Hike to Lower and Upper Whitewater Falls via Foothills Trail

The Foothills Trail runs a total of 76 miles across the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Highlights of the route include Sassafras Mountain (3,500 ft), the Chattooga River, and Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall in the eastern US. The trail is well maintained, and not often crowded. Sightings of black bears, bald eagles, deer, and turkey can be had along the trail; there are also wildflowers. You can use the trail for day hikes or a full backpacking trip.

The Whitewater Falls section is difficult but rewarding. From the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Plant parking area, take the Bad Creek Access trail (blue blazes), keeping left at the trail junction. Follow along the Whitewater River, and after crossing the river the access trail will run into Foothills Trail.

To reach the upper falls first, turn left on Foothills. After a series of ups and downs, you will cross over Corbin Creek – look for Corbin Creek Falls, nearby. You will cross again over Whitewater River before making a steep ascent up to the junction with Upper Whitewater Falls Trail, around 6.3 miles in. Turn right to reach the observation area.

After spending some time by the lower falls, head back to the Bad Creek Access Trail junction. Take the other branch of the trail to reach Lower Whitewater Falls, 1.7 miles away. In 1.5 miles you will reach the junction with Lower Whitewater Falls Trail, where you will turn right. After a steep descent you will reach the viewing platform.