Waterfall Hero Hikes: Whiteside Mountain (Nantahala)

Whiteside Mountain is a forest recreation area around the 4,930-foot mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide in Jackson and Macon County. Part of the Nantahala Ranger District in Nantahala National Forest, the area features a 2-mile hiking trail making a loop around the mountain along the top of 750 foot cliffs. The mountain was previously part of an estate, then a tourist attraction and finally logged. In the 1970s, the Forest Service acquired the land and constructed the recreation area.

Directions:

From Cashiers, head west on US-64 for 4.7 miles from NC-107. Turn right on Whiteside Mountain Road and drive 1 mile to the entrance to Whiteside Mountain on the right. There is a nominal day-use fee, payable at self-serve kiosks in the parking lot.

Map:

Trails:

Whiteside Mountain Trail (#70):

Whiteside Mountain Trail begins at the parking area and leads to an old road. Go right and come to a split. It's a loop so can go either way, but going left will be a gradual uphill and then a steep downhill back. Going right is the opposite. The trail runs for about a half-mile along the top of the mountain with many overlooks with stunning panoramic views.