Upper Whitewater Falls

Upper Whitewater Falls, near Cashiers, North Carolina, drops over 411 feet and is the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. Lower Whitewater Falls, located just across the border in South Carolina, drops another 400 feet. The rugged terrain around these two waterfalls remains wild and undeveloped.

A paved, wheel-chair accessible walkway leads from the parking lot to the upper overlook which provides an excellent view of the upper Whitewater Falls. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Because of the difficult terrain surrounding Whitewater Falls, visitors are urged not venture off the established trails.

Wildflowers and salamanders abound in the cool, moist shade of the steep slopes and rock cliffs. The moist environment also supports a rich array of ferns, mosses, and fungi.

Picnic tables and shelters, flush toilets, and ample parking spaces are available at Whitewater Falls. 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.

These falls are located on “Whitewater Road” off of U.S. East 64, and you definitely shouldn’t miss out on them, because they happen to be the highest falls in Eastern America. It’ll run you $2 to see these falls, but make sure to stay on the path. The land around the falls is so dangerous that rangers discourage any off the beaten path amusement. There are several different viewing areas of the waterfall from different heights.