Waterfall Hero Hikes: Whiteoak Falls (Nantahala)

Whiteoak Falls is a 25-foot waterfall on Whiteoak Creek just above the confluence with Nantahala River in Macon County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala River Gorge in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 0.1 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Location: Nantahala River Gorge (Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest)

Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1+)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.25018,-83.64048
Waterfall GPS: 35.25073,-83.63992

Directions:

From Bryson City, head west on US-74 for about 20 miles and turn left on Wayah Road. Go 4.1 miles and turn right on the unpaved Old River Road. The road immediately crosses Whiteoak Creek on a bridge. There is a spot to pull off on the right immediately after the bridge.

Map:

Hike Description:

Walk over the bridge and the waterfall is visible upstream from the bridge. For a better view, cross the bridge and look for a path that leads up along the river right side of the creek. It's only 50 feet or so to a nice view of the falls with the cascades below.