July 11, 2023
Lower Whitewater Falls Trail
This was a mostly easy hike over a mix of forest&ATV trails and gravel roads. While the initial forest trails were in good condition, the last 0.6 mile down to Lower Whitewater Falls viewing platform, a.k.a. John Garton Trail, is quite washed out and rocky. John Garton was a Duke Energy Biologist who worked on projects to enhance aquatic and wildlife habitats in the Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee watersheds. However, the hike and steep climb down to the observation deck is worth the effort to see the 200-foot Lower Whitewater Falls. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a path to a clear viewing point on the west side of the falls via taking the Musterground Road back to the trailhead. Not a lot of wildflowers along this trail today, but still " a great day for a hike."
The route
4.6 mi · 883 ft climbing · 2h 55m out, 2h 23m walking · 1.9 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%
18 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (21)
The 200-foot Lower Whitewater Falls Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Linda, Matt, Cutie-Pie, Ken, Renee, Terry, Jenny, Lynn, John & Alicia; Front: Mike, Vic, Shelia, Heather & Toby Getting started at the trailhead. Initial trail sign for the Lower Whitewater Falls. Shortly after leaving the trailhead we pass through an area planted with Sawtooth Oaks. We cross over the Whitewater River onto the Foothills Trail. The Whitewater River is rather tame as we cross over it. The trail is in fairly good condition as we climb above the river. A few, but not a lot of fungi along this trail. Not a lot of showy wildflowers either. There was one large recently fallen tree across the trail. The spur trail leading down to the falls observation deck is now marked as the John Garton Trail after a Duke Energy Biologist. Unfortunately, the John Garton Trail is quite washed out along most of its path. Trail dogs, Toby and Cutie Pie were pleasant company. A view of Lower Whitewater Falls from the observation deck. Taking a short break before heading back. What appears to be a cave in the upper section of the falls. The circled location and photo of the wreckage of the 1972 plane crash at the falls. Photo courtesy of Tim Harris in the 2022 Fall/Winter Jocassee Journal. With a dangerous scramble down a steep embankment, this is as good as it gets this time of year trying to see the falls from the west side of the Whitewater River. Headed back on a very wide, gravel Musterground Road. An unusual plant found along the road as we returned, Devil's Walkingstick, we think.