The Mountain Cottage

At 411 ft, Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. As you explore all that western North Carolina has to offer, be sure to add this one to your list. Located about 9 miles south of Hwy 64 on Hwy 281, and just across the state line into North Carolina, Whitewater Falls is easily accessible through the National Forest parking area. Ample parking is available and public restrooms are also available. There is a really cool giant boulder that our kids li

A trip to Sapphire, NC would not be complete without a visit to Gorges State Park! www.ncparks.gov/gorges-state-park The park is about 15 minutes from Once Upon a Stream and about 20 minutes from TOP of the ROCK and located off Hwy 281, aka Whitewater Falls Road in Sapphire, NC. Gorges is probably best known as the location for the trail head to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. The trail to Rainbow Falls is 3.0 miles round trip and hikers can continue about 1/4 mile past R