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Whiteside Mountain The sparkling white cliffs of Whiteside Mountain, in the Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, North Carolina, have long been a landmark along the eastern continental divide. The 750 feet tall cliffs are the highest shear cliffs in the eastern United States. According to Cherokee legend, the monster Spearfinger made her home here, and the exposed cliffs were created when a large rock bridge to her dwelling place sheared off. Hikers can enjoy the moderate two-mile loop trail that leads around the mountain to its summit at 4,930 feet. The high ridgetop above the steep south-facing cliffs offers spectacular views of other mountains in the area. An old-growth forest of northern red oaks, with trunks twisted by strong winds and ice storms, is found at the summit. A special treat during spring and summer may be a glimpse of a peregrine falcon soaring overhead or perched on rocky outcrops. Biologists reintroduced the falcon to Whiteside Mountain in 1985 as part of the endangered species program. During nesting season, the cliff face is closed to rappelling and climbing. A profusion of wildflowers, including speckled wood-lily and white snakeroot, bloom in the mountainside forests while others such as dwarf dandelion and gray beard-tongue carpet the mountain face. Geologists estimate the mountain to be more than four hundred million years old. Traces of ancient hunting camps have been found in the area. Hours of Operation Open all year Admission Fees A fee of $2 per car is charged for day use. Season passes are $15. *Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website. Location Whiteside Mountain is located south of US 64 between Highlands and Cashiers. From Highlands take US 64E about 5 miles. Turn right on SR 1680 and follow signs. Highlands Chamber of Commerce PO Box 62 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5841 http://www.highlandschamber.org/ Highlands Visitors Center 828-526-2112 Cashiers Chamber of Commerce PO Box 238 Cashiers, NC 28717 828-743-5941 http://www.cashiers-nc.com US Forest Service Highlands Ranger District 2010 Flat Mountain Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3765 http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc |
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