Whitesides

This is not quite the biggest, but definitely the baddest cliff in The South.  Most of the routes at Whitesides involve run-out and difficult climbing, though typically the two are not found together.  Most pitches 5.10 and harder have adequate gear.  Anything under 5.8 will have you into terrain well above your last piece.  The Original Route is the easiest route to the top – making it the most popular.

Location and Directions

Weather

Camping

Camping is not allowed in the parking area or anywhere on Whiteside. Camping is available at VanHook campground down the Cullasaja Gorge Rd.

Another free area to camp is about 4 miles NW of Whitesides. Take a left out of the road leading to Whitesides. Go about 3 miles, take a right on Buck Creek Rd at the curve. Look for a boardwalk/wetland area under a mile on your right, then take a right. Go another half mile or so and take a left. This road eventually leads to Forest Service land. The road ends at a large turn around. Park here. Go down the bank to make camp on an old roadbed. There are houses nearby, so be discrete. Keep fires small. This is a great and legal place to camp but avoid disturbing the neighbors. Camping here is about 5 minutes from the Whiteside parking lot.

Guidebooks

Check out The Climbers Guide to North Carolina at Brevard’s climbing shop: Looking Glass Outfitters.