Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain features some of the highest and most dramatic cliffs in the eastern United States, with sheer granite faces rising over 750 feet above the Chattooga River valley. The National Recreation Trail loops across the summit, passing multiple overlooks where the cliffs drop away dramatically and views extend across the surrounding highlands. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs, and the exposed rock supports unique plant communities adapted to the harsh conditions. The relatively moderate trail difficulty belies the dramatic setting, making this accessible to most hikers while delivering genuine cliff-edge excitement. Fall colors are spectacular when the surrounding forests blaze with color against the gray granite.