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.
Welcome to Whiteside Mountain!
YouTube/higgt00l
The trail here is one that’s well traveled. It’s called the Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail and, oh boy, is it a joy!
alltrails/Kelsey Holmes Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an adventure.
Take the clockwise route on the way up and you’ll follow part of what may be an old service road for part of the way.
alltrails/Gregg Lunsford 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.
TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym 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.
alltrails/Megan Wright 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.
alltrails/Michael Pinter Those who are afraid of heights should probably avoid this trail altogether.
Once you’ve exhausted every single photo opportunity, it’s time to head back down the mountain.
alltrails/Nan Serino 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.
alltrails/Kelsey Holmes 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:
Learn more about Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail from our friends at AllTrails. And check out the U.S. Forest Service page for the trail, also.
YouTube/higgt00l
alltrails/Kelsey Holmes
Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an adventure.
alltrails/Gregg Lunsford
Enjoy the wildflowers and lull of this part of the hike, but don’t get too comfortable because that trail will soon change.
TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym
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.
alltrails/Megan Wright
Views from high atop the cliffs look toward the east, the south, and the north.
alltrails/Michael Pinter
Those who are afraid of heights should probably avoid this trail altogether.
alltrails/Nan Serino
The trail on the way back down gets more narrow than on the way up.
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:
Love hiking in the mountains? We do, too! No matter your skill level, you’ll love 7 Of The Greatest Mountain Hiking Trails In North Carolina For Beginners!
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Address: Whiteside Mountain Rd, Cashiers, NC 28741, USA
