Lower Whitewater Falls Trail Access

"As mentioned by previous hikers, this trail is incredibly obscure with no true signs to indicate you are even on the right track. Let me start off by saying the waterfall is gorgeous. When we came here, it was flurrying and was the perfect temperature for a hike. It isn’t my favorite hike in the upstate because it takes you to an observation deck that is still eons away from the waterfall. I prefer trails that take you to the base of it. However, if you are like me and enjoy hiking, this is a must even if it’s just a one and done for you. Everyone has their preferences. Okay now for the directions. The hike starts out clear! You will be confident that you are on the right track. And then when you reach a sign up towards the higher incline of the trail, there will be a wooden sign that makes it look like the Whitewater Falls is still 9 miles away. It should actually read as “0.9” but some troll etched out the decimal. Stay right, where you will have the option to go up a hill to the left of the trail or remain on the trail. Whichever you choose does not matter. It’s simply a connecting fork. So once you continue on the trail you will see a gravel yard with a gate/fence blocking you a few steps in. Don’t turn around like we initially did! You’re supposed to continue! So continue around the gate onto the road. That’s right, walk down the road, continuing forward. About a quarter of a mile down the gravel road you will never find a sign saying “waterfall.” Instead, you will see a sign to the right saying John Garton trail. Leave the gravel road and follow this trail. You are back in the woods and on a nature trail once more. Follow the trail which eventually declines to the platform which overlooks the waterfall. Bring plenty of water! The inclines and declines will catch up to you!"

"Trying to find the waterfall was confusing and underwhelming. River was nice but the area had no phone signal, and lots of dog poop on trail. Very steep parts of the trail in some areas. Got into a dangerous situation and ran into a black bear and her cubs before dark but they ignored me. Had to take a alternate trail back to the parking lot during sundown and had to follow the trail in the dark."

"Beautiful place to visit. An extremely hard hike to make for someone with medical issues. No clue how hard the trail was until we were out on it. Nothing at the trail head gave an indication as to how steep - rocky - loaded with trip hazards it actually was."

"Beautiful place, you should get out to this. Duke Energy has a great parking area. We even saw security riding around. Take extra water and be ready to hike. But well worth it."