Whitewater Falls

Easy to find large parking lot. There is a $ 2.00 charge to park. We went on Veteran’s Day and parking was free.
There is an asphalt trail to the upper viewing area of the falls. It is nearly level, but there is an incline that may slow down some. The hike is short and you can view the falls from the top. However, if you wish, you may walk down a whole lot of stairs to view from the bottom. We did and I think once there, it makes sense to take it all in.

This park is great! I’m not sure why there are so many lower reviews! I went with my wife and 18-​month daughter. The drive there is beautiful.
The hike up is very easy, and it’s paved. They want you to put some money in an envelope for parking. They may or may not even check it, but it’s worth it to have this nice park to enjoy.
After the easy hike up the paved part where you see the waterfall, you can take some stairs down for an even better view. It’s steep, but I was glad I went down. It’s not too far.
From there, you can take the trail down to the bottom. This was a pretty challenging hike, especially carrying my toddler and assisting my pregnant wife. Once down there, it’s really pretty, but we were disappointed to find that you can’t see the falls from the bottom. There are some pools of water, though some people who had gone before us said they saw a snake in the water, so we didn’t get in. Another hiker who went by himself said he crossed the bridge and hiked back up toward the fall. He said it was VERY challenging and dangerous in a few spots. So if you venture, take a friend and be careful.
Though the hike was challenging, it was also very beautiful. I’d do it again, but I’d leave the toddler. My wife wouldn’t do it while pregnant, either. And honestly… since you can’t see the waterfall at the bottom, it’s a bit of a disappointment. I’d enjoy a different hike with a better scenic reward.
That said, just taking the small hike up the hill, then stairs to the viewpoint… is a nice activity everyone can enjoy. Note: The falls are pretty far away, no matter what you do.

This is definitely a sight worth seeing, however, I would not make a trip just for this. There is a nice parking lot with plenty of room for larger vehicles too. There is a $ 2 fee for day parking, which is very minimal and pretty much on the trust system. There is a short walk to a scenic overlook from where you can see the waterfall. Then, you can proceed down some stairs to get a closer look. However, it is still very far and there are really only 2 spots from where you can get a good view. It was worth it to see this waterfall, since it is one of the largest on the eastern half of the country. This would be a good stop if you are traveling with kids or elderly people because the walk is not very demanding like others can be.
Before visiting here, we went to gorges state park for some hiking trails and waterfalls. I much preferred Rainbow falls over this one.

This is one huge waterfall!
Located just off Hwy 281 you will find a large parking area suitable for cars, motorcycles or even RV’s. A paved walking trail takes you about a quarter of a mile to the overlook. It has some vegetation that makes taking a clean pic of the falls difficult, but you can also opt to walk down the 154 steps (yes I counted) to the viewing platform.
It lays claim to being the largest waterfall in the South, west of the Mississippi River. However, I’m from Georgia, home of Amicalola Falls. Whitewater falls is divided in two. The Upper falls are 411 feet while the lower falls are an additional 400 feet. My problem with this claim is the lower falls are about 2 miles downstream of the upper falls. Kinda seems like two separate fall to me. Amicalola is 729 feet from top to bottom and the winner in my humble opinion… but who’s counting?
THE VERDICT
Oh well, either way this is a beautiful waterfall worthy of putting on your waterfall must see list. It’s only about a 2 hour drive from the perimeter of Atlanta.
For more really cool waterfalls, head up 281 towards Highway 64. Gorges State Park is about 8 miles away with a very nice collection of waterfalls accessible via Grassy Ridge trail.
NOTES:
Largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi are:
Crabtree Falls in Virginia (1,200 feet)
Glassmine Falls in North Carolina (over 800 feet, but is not always flowing).

I didn’t know until recently that Whitewater falls is actually a set of waterfalls. The Upper falls are located in North Carolina south of the town of Sapphire on Hwy 281. The lower falls are located in South Carolina. I have not seen the lower falls in person but I have heard they are just as wonderful as the upper falls.
The view of the Upper Falls is an easy hike or even a nice walk because the path is all paved. The upper viewing area is about a ½ mile walk from the parking lot. The view is stunning so bring a camera! I’d say these falls are propably one of the most photographed in North Carolina. There is a lower viewing area that is accessible by steps. It’s easier going down than up! :) And then there’s access to the foothills trail which will take you to the Lower Falls but that’s a bit of a hike.
Just be patient in the view areas. This place can be quite popular and some people need time to figure out how to use their cameras or need extra time to get the most perfect shot.
There is a $ 2 per car access fee to the park which is new. It uses the honor system. There are also a few picnic tables around and on the other end of the parking lot are the restrooms.
Definitely a place worth checking out if you are in the area. This is about 8 miles down the road from Gorges State Park in NC so it is east to take in both.