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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail begins as an old logger trail that was also once used as a road for a shuttle bus that would carry people up to the top of the lookout point. Follow this leisure stroll to the top. Once you arrive, you will see fantastic 210 degree view. Overlooking the cliffs keep a sharp eye for the peregrine falcons. These amazing birds will captivate you as you watch them soar through the air. I have found the best place to watch them will actually be once you follow the trail to the right about another 300 feet. They nest in the cliffs. A lot of hikers think that this trail is the end and begin to hike back down the road, but be sure to continue to the right (south/southwest). The overlooks you will find along the way will give you amazing views of the 750 feet drop offs. About a ½ of mile walking along the cliffs, you will begin a descent that will complete the circle. Remember on this hike to please do not cross the barriers. They are there for your protection. Trailhead: From Hendersonville NC take 64 West. Go 17 miles to Pisgah Forest (Entrance of Pisgah National Forest. US64 W turns right- continue on US64. Go another 31 miles through Cashiers., NC. 5 miles from Cashiers turn left onto Whiteside Mountain Rd (NC1680). Go exactly 1 mile and the parking area will be on the left. (Lat:35.07919 Lon:-83.14244) Trail Guides for Whiteside Mountain Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Nantahala National Forest828-526-3765 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Reginald Vickers, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JH on 4/24/2006 I applaude the 76 year old lady who took this hike. My husband, our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter and I did this hike in the afternoon last November. One of the neat things was seeing the sheets of ice up on the mountainside as we walked. The views from the top (after I rested and got my breath back) were incredibly beautiful. And, on the way back down as we came down one of the stairways, there was thick ice on the ground but water trickling underneath the ice made bubble pockets as it slid beneath the ice. Very neat looking. The hike was strenuous for my husband and me, but the young 'uns loved it. Wouldn't mind hiking it again, after I get into better shape!
Reviewed by ken on 7/31/2005 Great hike, but there's even a better trail off this one called devils court. At the top of Whiteside off to the left is the trail head. This is most likely the best trail in the area. 
Reviewed by br on 5/27/2005 Moderate Hike. I probably would enjoy it more if I had'nt of got caught in a thunderstorm and almost struck by lightning! 
Reviewed by WilmaNC on 2/22/2005 Hiked this trail today, 2/21/2005. It was awesome!! The skies were clear and we were alone on the trail. I would rate it as moderate. There was a little bit of mud but the trail was well marked and safe due to the barriers. Our dog is a beagle with a white tip on his tail. The falcons kept flying right over our heads and were so close at time that you could see the details on their faces. We thought they were mistaking our dog's tail for a critter of some sort, lol. Got a few great pictures of them. Thanks for suggesting it.
Reviewed by jts on 2/6/2005 I've hiked Whiteside about 10 times and I enjoy it each and every time. Even my 5 year old grandson and 76 year old mother-in-law love it! 
Reviewed by Bill on 12/19/2004 It Stinks! Hard Trail, Unsafe, almost died!
Reviewed by Russell on 9/7/2004 This hike was a very easy circle hike. We did the hike on 9/6/04 and it was cloudy so we didn't get to enjoy the views. The views would be spectacular minus the clouds. I highly recommend this for a short afternoon hike with great views. No need to be a serious hiker for this outing. There is another great new NC State park close by with some more strenous trails you could do in the same day at Gorges State Park. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Jackson County Hiking, Jackson County Trails, Jackson County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||