Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Whitewater Falls







This is is noted as being the highest waterfall east of the Rockies and is a must if you are in the area! Taking in this fall can be as easy or hard as you want it to be.


It is extremely easy to take this fall in as there is a .4 mile round trip paved trail to get you to an observation deck which will give you the view above. This trip is kid friendly as it is a short walk and facilities are provided.

If you are looking for a little more adventure I suggest that you head down The Foothills Trail approximately 400 steps where you will find a bridge that crosses the stream. The bridge is part of The Foothills Trail which in whole is 80 odd miles in total so time to get off the bridge and head up stream. I will caution you. Make sure you have ample time! That is a relative term because based on your ability it will take you a while to make the trek to and from the base. Plus the wonder of what you will see will make you want to stay a while. I have no idea how long we took but sundown comes quick in the valley and we got caught by it.



My wife Anitra traversing the various boulders on the way to the falls base. This goes on for a while... You can vaguely make out the bridge in the background. Also, be prepared to get a little wet as you can't always hop from stone to stone.













As you get closer to the falls the roar of water is overwhelming to say the least! As you can see the trip has not gotten any easier. This is one of the most ridiculous and amazing things that I have ever done!













My wife took this picture of me from the distance. I am still 100s of feet from the base of the falls.

I hated to put the arrow in but felt it was necessary...














Here I am much closer to the base however this is only a small portion of this massive fall. Down in this canyon the temperature drops several degrees and the mist coming of the rocks will chill you.














In order to get here we will start in Tuckasegee which is south west of Asheville. Start out by taking NC 107 South for 7 miles into South Carolina. Continue on 107 for another mile and turn left onto State Rd 37-413 (Wiginton Rd) at a sign for Whitewater Falls. Follow 37-413 for 2 miles then turn left again onto Rd 130 Whitewater Falls Rd. After a short while you will re-enter North Carolina then after a quarter mile you should see the sign for the falls scenic area. A short drive down this road will land you in the parking area.

Have fun!!

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