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REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Wildflower Hike - Upper to Lower Whitewater Falls




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Nantahala National Forest
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 22 2023  10:00 am >> Sat, Apr 22 2023 4:00 pm
Registration Opens: Mon, Apr 17 2023 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 21 2023 8:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:9 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Ann
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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:8
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Come along with us to explore the Whitewater Falls area! Whitewater Falls is really two waterfalls: the Upper and the Lower Falls, and together they are the highest set of falls in the East. Along the way, we should see a spectacular array of wildflowers (at peak bloom), including a rare trillium species.  

From the Whitewater Falls parking area, it is a short walk to the tourist overlooks for the Upper Whitewater Falls.  We will then continue down the long winding Foothills Trail into the Whitewater Gorge. We will take a bridge across the Whitewater River and continue to Lower Whitewater Falls. After a break here, we will return the way we came.

We'll have lunch at the second waterfall.

This is a moderate to strenuous 9 mile hike. 

There are restrooms at the trailhead.

Trailhead departure 10AM

Trailhead return 4PM

If you want to be in a carpool, I will create a distribution email on 4/19 (just let me know at signup time if you want to carpool).

You can use your America the Beautiful pass at this park.

Recent D4 experience is required for this hike.  If you have experience outside the club, please send an email to the trip leaders with your hiking experience (date, elevation gain, distance, pace). If we don't get an email from you, we will put you on the waitlist.


Required Items to Bring:

Water
Hiking shoes or boots
Rain gear
Lunch

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

Trekking poles
Camera
Snacks


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

I-85 North to Exit 1 in South Carolina
Travel North on State Hwy 11
Turn Left on SC-130 / W Main St
Continue onto NC-281
The Whitewater Falls entrance is on the right after driving into North Carolina.


View Larger Map


Notes:

Will this event occur rain or shine? No, not in severe weather.


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

Cost Includes:


Shared gas expenses with carpool driver

$3.00 parking fee (per car) at Whitewater Falls parking area; purchase in advance at recreation.gov


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


Registration for this event opens at 4/17/2023 8:00:00 PM