Upper Whitewater Falls to Hilliard Falls

Upper Whitewater Falls to Hilliard Falls

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Sapphire, NC

Date(s) & Time:

Fri, Jul 18 2025 9:30 am >> Fri, Jul 18 2025 5:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 6:50 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Tue, Jul 8 2025 6:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Jul 17 2025 4:00 pm

Event Duration:

7 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

15 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Leigh B

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

WATERFALLS GALORE FOR THIS FAVORITE HIKE. (15 miles and 3500 ft.)

Join me in a waterfall and river view extravaganza on a truly beautiful hike. We begin our hike at the Upper Whitewater Falls Overlook. Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the rockies falling 811 ft. The upper falls plummet 411 ft. We then begin a charming stepped descent on the Foothills trail through stunning woodland. When we reach the bottom of the Jocasse Gorge, we cross the Whitewater River on a rather interesting bridge which involves a small leap from a rock to the metal bridge. Once across the river we climb back up an enchanting trail, then amble alongside the river seeing merging creeks. We will have crossed the state line in to South Carolina by this point.

A left turn at a beautiful river bridge has us continuing on the trail to cross the gorgeous Thompson River. We keep going on the Foothills trail to Hilliard Falls which is somewhat hidden and off to the side on a small, narrow trail. It is a lovely surprise when you see it. Further exploration along the small path reveals more of this hidden gem.

We will lunch at Hilliard Falls and retrace our steps. Its so pretty, I have added a bit of extra time for breaks, lunch and photos.

Just a FYI, we have encountered yellow jackets on the Foothills Trail in the afternoons so we will try to be vigilant.

Attendees for this event should have recent D5 experience.

Kudos to Ron J. for originally putting 2 trails together for me when I was pulling my hair out trying to work All Trails.

Required Items to Bring:

Good shoes

Water/electrolytes

Lunch/snacks

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Sunscreen/Hat

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Trailhead location

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

250Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

6:50 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $100.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

AOC policy

Upper Whitewater Falls to Hilliard Falls - Fri, Jul 18 2025

Upper Whitewater Falls to Hilliard Falls