Hike Along The Tallest Cliffs In North Carolina On The Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail
Over in Jackson County between Cashiers and the Georgia border is an enormous mountain named for the towering white cliffs seen for miles and miles on its facade. The mountain contains the tallest such cliffs in all of North Carolina and there is a 1.9-mile loop trail that takes visitors all the way to the top and along those cliffs. In spite of the more than 500 feet in elevation gain, the trail is only rated as moderate by AllTrails – and it’s the perfect spot to get high above the local terrain and see some fantastic views.
Enjoy the wildflowers and lull of this part of the hike, but don't get too comfortable because that trail will soon change.
In fact, once you reach the top, if you continue on the loop trail you'll follow it for nearly a mile along the cliffs. The trail is a thrill and the views are simply exhilarating.
There are many points where you'll be able to stop to admire the views. But the trail will likely be well populated and in more narrow places it may take some time to funnel through the tight spots like this one.
Set aside some extra time to linger at the overlooks, if you can.
Views from high atop the cliffs look toward the east, the south, and the north.
Staying on this main trail without venturing off to other smaller trails on this hike will also mean you'll be mostly protected from those treacherous cliffs by safety wires installed by the Forest Service.
The trail on the way back down gets more narrow than on the way up.
You'll find a combination of stairs, rocks, and root-laden trail on your way down, so be sure of your footing as you make your way back to your vehicle.
Speaking of vehicles, this is one hike where you'll want to arrive VERY early. The parking area fills up quickly. It's usually full by 10 a.m. and stays that way all day long. Violating the parking rules could get you ticketed and towed.
See more of the magnificent 750-foot-tall cliffs of Whiteside Mountain in this 2017 video from youtube user higgt00l:
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
