Upper Whitewater Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Whitewater Falls |
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Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina (September 1989)
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| Location | Whitewater River, Jackson County / Transylvania County, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°02′09″N 83°01′03″W / 35.035825°N 83.017544°W |
| Type | Tiered, Cascade |
| Total height | 411 ft (125 m) |
Upper Whitewater Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in North Carolina. It's found on the Whitewater River. This area is known for its many mountains and stunning natural sights.
Many waterfalls in North Carolina are in the state's mountainous regions. Upper Whitewater Falls is special because it's very close to the South Carolina border. It's also near the border with Georgia, making it part of a group of amazing waterfalls in this tri-state area.
The U.S. Forest Service says that Upper Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains! It plunges an impressive 411 feet (about 125 meters) down.
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Exploring the Falls Area
This amazing waterfall is protected as part of the Nantahala National Forest. This means the area around it is kept natural and safe for everyone to enjoy.
How Tall is Upper Whitewater Falls?
There's a bit of a friendly debate about which waterfall is truly the tallest in the eastern United States. Some people say it's Upper Whitewater Falls. Others believe Crabtree Falls in Virginia might be taller, depending on how you measure a waterfall.
Even within North Carolina, there are other waterfalls like Glassmine Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway that some think could be taller. No matter what, Upper Whitewater Falls is definitely one of the biggest and most impressive!
Lower Whitewater Falls
Did you know there's another waterfall nearby? About 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) downstream from Upper Whitewater Falls, you'll find Lower Whitewater Falls in South Carolina. It's another beautiful spot to see on the same river.
Visiting Upper Whitewater Falls
If you want to see Upper Whitewater Falls, there's a small fee of $3 per vehicle to enter the viewing area. This fee helps maintain the park and its facilities.
Best Views of the Falls
There are several viewing platforms built at different heights. This means you can get different amazing views of the waterfall as it crashes down. Each platform offers a unique perspective!
Staying Safe on the Trails
The area around the falls can be quite tricky and even dangerous if you leave the marked paths. Park rangers strongly advise visitors to stay on the trails. This helps keep everyone safe and protects the natural environment.
The Foothills Trail is a long hiking path that actually passes right by the base of Upper Whitewater Falls. It's a great way for hikers to experience the beauty of the area up close.
