August 01, 2005

Witnessing Western North Carolina Waterfalls

Few things inspire like the crashing of a waterfall. What causes us to hike for miles just to see a waterfall? Or to feel its mist? Or to hear its roar? The appeal of witnessing waterfalls is widespread. Witnessing is a good term for an encounter with a waterfall. You witness an event, a happening. Waterfalls are geographical landmarks, but they are also events. There are few places better for waterfall witnessing than the mountains of Western North Carolina.

The extreme western part of the State of North Carolina shares the Great Smoky National Park with its neighbor- Tennessee. The Smokies are part of the Appalachian Mountains and in their forested foothills rivers like the Cullasaja, Whitewater, Chattoga, Thompson, and the Horsepasture carry water from higher elevations to lower larger bodies of water. Along their tortuous routes and rocky terrain, waterfalls occur. These events are what waterfall witnesses seek. Seldom do these waterfalls occur near roadways. But there are usually developed trails leading to these landmarks. And most waterfall witnesses are usually avid hikers.

Western North Carolina has a high concentration of waterfalls. Many are in the southern counties of Macon, Jackson, and Transylvania. In these three counties the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests give backdrops to these natural destinations. The national forests could themselves be destinations for outdoor lovers with the abundance of hiking and biking trails. The mountain creeks and rivers, while not making waterfalls, are stirring up whitewater for rafters and kayakers to enjoy. Or trout fishermen to wade hip deep in search of their favorite quarry. There is an abundance of other activities in these national forests if admiring waterfalls is not among the visitor's favorite thing to do.

Waterfalls are special. They make perfect destinations for hikers. Most are off the road in hard to reach locations. But nevertheless, hikers will make their way to them. There is just something about a waterfall. The rushing water. The roar of it colliding with the water below. The spray of mist. The rainbow that sometimes appears. Where does all the water come from?

Macon County

In Macon County the Cullasaja River Gorge follows US Highway 64 from Franklin to Highlands in the Nantahala National Forest. This gorge is rugged and contains several beautiful waterfalls along the Cullasaja River. The Kalakaleskies is a series of smaller waterfalls that begin The Cullasaja River. In the first quarter-mile there are eighteen small waterfalls just below the Lake Sequoyah Dam along US 64.

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the area. US Highway 64 passes about one hundred feet from the falls. Although not a thundering waterfall, Bridal Veil is about forty feet high. Bridal Veil Falls is about two and a half miles west of Franklin on US 64.

Dry Falls is a larger, noisier falls than Bridal Veil and just a mile past it. This falls drops approximately one hundred feet and hikers can walk behind the falls and stay dry. Hence the name. Cullasaja Falls is about five miles farther down US 64 nearer the town of Cullasaja. This large waterfall is visible from US 64. However, at this stretch of roadway, there are several switchbacks and is very narrow. There are pulloffs for viewing the falls but care must be taken.

Jackson County

Near the North and South Carolina border is the largest falls in the Southeast. Whitewater Falls is a spectacular sight. At 411 feet the water of the Whitewater tumbles down granite cliffs and slides alternately. This falls has something for everyone. There is a parking area nearby the boardwalk that leads down to the main viewing platform. From the viewing platform the falls are about a quarter mile away. But the view is unobstructed.

For the purist there are trails leading to the bottom of the gorge descending about four hundred feet. Another trail leads to a portion of the falls that is popular for body sliding. Careful here! For the photographer the main viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point or there is another strategic spot along a path another one hundred feet below. For the avid waterfall witness, all of these trails will have to be tested and every vantage point tried. Whitewater Falls is one of those 'events' that all five senses can experience.

Whitewater Falls is not hard to find. From US 64 between Brevard and Cashiers look for State Highway 281. Turn south towards South Carolina. It is about seven miles south of US 64. Watch for the sign on the left (east) side of the road.

Transylvania County

In Transylvania County there is a series of four waterfalls in the Horsepasture River. South of Sapphire also on State Highway 281 just past the river bridge the trails to these falls originate. The first three waterfalls (Drift, Turtleback and Rainbow) are within one and one-half mile of the trailhead. The fourth (Stairway Falls) is another mile below Rainbow. The trail is beside the Horsepasture River and is well developed. There are no boardwalks however. These falls are not difficult to get to, but they are essential for purists. The Horsepasture River carries the designation of a Wild and Scenic River, and for good reason. The swift wide Horsepasture River plunging over huge boulders and free-falling over cliffs make these waterfalls a necessary stop for anyone who loves waterfalls.

In Transylvania County North Carolina's newest state park, Gorges State Park, is made up of plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States. An elevation that rises some 2,000 feet in only three to five miles combined with rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year creates a temperate rain forest and supports an assortment of waterfalls, some of which are already mentioned. This new park is going to be managed to protect these special natural resources as well as to provide high quality outdoor recreational activities. This is a great place to seek outdoor adventure and a haven for waterfall witnesses.

More Waterfalls...

There are many more waterfalls in western North Carolina that would make a waterfall witness' mouth water. There are even more in these three counties. Transylvania County alone boast of 250 waterfalls! For the lover of the outdoors, or the photographer who wants to capture great waterfall pictures without covering hundreds of miles, or for the waterfall witnesses who are looking for more events, Western North Carolina is the place.

For Information:

Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority

35 West Main Street

Brevard, North Carolina 28712

1-800-648-4523

Email: waterfalls@citcom.net

http://www.visitwaterfalls.com