Whitewater Falls — Attraction in Highlands

The parking lot for Whitewater Falls is quite large, and there are several spots for oversized busses/RVs as well if needed. Payment is the honor system, put money in an envelope and hang a placard on your mirror. $3 entry or $1 if you have a National Parks Pass(Interagency Pass).

There are several picnic tables and pavilions as well if you want to bring a lunch, they are located right next to the parking lot for easy convience. There's a restroom located near the parking lot entrance on the right, there is running water and electricity.

The falls has 2 observation points. The higher observation point is located on the asphalt path and is a 0.5 mile walk from the parking lot. The path has a slight elevation increase but it's gradual and nothing more than what's in a city park. This point offers a view but is more obstructed by trees compared to the 2nd location.

The 2nd observation point is located down the stairs next to observation point #1. There are 154 wood stairs down to reach the observation deck, where you can easily see the waterfall in the distance. There's room for lots of people, but the best view can only be seen by a few due to the trees next to the deck.

Remember, what goes down must come back up, so there's 154 stairs to get back up. There are benches located on the stairs if you would like to rest.

Overall it's just over 1 mile to the falls and back to the parking lot. It wasn't busy when I visited, I had it all to myself to take pictures. It's also the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, how cool is...

Whitewater Falls is one of those places that makes the drive worth it before you even step out of the car. Tucked near the point where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, it’s an easy three-hour trip from Atlanta that takes you through three states and lands you somewhere that feels a world away.

The falls themselves? Majestic doesn’t even cut it. You can’t get right up to them. There are no trails down to the base. However, the overlook gives you a sweeping, unobstructed view that’s honestly stunning. It’s the kind of place that quiets you without asking. Just trees, rock, water, and air.

The park is clean and well cared for. Three bucks per car (cash or card) and you’re in. There’s a calm here that’s hard to describe. No crowds. No noise. Just the sound of the falls in the distance and the rustle of the wind through the trees. For the more adventurous, there are hiking trails that snake off into the hills. For everyone else, the main viewing area is an easy walk and still offers plenty of payoff.

This place doesn’t need much selling. It’s just beautiful, plain and simple. Peaceful, powerful, and easy to reach, exactly the kind of spot you wish you’d...

Considered to be the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, Upper Whitewater Falls, with a 411-foot plunge, is a spectacular sight. Access to view the falls is off NC-281 just before the South Carolina border. The viewing area for the falls is part of Nantahala National Forest, and as a day-use recreation area, there is a $3 fee (cash only) per vehicle. There are no attendants or cashiers to make change, just kiosks to deposit the money and a thing to hang on the rear-view mirror, so be sure to bring a few $1 bills. From the parking area, there is a short paved trail leading to the upper viewing area. Before you get there, you may be able to see a nice view of Lake Jocassee in South Carolina to your right. The upper viewing platform is handicapped accessible, but doesn't have the best views. For a better view, head down the stairs to the lower view area and there are some rocks just below the lower viewing platform to get the best views of the waterfall. The trail continues down to the river, where it meets up with the Foothills Trail, but you can't really see the falls...