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Whitewater Falls

The first time I went to Whitewater Falls, in 1993, there was no fee, the path to the overlook was not paved and there was no lower overlook nor a stairway to it, as I recall. I remember climbing down through the woods and getting, if not on the edge of the Whitewater River, pretty close to it for a nice view of the 411-foot falls from below. It's nice to see that some money is going into developing scenic sites.

Today a paved path passes a wide lawn and takes you to the upper-level overlook. A stairway provides another viewing opportunity plus access to the Foothills National Recreation Trail about midway down. In addition to views of the falls and Lake Jocassee in the distance, the recreation area has flush toilets, picnic tables and shelters, and a large parking lot.

Here's a look from the upper deck.

And a look from the lower deck.

You can compare the falls at the first of July 2007 to the photos on the brochure to see the effect of the drought on water levels.

The $2 fee is collected at a self-service pay station. Dispensers at the pay station and elsewhere in the parking lot issue pink envelopes and day-use passes to hang from your car's rearview mirror.

And, naturally, some people can't resist climbing out onto the rocks at the top of the falls. Great fun until something goes wrong (one source claims 47 deaths at Whitewater from being swept over the falls).