Highlights

•  Wild Trout Waters 
•  Wild Brown & Rainbow Trout 
•  Access along N.C. Hwy-281 
•  Primitive Camping nearby 
•  Hiking and Waterfalls nearby 
•  River forms border of Jackson & Transylvania Counties

The Local Scoop

We recommend the Whitewater River to folks looking to fish for Wild Brown & Rainbow Trout. This river has a decent population of both fish. The more you wade up river from Hwy 281 the better your chances of catching fish are. We do not recommend going below the bridge here. Whitewater Falls (the highest waterfall of it's size East of the Rockies) is just approx. 100 yards down river and is very dangerous to get close to. if you decide to venture that way, it is at your own risk. People have died trying to get close to the edge. However, if you just can't stand it and have to have a look, the view is tremendous. There are footpaths all along the river here and some are steep. Be careful. We suggest staying in this area for a long weekend to take advantage of all there is to see. Of course you have Whitewater Falls but you also have the nearby "Gorges State Park." If you travel on up 281 for approx. 6 miles you'll come to the new entrance to the Park. Here you'll find plenty of parking, restrooms, bathhouse, hiking trails (to more waterfalls) and camping (group, primitive, tent only, RV only). The gates close at dark and don't open again until daylight so be aware of that. There is plenty to do here, so plan ahead!

The Local Directions

From the main intersection of U.S. Hwy 64 & N.C. Hwy 107 in Cashiers, NC, go South on N.C. Hwy-107 (Towards S.C.) for approx. 9.3 mi. Turn Left here, you'll see a sign that says "to SC 130 & Whitewater Falls" (this is the "Oscar Wigington Memorial Hwy", a 2.3 mile connector Hwy between N.C. Hwy-107 & S.C. Hwy-130/N.C. Hwy-281). At the stop sign you'll turn Left on S.C.Hwy-130 (signs for Whitewater Falls) and travel approx. 1.9 miles (crossing into N.C. and past Whitewater Falls access) to the bridge that crosses the Whitewater River. Your access point is here.

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Distance From

FROM (Town): Cashiers, 13.4 miles HIKE: Roadside Access

Coordinates

35.037692, -83.02218

Address

Cashiers, NC 28717

County

Jackson County

City

Cashiers