Whitewater Falls drops from North Carolina into South Carolina. This is the highest waterfalls in our area. The tumbling and churning of the water helps to produce some of the cheapest electricity in the south east.
The falls tumble into the Jocassee Hydro station which is owned by Duke Energy. Once the water leaves the hydro station it flows into Lake Jocassee and then to Lake Keowee and on to Lake Hartwell, part of the Savannah River system.
Whitewater Falls one of 80 waterfalls in Oconee County. Most are on National Forest or state lands so they have good trails. Whitewater falls has a paved trail that is accessible by wheel chair or scooter to the top of the falls. The observation deck is about 200 feet below and then the trail the lower falls is another 45 minute hike. So you can enjoy the falls no matter what your hiking experience is.
Once you leave the falls you can go through the gate at the Bad Creek project, down to the Jocassee overlook. The overlook has a gazebo and many hiking trails, some short and some not so short. This is a great spot for a picnic or just to get some wonderful pictures. We call this our hidden jewel, you must go through the gate and it is not advertised. There is also a trail to the base of the falls from this area, ask the gate keeper for a map or directions when you enter this area.
My friend, Tina Fripp did a watercolor painting of this falls which is sometimes available on her web site, www.tinabfripp.com. If you do not see it there, email her. I know she still has prints available. This print is above my computer monitor as it is one of my favorite falls. Even if you can't visit you can purchase the print and enjoy apart of my beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Foothills.
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