May 27, 2000 - Western North Carolina

North Carolina.

This trip was a Memorial Day weekend getaway from the Texas heat, already in the mid-90s. We decided to base in Asheville and radiate from there. Flew into Atlanta, rented a 4wheel drive Blazer and headed for Asheville with stops at several waterfalls in southern NC. First falls was Cullasaja which we passed with barely a glance since there was no place to park and too dangerous to stop on the highway. We stopped at Dry Falls, so named because "you can walk behind the falls without getting wet". A few miles away and another stop to view Whitewater Falls, highest in the eastern US. Spectacular! On to Asheville and checkin at the Rennaisance Hotel downtown.









Click on thumbnails for larger view:
A stop at one of the many cascades on the Cullasaja River paralleling Highway 64 near Franklin, NC.

Debra at entrance to Dry Falls - so called because you can walk behind the falls "without getting wet"????.

The trail to the falls is short and paved. $2 payment is made at an "honor system" at trailhead (Save your receipt stub for same day entry to Whitewater Falls if you are heading further east on US 64) .

Located near U.S. 64, 3.5 mi. west from Highlands, 16.5 mi. east from Franklin. Paved walkway leads to falls from parking area where one walks underneath the 75 ft. falls.

Deb behind the falls.

Shot from the other side looking back at the falls.

At 411', Whitewater Falls is the highest falls in the eastern US. Someone falls to their death every year at this and other falls in North Carolina.

Our obligatory joint shot at one of the Whitewater Falls' overlooks.

This falls was particularly spectacular! The park is maintained by the National Forestry Service which charges a $2 usage fee that is well worth the price of admission.

email me: backpackingtexan at yahoo dot kom


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