falls
4.5
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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4.5
453 reviews
Excellent
342
Very good
92
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
2
clint b
Columbia, SC151 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
While in the area decided to drive up and see this beautiful waterfall.
The trail from the parking lot is paved and very accessible with plenty of benches in case you need a break. ADA compliant to the main viewing deck.
There are also 154 stairs down to a lower viewing deck which also has a nice bench 1/2 way for a break spot.
If you are near you must visit
The trail from the parking lot is paved and very accessible with plenty of benches in case you need a break. ADA compliant to the main viewing deck.
There are also 154 stairs down to a lower viewing deck which also has a nice bench 1/2 way for a break spot.
If you are near you must visit
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hanna D
Hattiesburg, MS110 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
It had rained the day before so the waterfall was very powerful and full. This hike is short and not that hard.
Written 9 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve A
Bonne Terre17 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
A steep, but short hike (.6 mile) up the paved trail to a beautiful waterfall. The best view is down 154 steps to base. Very strong water flow during late March.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Becky V
7249320267 contributions
Oct 2021
Plenty of parking and a slight uphill stroll to an overlook to the falls. The leaves were gorgeous this past weekend. Beautiful falls just a 20 minute drive from Cashiers!
Written 26 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SueDon
Avon Park, FL103 contributions
Sep 2021
Beautiful falls just a 20 minute drive from Cashiers! Plenty of parking and a slight uphill hike to an overlook to the falls. To get a better, more closer look you have to walk down several flights of stairs. Can't wait to visit again in the fall when the leaves change.
Written 6 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
edwarddK6503KY
Spartanburg, SC10 contributions
Aug 2021
Great scenic view. I would not walk down or upto the falls personally, but I understand the hike is very nice. The view of the falls from the overlook is nice too and to see these falls in our area is worth it. Higher than Niagara, just not as much water.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dorsalmo
Florissant, MO1,054 contributions
Jun 2021
Depending on how you measure it, this is the tallest waterfall in the Eastern United States. However, it is quite a bit away from most tourist attractions. We would say it's worth the drive. If you are on the "waterfall byway" in North Carolina, you need to take the 10 mile or so side trip to see this one. The walk to the overlook is nice too. It is a bit of a trek, though, so be prepared for it - all paved, though. Also, you probably want to go down the steps to see the falls closer up than from the top. That means, of course, you have to walk back up those stairs... Well worth it, though.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NoPlaceLikeHome
Seneca, SC241 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
The falls are beautiful. The best view of the falls requires uphill walk from the parking lot and then walking down quite a few flights of stairs (and backup again). If you can handle the walking and stairs, it’s worth a quick stop on your way to and from your main destination.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ronda C
68 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This is a beautiful waterfall but you have to observe it from quite a distance away....I’m glad we went but I recommend Pearson Falls Glen in Saluda even more!
Written 11 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JParks
Placida, FL4 contributions
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.
dorsalmo
Florissant, MO1,054 contributions
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.
Craven B
Mansfield, TX23 contributions
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!
HM Willis
32 contributions
No Ranger station. Self Pay. We were there mid day so I can not address what sunrise and sunset would be like.
A4792TDwilliamh
1 contribution
are you open?
rockdoctor48
Norfolk, VA83 contributions
This is normally open year round, daylight only.
Hi All
Went there yesterday and the stairs were replaced beautifully
LKNCHOWHOUND
Cornelius, NC9,831 contributions
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?
Joy J
Dillard, Georgia, United States3 contributions
Is the waterfall falls park closed because of fire damage?
LKNCHOWHOUND
Cornelius, NC9,831 contributions
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
My ride planner will not locate it. What is the ADDRESS of (upper) Whitewater Falls?
DaddysMarbleyes
Chapel Hill, NC23 contributions
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.)
Are dogs allowed? Can they walk the steps?
Walter R
Sapphire, NC5 contributions
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitewater Falls
- Hotels near Whitewater Falls:
- (9.58 km) Brook Trout Inn
- (15.22 km) Cabins at Seven Foxes
- (11.80 km) The Wells Cashiers
- (10.65 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers-Sapphire Valley
- (12.20 km) Hotel Cashiers
- Restaurants near Whitewater Falls:
- (10.31 km) The Orchard Restaurant & Events Barn
- (11.62 km) Cashiers Farmers Market
- (12.22 km) Slab Town Pizza
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