Hike to the Summit of Whiteside Mountain

This 2-mile loop hike begins at a gravel parking lot.  You have the option of taking two paths: the first is the gravel road path, which is less strenuous but has no tree cover so the path can become quite hot. While the other route is more demanding and steep you will reach the top much faster.  It does not matter which path you choose but I recommend doing the loop instead of reaching the top and coming back down the way you came up.  Be careful at the top to watch young children because it is a 700 ft drop off.  There is some railing at the top, but it does not cover the entire ledge.  This hike is one my favorite in the Cashiers and Highlands area, and one has not truly explored both of these towns without doing this hike.