Lower Whitewater Falls (4.0 miles; d=6.00)
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Lower Whitewater Falls Hike Route Map
My hike to the overlook of Lower Whitewater Falls as depicted a la Google Earth...
Lower Whitewater Falls Hike Route Map
My (approximate) Route...
Somehow, I missed the turn to the trailhead but my daydreaming meant I ended Up at a wonderful overlook of Lake Jocassee that I never knew existed. The Whitewater River, where I was headed, could be seen emptying into the lake at the head of the arm to the left...
Some impressive-looking falls could be seen along the Whitewater River not far above where it empties into the lake...possibly a future place for some exploration...
Looking east across Jocassee...
Bad Creek Foothills Trail Access
Descending from my home at 3,000' to the trailhead elevation below 1,900' was like driving into late spring. I was enthralled, as I am every year, with the vibrant and full foliage...
Bad Creek Foothills Trail Access
1.7 miles to the falls...that is if you believe this particular sign...
From the parking lot the trail followed a deep culvert up a grassy hillside which isn't the most scenic way to start out. Happily it didn't last long......
At the top of the first rise the trail made a hard left into this almost-to-beautiful-to-be-natural grove of young trees...
Within a few minutes I entered the true forest...
Before descending to the Whitewater River the trail passed through some rather extensive laurel groves which, a few weeks from now, will be in spectacular bloom...
Dropping off the main ridge the forest floor opened up and got a bit wetter, raising hopes of wildflower sightings...