Whiteside Mtn & Dry Falls; a Saunter

I am going to Whiteside Mtn (4930ft) near Highlands; Up to 16 are welcome to join. The Curmudgeon’s Annual Fall Color Series (One of my ‘Top 10’ destinations).
Climb to spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beautiful loop trail, gorgeous views overlooking steep 400 ft cliffs, home of peregrine falcons.
We will also take a side trip to Dry Falls after the hike….
Remember - hikes led by the Curmudgeon tend to have pleasant surprises.
Difficulty: see details
We are the Sloth Hike Team of WNC: “We will get there when we get there.” We dare to go where the ‘real’ hike groups don’t !!
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ8H4EK2vt4**
(Social ‘hour’ at 9:10 AM. Parade leaves at 9:15a)
Drive time: 1.75hr/47mi (1-way) (Incl’s Dry Falls)
(Google Map = “Whiteside Mtn Trail”
Whiteside Details:
Hike Distance: 3.50 miles loop; Accum Elevation Gain: 800 ft; 400 ft in the 1st mile. Cliffside fenced Trail is narrow, rocky with roots. Descent to the cars is several staircases.
Dry Falls Details:
You can walk behind this 70-80' falls! The staircase path is a 40 ft descent to the back of the falls. You may be able to see a rainbow if you and the sun are in the right position. The spray from the falls will get you wet when you walk behind it.
Return Not earlier than: 3:15 PM (incl’d lunch time at the top (1/2hr) (incl’s Dry Falls)
Carpool contributions appreciated. $10.00 suggested; (Includes: parking fee(s): $8 per car.)
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT HIKE. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Dogs (and Masters) required to be ‘on-leash'... NOTE: The descent from Whiteside Mtn is an open-tread corrugated (raised teeth) steel staircase. If you can NOT carry your dog, you should consider the implications.
Whiteside Mtn is haunted by the apparition, Spearfinger, or U'tlun'ta'. According to Cherokee legend, Spearfinger is a monster with a sharp finger resembling a pointed spear on her right hand. Stories say she targets those who are separated from their group by attacking her victims from behind. It’s reported that Spearfinger can typically be found lurking around Whiteside Mountain and the surrounding areas. U'tlun'ta' might be the wife of the giant, Judaculla, or Tsul 'Kalu, who left his mark 30 miles north.
Due to recent events, Bigfoot discussions are no longer permitted.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair.
Weather Check: Highlands, NC
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 2 driver(s) (=8ppl)
Weather Check: Highlands, NC
We suggest slightly open windows while carpooling. Only you know your own health status so judge accordingly if an event may endanger your health or the health of others.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, member, and guest By signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendersonville Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie's contact: curmudgeonhiker@gmail.com
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**