April 29, 2025
Foothills Trail-Whitewater Falls to Lower Whitewater Falls
near Cashiers, NC
It was a beautiful, mild sunny day for this easy to moderately difficult hike. The trails were in excellent condition. There was lots of water flowing over both falls making them very scenic. The highlight of the day was the blanketing of wildflowers on the hillside on our way down to the Whitewater River from Whitewater Falls. The most unusual aspect of the wildflowers was the masses of Yellow Toadshade Trillium along much of that descent. The Whitewater River is within sight and sound for much of the trail to the Lower Whitewater Falls once reaching the river bottom. We encountered no blowdowns along this trail with extensive evidence of the cleanup completed after Helene. This is a hike worth repeating, particularly this time of the year.
Today's hikers: Lynn Steele, Jenny Bell, Linda Shultz, Pam Hembree, Matt Henderson & Toby, Gregg Nuessly, Charles Hawkins, Beth Hawkins & Mike Bell
The route
6.6 mi · 988 ft climbing · 4h 51m out, 3h 48m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
24 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (26)
Lower and (Upper) Whitewater Falls Today's Hikers (L-R): Lynn, Jenny, Mike, Linda, Pam, Matt & Toby, Gregg, Charles & Beth Headed out from the trailhead to the (Upper) Whitewater Falls overlook. Found along the path to Whitewater Falls, this pretty Multiflora rose is considered by many as an exotic invasive perennial. Another view of the Whitewater Falls in its setting. Heading down to the Whitewater River bottom. A bit rocky, but worth the effort. First wildflowers seen. From upper left: False Solomon seal; Foam flower; Golden Alexander; Sweet shrub Some of the numerous Trillium. How about this Mayapple and its Daddy Longlegs visitor? From 10 o'clock clockwise: Solomon Seal; Mountain Meadowrue; Woodland-white violet; Heart’s a burstin More unique tree forms: Hanging on by its tippie-toes, tree with "warts;" smiley face tree stump. Red-banded pleasing fungus beetle munching on the trunk of a rotting tree. Crossing Whitewater River on the iron bridge. Views up and down the Whitewater River from the iron bridge. An unnamed falls as we continue down the east side of the Whitewater River on the Foothills Trail. Almost continual views and sounds of the river as we hike southward. More wildflowers along the Foothills Trail: Dwarf crested iris; Yellow star grass; Mountain laurel. Continued nice trail. On to the Lower Whitewater Fall on the John Garton side trail off of the Foothills Trail . . . almost there folks! The cave in the upper section of the Lower Whitewater Falls is puzzling. Finally a break. A last view of the Lower Whitewater Falls from the overlook. Headed back across the Whitewater River near the trail's end. It's amazing these last bridges are still there considering the pileup of large logs against them. A grove of Sawtooth oak at the end of our hike considered by some as potentially invasive since they are not native plants. A view of Lake Jocassee from the Wignington Overlook as we drive home.