HIKING

Whiteside Mountain
Easy 2 mile loop along the Eastern Continental Divide to 4,930 ft. and highest vertical drop (750 ft.) in eastern US. From intersection of NC 107 and US 64 in Cashiers, drive 4.7 miles west on US 64, turn left on Whiteside Mountain Road at brown Whiteside Mountain Trail sign. Continue 1.1 miles passing Wildcat Cliffs Country Club on the right, turn left into gravel parking area.

Yellow Mountain Trail
4.8 miles of steep ascents and descents, 3-5 hours to old stone and wood fire tower at 5,127 ft. elevation. From intersection of NC 107 and US 64 in Cashiers, drive 7.3 miles west on US 64, turn on Buck Creek Road, go 2.2 miles passing Chestnut Hill on the right. Look for steep path on right with small wooden sign and steps leading to trail. Park on left in the gravel area.

Chattooga River Trail
From intersection of NC 107 and US 64 travel south on 107 for 7 miles, turn right on Bull Pen Road. You will be on gravel road for about 8 miles or so. You will cross the Iron Bridge and see the parking area on the right. Follow path down to river and hike back as far as you would like.

Horsepasture River & Nature Trails
At Gorges State Park. From intersection of NC 107 and US 64 travel east on 64 for 10.4 miles. Turn right on NC 281 south. Continue for 1 mile to Gorges State Park entrance on left. Multiple trails to choose from.
http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/gorg/home.html

Panthertown Valley Wilderness Area
Hiking and mountain hiking permitted year-round. 6,700 acres of high mountain valley, sheer rock, waterfalls, quiet streams and diverse vegetation. Trails, from old logging roads to footpaths, criss-cross the area. It takes at least ½ a day to appreciate the valley's beauty. If hiking, please stay on main trails. From intersection of NC 107 and US 64, travel east on US 64 for 2 miles, turn left on Cedar Creed Road, continue for 2.3 miles, turn right on Breedlove Road (gravel, blacktop, gravel) for 4 miles to entrance. You WILL need a map of Panthertown to navigate once there.

WATERFALLS

Whitewater Falls
This 411 ft. waterfall is higher than Niagra Falls and is the highest waterfall in the eastern U.S. Hiking trails take you to the top and bottom of this fall, but hiking is not necessary to view this waterfall. Hiking to the top is NOT RECOMMENDED as several people each year have fatal or near fatal falls. From intersection of US 64 and NC 107 take NC 107 south approximately 10 miles. You will cross into South Carolina approximately 1 miles and turn left onto Wiggington Road, go 3 miles and turn left at stop sign. Marked parking for falls with be approximately 1 miles on the right.

Rainbow & Turtleback Falls
Inside of Gorges State Park. From Whitewater Fall, Exit parking area to right. Continue on NC 281 for 7.5 miles to park entrance on your right and park in parking area provided. Walk back to NC 281, turn left and proceed 150 yards along highway, and enter old "jeep" trail on left.
Descent trail for approximately 1 mile until it intersects trail parallel to river. To your front is Turtleback Falls. Continue on trail to your left another ¼ mile to Rainbow Falls.

Toxaway Falls
From Cashiers, drive east on US 64 for approximately 14 miles. The highway passes over the falls in the curve just past Lake Toxaway Company office building on your left. Parking is limited to paved roadside and waterfall cannot be viewed by merely driving by. No hike involved.

Silver Run Falls
Take 107 south approximately 4.3 miles to gravel parking area on your left. Brown forest service sign marks area as Silver Run Falls.

Cashiers Sliding Rock
Nature's waterslide on the Chattooga River! Perfect for children to enjoy a summer day. Travel 107 south approximately 1.5 miles to right on Whiteside Cove Road, continue approximately 3 miles to small bridge. Park to your right and the very short trail will be visible.

Hurricane Falls
Take 107 north 2 miles to left on Norton Road. Follow road for .5 mile crossing a bridge to a pull off area just past it where you can view this waterfall that empties into Lake Glenville. No hike.

Bridal Veil Falls
From Cashiers, take US 64 west for 10 miles into Highlands. Turn left at second red light continuing on US 64 for 2.8 miles to falls on your right. Years ago the original highway was routed behind this waterfall. No hike.

Dry Falls
Continue past Bridal Veil Falls .9 mile to parking on left. Follow stone staircase to the falls which cascade overhead. Short path takes you behind this waterfall.

Upper and Lower Cullasaja Falls
From Dry Falls, continue on highway 3.3 miles and pull off to left onto gravel for view of upper falls. Continue on highway 2.4 miles and pull off to left onto blacktop for view of lower falls.
Although these waterfalls are beautiful, hey can also be very dangerous. Hiking near the top of waterfalls is not recommended. Please treat them with great respect.

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