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According to the United States Forest Service, Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, with its drop of 411 feet, is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. There is no disputing the stunning natural beauty displayed by this enormous waterfall. Upper Whitewater Falls and most of North Carolina's other waterfalls are in the state's hilly regions.

The area where Georgia and the Carolinas meet has a concentration of waterfalls, and this group includes Whitewater Falls, situated close to the South Carolina border. The Nantahala Forest protects this waterfall, and a viewing platform is close for those who want to take in the landscape. Find out where to find North Carolina's tallest waterfall, how to get there, where to park, when to visit, and what other attractions are with this detailed guide.

The Debate Over Upper Whitewater Falls Being The Highest Waterfall East Of The Rockies

As was indicated above, there is some disagreement about whether Upper Whitewater Falls is, as the US Forest Service claims, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Locals and some visitors in Virginia contend that their Crabtree Falls is taller.

Accessible along Virginia State Route 56 in Nelson County, Crabtree Falls is a popular destination in the George Washington National Forest.

There are five large cascades at Crabtree Falls, with the highest one having a vertical drop of around 400 feet (120 m); in addition, there are other smaller waterfalls spread out across a horizontal span of roughly 2,500 feet (760 m).

Another waterfall that has come up in this conversation is Glassmine Falls, seen from Mile Post 362 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Until more definitive evidence is gathered, NC Tripping maintains that Upper Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies.

What To Know About Visiting Whitewater Falls And How To Get The Best View

Keep in mind that the middle of the day, particularly in the morning, can be rather busy at Upper Whitewater Falls for those planning on visiting.

Most travelers who have been there before recommend going as early as possible or going in the winter during a less popular month. On sunny days, visitors to the falls enjoy breathtaking rainbows created by the sun's rays reflecting off the water.

Although clear skies are perfect, cloudy days are just as suitable for viewing this stunning waterfall in all its glory.

Follow the paved walkway to the higher viewpoint for a breathtaking vista of Whitewater Falls. The wheelchair-friendly path sets out from the lot's exit, and visitors will find a lower viewpoint at the foot of 154 wooden steps.

The Whitewater River and Foothills Route can be reached by continuing down a half-mile side trail that decreases by 600 feet in height. The two overlooks up above are the only places to see the falls, and the two lookout points give the best panoramas of the waterfalls.

While some hikers stray off the path in search of more spectacular vistas, that's not recommended here.

Keep to the paths to avoid accidents.

The Foothills Trail is 85 miles long and runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Escarpment in both North and South Carolina.

Those who choose to travel eastward can take the Foothills Trail once they reach the bottom of the side trail. This path leads to South Carolina and Lower Whitewater Falls, among other places.

Route Directions For Those Driving To Whitewater Falls

Those who want to drive to the waterfalls from Cashiers can travel south on NC 107 for 9.3 miles. A left turn at the Whitewater Falls sign will bring them into Wisconsin shortly after crossing the state boundary.

Go another 2.3 miles to where NC 281 meets SC 130, the latter of which becomes NC 281 at the state line between the two states. The trailhead signpost for Whitewater Falls is just past this turnoff.

Those coming from Brevard should head west on US-64. To reach the Whitewater Falls parking lot from Sapphire, head south on NC 281. Travelers from South Carolina should take SC 130 north, which transitions into NC 281.

When they enter North Carolina, they should look to their right to find the entrance to Whitewater Falls.

In addition, drivers coming from Walhalla, South Carolina, should take State Route 107, which will take them to State Route 130 and then North Carolina State Route 281.

Lastly, travelers from Asheville should get on 240 West and then I-26 West, reach U.S. 64, and head to exit 9 for Asheville Airport/Brevard.

Related: Feeling Like A Stroll Through A Carnivorous Plant Garden? Find It In North Carolina

All The Information About Finding A Parking Space

Parking at Upper Whitewater Falls is easiest to find in the wee hours of the morning or late in the day. There's space for around 50 vehicles, including RVs and buses.

Related: Craggy Gardens Is A Beautiful Stop Along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway

However, visitors who come in the late morning or early afternoon, particularly in the summer and fall and on weekends, may encounter crowds.

Given the park's attractiveness and the convenience of its proximity to Upper Whitewater Falls, the $3 per vehicle parking fee is a fair exchange for supporting the park's upkeep and development.