Directions: From Highlands, North Carolina
Start from Highlands by driving south on Main
Street and Horse Cove Road 4.5 miles to end of the pavement and the
intersection of Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove Roads. For the Chattooga
Cliffs loop, take Whiteside Cove Road .4 mile to FS 2052 and park
without blocking access to the gate.
Fees: no
Closest town: Highlands North Carolina, Macon County
For more information:
Highlands Ranger District
Forest Service by calling (828) 526-3765
or by visiting the Ranger Office
or Visitor Center in Highlands, North Carolina.
Chattooga Cliffs loop trail
The Chattooga Cliffs loop is longer and more
difficult. Start at the gate of FS 2052 and walk on the Forest Service
road above Cane Creek. When the sound of the creek becomes faint and
another creek can be heard, look for a trail on the left. The trail
makes a short, moderate descent along Holly Branch. Just before the
junction with the Chattooga River Trail, Cane Creek is crossed on stepping
stones. If the water is high an alternative crossing on two logs can
be made. Turn up river for views of the cliffs and continuation of the
loop. After one-third of a mile, there is an intersection with an old
logging road. Bear left and take this road to climb out of the gorge.
After one mile the trail ends on Whiteside Cove Road at the county line.
Turn left. The walk back along Whiteside Cove Road is short and rewarded
with a view of a small waterfall on the side of the road.
Hiking along the Chattooga River is dangerous
until improvements to the trail are completed.
Length: 2.9 mile loop
Elevation Change: 450 feet
Rating:More difficult
Head & End: Whiteside Cove Road
Attractions & Considerations:
A sixty mile long corridor along the Chattooga
River from its headwaters on Whiteside in North Carolina, southward
along the boundary between Georgia and South Carolina was designated
by Congress as a Wild and Scenic River in 1974. There is a network
of trails to and along the river in the three states. This trail connects
to the Bartram Trail, which follows the historic journey of naturalist
William Bartram.
