Whiteside Mountain
Cashiers, NC
Sheer granite cliffs up to 750 feet high, walked on a 2-mile loop trail from a Forest Service lot on a side road off US-64 between Cashiers and Highlands. Small day-use fee; peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs.
Whiteside Mountain is a granite mountain between Cashiers and Highlands in western North Carolina (Nantahala Ranger District). The summit stands at 4,930 feet (1,503 m). The trail runs above sheer cliffs about 750 feet (230 m) high, and the rock is roughly 390 to 460 million years old. Views open to the east, south and west.
The Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long. Most sources describe it as a loop, while one database also lists it as out-and-back. The climb is steep: an average grade of 12 percent and a maximum of 20 percent. Sources disagree on elevation gain (500 to 800 feet) and difficulty. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
To get there, from the NC 107 and US 64 intersection in Cashiers drive about 5 miles (8 km) on US 64 to Whiteside Mountain Road (SR 1600), then follow the signs to the Forest Service parking area. Discover Jackson gives March to November as the best season. Check fees and current conditions with the Forest Service beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Cashiers, NC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 35.0806, -83.1449
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Gorges State Park CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Whiteside MountainTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center for the BlindCampsite20 mi from Whiteside Mountain
- Chattooga River Lodge and CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Whiteside MountainShowersToilets
- Winding Stair CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Whiteside Mountain
- Sunburst CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Whiteside Mountain · 9 pitchesDrinking water
- Crooked Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Whiteside MountainMotorhomes
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Whiteside Mountain?
Whiteside Mountain is in Cashiers, NC, at GPS 35.0806, -83.1449. It is about 4 mi from Highlands.
Can you camp near Whiteside Mountain?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ammons Branch Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Whiteside Mountain?
Whiteside Mountain is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Waterfall Byway: Brevard to Highlands and Franklin.
What is there to see near Whiteside Mountain?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bridal Veil Falls (5 mi), Dry Falls (5 mi), Whitewater Falls (8 mi) and Lake Jocassee, Devils Fork State Park (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Whiteside Mountain?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)