About Whitewater Falls
Whitewater Falls is a named waterfall in Transylvania County, North Carolina, located about 14 miles southwest of Brevard. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Reid 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°04′16″ N, 82°53′12″ W (35.07121, -82.88680). Historical sources also record the names Contara and Contaroga. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Toxaway Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Eastatoe Ford (stream, 0.8 mi), and Bearpen Creek (stream, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Windy Falls, 4.0 miles to the west.
USGS gazetteer description: approx location
Weather at Whitewater Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Whitewater Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Whitewater Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Whitewater Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Toxaway Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Eastatoe Ford — stream, 0.8 mi
- Bearpen Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Rock Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Grindstone Mountain — summit, 1.0 mi
- Auger Fork Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Bearwallow Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Cobb Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.07121, -82.88680. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Whitewater Falls
- Upper Falls, NC7.8 mi west
- Dismal Falls, NC9.1 mi northwest
- Schoolhouse Falls, NC9.3 mi northwest
- Fairfield Falls, NC9.8 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whitewater Falls located?
Whitewater Falls is in Transylvania County, North Carolina, about 14 miles southwest of Brevard. Its coordinates are 35.07121, -82.88680 (35°04′16″ N, 82°53′12″ W).
What town is closest to Whitewater Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Brevard, NC, about 14 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Whitewater Falls?
The closest is Windy Falls (4.0 mi west). Others within reach include Toxaway Falls (4.4 mi), Rainbow Falls (4.7 mi), and Reedy Cove Falls (5.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Whitewater Falls?
Whitewater Falls appears on the USGS Reid 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.