Whitewater Falls

Upper Whitewater Falls in the Nantahala National Forest drops a total of 125 m (411 feet); according to the U.S. Forest Service, it is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Across the state line in South Carolina come the 61 m (200-foot) Lower Whitewater Falls. Between the two, the Whitewater River drops about 460 m (1,500 feet) in roughly 5.6 km (3.5 miles).

From the large fee parking lot, a short, paved, wheelchair-accessible path leads to the upper overlook. About 154 steps continue down to a second platform with a clearer view; the round trip is roughly 800 m (half a mile). The falls flow year-round. In the afternoon the sun often creates rainbows in the spray, and in fall colorful foliage frames the scene. The best spot on the lower platform holds only two or three people, so expect to wait your turn.