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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- tumbleweedchrisRichland, Washington940 contributionsFalls From AfarThis 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.Visited December 2020Written December 14, 2020
- RandRSeakerJAWinder, Georgia8 contributionsExcellent experience. Many waterfalls in the area.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.Visited June 2020Written June 29, 2020
- Karen Richele BurkeCharleston, South Carolina23 contributionsBreathingThe 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.Visited August 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten 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.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
463 reviews
Excellent
351
Very good
93
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
2
barryage
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I took many photos and the hike was short and sweet. The day before I hiked Gorges State Park and visited Rainbow Falls, which was beautiful. But today, I found that this hike was a relief and the falls were great.
Written 24 September 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.
Becky V
Norcross, GA312 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We visited Whitewater Falls this past weekend. What a beautiful view. The hike up the paved path to the falls is relatively easy and the view is wonderful. we also went down the 100+ steps to the observation deck which was especially nice. We saw a rainbow in the Falls mist. Very nice!
Written 8 September 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.
Gary B
Boca Raton, FL22 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Wonderful keep grounds and walkways to the falls.150 plus steps to the best viewing area but worth the trip. Rest area half way down to seat if you need to.
Written 17 August 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.
venitareidy
Mattituck, NY13 contributions
Jul 2023
Beautiful falls and views. Easy paved walk and staircase. Went later in the day and had started to drizzle so wasn't crowded. You can't get to the falls but the view was worth the drive and stop.
Written 16 August 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.
KMB_GA
Atlanta, GA1,154 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 9 July 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, NC17 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 25 October 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.
Stephen M
Greensboro, NC61 contributions
Oct 2022
impressive falls, easy walk, lots of people so go early in the day, seemed to be enjoyed by kids and dogs
Written 17 October 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.
maurkeith
Hilton Head, SC21 contributions
Oct 2022
Paid the donation of $5 to take the leisurely stroll to the Falls. Very beautiful area. There are 2 viewing areas. One from the top of the lookout and one that you take many stairs down to another viewing area. Going down the stairs gives you a much better prospective of the Falls. There are also trails that you can follow if you want to have a longer hike and more exertion
Written 13 October 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.
Harley Bill
Myrtle Beach, SC42 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
One of the most beautiful falls we’ve seen! You do have to walk down steps to a viewing platform for the BEST views. From there, we continued down and took the Foothills trail to the top of Grassy Knob. It was 5.25 miles for us. We’d do it again!
Written 17 September 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.
Karen S
6 contributions
Aug 2022
Spectacular view. Short hike. Then several flights of stairs down with landing areas. Goes down to a landing area to watch the falls from afar. Totally did not dissappoint.
Written 31 August 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.
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, MO1,108 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, VA106 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.
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Claim your listingWHITEWATER FALLS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitewater Falls
- We recommend booking Whitewater Falls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Whitewater Falls tours on Tripadvisor
- 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
- (10.88 km) Mica's Restaurant & Pub
- (10.48 km) The Library Kitchen & Bar