Whitewater Way

Overview

Whitewater Way provides motorists with access to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the eastern United States. The route gets its name from Whitewater Falls, which at 411 feet, is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and is a short easy trek from the byway. The descending, curvy, densely forested route passes by Gorges State Park, a highly recommended stop, and Upper Whitewater Falls before ending at the South Carolina state line. Also, while hiking the trails and viewing the waterfalls, close observers may spot a rare and beautiful plant called Shortia galacifolia (Oconee Bells), which is only found in the Appalachian Mountains and Japan. It grows from a slender single stem and blooms white or pink in late March or early April.