November 30, 2021
Grassy Knob Loop
near Cashiers, NC
A really great day with sunny and warmer weather than anticipated. The hike was enjoyed by all. With few exceptions, the trail was not too steep. It was generally in good condition with just the slippery dry leaves throughout requiring a bit more attention to one's footing. This loop is actually three trails: the Foothills Trail, the Round Mountain Gap Trail and the Whitewater Overlook Trail. With the leaves down, there were many views of the southern valleys from the south slopes of Grassy Knob, However the best part of the hike was along the Whitewater River prior to the park waterfall overlooks. Of interest was the 50-70 foot sheer rock wall along a portion of the path's western side between the falls and overlook. The winter would seem to be the best time to enjoy the views which would otherwise be blocked by the foliage. I rate this hike as moderate in difficulty. Garmin recorded this hike at 5.5 miles.
The route
5.2 mi · 971 ft climbing · 3h 57m out, 3h 13m walking · 1.6 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%
2 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (18)
It really is quite a sight, even with the low water flows of the past few weeks. Today's hikers (L-R): Christine, Jenny, Mike, Linda, Heather, Renee, Bob, Gary & Tim. Trail conditions with one short hop across a shallow branch. There were bridges across most of the several branches and creeks. This striking dark purple plant caught my eye early on the hike. This heart-shaped hole in a burnt-out stump was a surprise along the trail. Many glimpses of the valley and lakes to the south. A couple of locations along the Foothills Trail section with benches. This one looking up toward Grassy Knob. A single example of fungus along the trail, possibly spotty by pine sap. We did have to cross NC Hwy 281 to pick up Whitewater Falls Overlook Trail. The first portion of the Whitewater Overlook Trail was littered with 4-foot high branches and limbs across the trail challenging the taller hikers . . . right Tim? If you took one of the many side trails down toward Whitewater River, you would have seen the solid rock base and cascades of the river above the falls. A panoramic photo of the valley to the south from just below Grassy Knob Trying to catch a glimpse of Whitewater Falls near the top of the falls. Too dangerous to get any closer. Now these are tall cuts into the rock to create the former road, now trail, below. Another shot of the upper portion of Whitewater Falls. Yeah, that's me. Comes with writing these hike reports. One last view of the valley and lakes below Whitewater Falls.