Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall in North Carolina. The Whitewater River plunges 411 feet over a precipice, then continues downstream eventually spilling into Lake Jocassee. Because of the rugged terrain, the area receives few visitors and has remained wild and undeveloped over the years.

There is a paved path that meanders 2/10 mile to a nice view of the falls. From here, there is a descent involving 154 wooden steps to a second overlook from a platform perched high on the wall of the gorge.