PhenomenalWoman - May 22, 2018 7:26 pm Date Climbed: May 21, 2018
Stunning Views
Did this as a recovery hike after two days of vertical. Absolutely stunning views - well worth the screaming toddler and large families sharing the trail. Spent over an hour at the top. And because there are multiple overlooks, easily found one all to myself. Would highly recommend.
iditarod81 - Jul 14, 2016 5:45 pm Date Climbed: Jan 1, 2003
Family fun
Hiked this lovely mountain with family many times as a kid and teenager. Probably helped inspire my love of mountains and climbing today. One time my Dad caught a climber topping out on the summit near the edge of what was probably the southeast face. He didn't know she had just completed a multi-pitch climb and was roped/anchored in, so he was surprised at her reaction when he told her to "be careful near the edge" LOL.
captainbuuda - Nov 23, 2008 9:15 am Date Climbed: Nov 21, 2008
Beautiful mountain
I don't care what anybody says this is a gorgeous place. No wonder all those "rich folks" grabbed all the land around it. And they sure do like to control access to the mountain: we parked at the loop trailhead at 5pm and got back around 6:30, taking a little time to enjoy the views; we got back to see a "warning notice" ticket plastered to the windshield saying we were in violation of "day use" rules in "extreme temps" and to "pay before leaving". It was almost like "get out before 6 or we'll set the hounds on you." It was handed out by the forest service, however, if the area wasn't overrun with "high class" real estate I know the ticket wouldn't have been there. It seems like those who have money in that area still think they own the mountain-- outrageous.
Took the wife up the tourist trail to enjoy the view. The peregrines were a delight!
Mike N - May 20, 2007 9:32 pm Date Climbed: May 19, 2007
Summit trail
Hiked summit trail last year and the views were tremendous. This weekend we decided to climb it via the OR. Great way to see this beautiful NC cliff.
Zac Finley - Apr 23, 2007 11:44 am Date Climbed: Apr 22, 2007
I lied!
OK, so I lied, I did go back to Whiteside. And will say this experience was a bit better, mostly do to the fact I had some very pleasent company. The mountain is still overused, and the eye sores of the surrounding communities are, and unfortunatly will always, be there. Beautiful day though!
Zac Finley - Apr 9, 2006 12:42 am Date Climbed: Apr 8, 2006
Two-mile loop
Nice views from the summit, is really the only good thing about this mountain today. And even saying that is strecting it. The area is very heavily used by anyone and everyone. The trail is more like an old rocky road bed or loggin road. And once you reach the top, the small communites of Highlands, N.C. are scattered everywhere below the mountain almost right to its base. It's a shame to see something so beautiful to be so trashed like it is. I won't be back there again.
Route Climbed: Original Route, III/IV, 5.11a or 5.9 A0 with Traditions finish Date Climbed: April 16, 2005
Our party of three climbed the first 7 pitches of the Original Route and finished on the last 3 pitches on Traditions..(5.7R {one bolt}, 5.8, 5.7, 5.10c, 5.7, 5.8+, 5.11a or A0, 5.9+, 5.10a, 5.8). We had a spectacular day; clear blue sky, temps in the low 60's, gentle light breeze, got on the route at 10:30am and finished at 4:30 pm. We had a celebratory Bass at the parking lot then drove into Cashiers to enjoy some BBQ before heading back home to the Atlanta area.
Route Climbed: Summit Loop Trail Date Climbed: March 2004
I have hiked the summit loop trail, most recently March 2004, and hopefully will soon get around to climbing a route on whiteside to officially tag the summit.
Route Climbed: original route variation Date Climbed: 2001
The variation was at the bolt ladder. We went right on that ledge and worked up through a small one pitch cave like system, where my head lamp got knocked off and knocked out of commission. It had rained during the night , prior to the climb, making the slab seem quite slick,and even though I was second up that !st pitch, I nearly crapped in my pants. Wayne you have some big balls and a puny brain.
Route Climbed: Whiteside Mountain Trail Date Climbed: 08-19-2004
Two mile round trip. One of the most depressing trails I've ever hiked. All because this mountain is so stunningly beautiful, and yet has been so abused by commercial development. It's a crime. I couldn't get the hell away from that place fast enough.
PhenomenalWoman - May 22, 2018 7:26 pm Date Climbed: May 21, 2018
Stunning ViewsDid this as a recovery hike after two days of vertical. Absolutely stunning views - well worth the screaming toddler and large families sharing the trail. Spent over an hour at the top. And because there are multiple overlooks, easily found one all to myself. Would highly recommend.
iditarod81 - Jul 14, 2016 5:45 pm Date Climbed: Jan 1, 2003
Family funHiked this lovely mountain with family many times as a kid and teenager. Probably helped inspire my love of mountains and climbing today. One time my Dad caught a climber topping out on the summit near the edge of what was probably the southeast face. He didn't know she had just completed a multi-pitch climb and was roped/anchored in, so he was surprised at her reaction when he told her to "be careful near the edge" LOL.
captainbuuda - Nov 23, 2008 9:15 am Date Climbed: Nov 21, 2008
Beautiful mountainI don't care what anybody says this is a gorgeous place. No wonder all those "rich folks" grabbed all the land around it. And they sure do like to control access to the mountain: we parked at the loop trailhead at 5pm and got back around 6:30, taking a little time to enjoy the views; we got back to see a "warning notice" ticket plastered to the windshield saying we were in violation of "day use" rules in "extreme temps" and to "pay before leaving". It was almost like "get out before 6 or we'll set the hounds on you." It was handed out by the forest service, however, if the area wasn't overrun with "high class" real estate I know the ticket wouldn't have been there. It seems like those who have money in that area still think they own the mountain-- outrageous.
EManBevHills - Sep 6, 2007 7:57 pm
Many years agoTook the wife up the tourist trail to enjoy the view. The peregrines were a delight!
Mike N - May 20, 2007 9:32 pm Date Climbed: May 19, 2007
Summit trailHiked summit trail last year and the views were tremendous. This weekend we decided to climb it via the OR. Great way to see this beautiful NC cliff.
Zac Finley - Apr 23, 2007 11:44 am Date Climbed: Apr 22, 2007
I lied!OK, so I lied, I did go back to Whiteside. And will say this experience was a bit better, mostly do to the fact I had some very pleasent company. The mountain is still overused, and the eye sores of the surrounding communities are, and unfortunatly will always, be there. Beautiful day though!
Zac Finley - Apr 9, 2006 12:42 am Date Climbed: Apr 8, 2006
Two-mile loopNice views from the summit, is really the only good thing about this mountain today. And even saying that is strecting it. The area is very heavily used by anyone and everyone. The trail is more like an old rocky road bed or loggin road. And once you reach the top, the small communites of Highlands, N.C. are scattered everywhere below the mountain almost right to its base. It's a shame to see something so beautiful to be so trashed like it is. I won't be back there again.
mekwise - Apr 17, 2005 11:45 am
Route Climbed: Original Route, III/IV, 5.11a or 5.9 A0 with Traditions finish Date Climbed: April 16, 2005Our party of three climbed the first 7 pitches of the Original Route and finished on the last 3 pitches on Traditions..(5.7R {one bolt}, 5.8, 5.7, 5.10c, 5.7, 5.8+, 5.11a or A0, 5.9+, 5.10a, 5.8). We had a spectacular day; clear blue sky, temps in the low 60's, gentle light breeze, got on the route at 10:30am and finished at 4:30 pm. We had a celebratory Bass at the parking lot then drove into Cashiers to enjoy some BBQ before heading back home to the Atlanta area.
mekwise - Mar 27, 2005 10:07 pm
Route Climbed: Summit Loop Trail Date Climbed: March 2004I have hiked the summit loop trail, most recently March 2004, and hopefully will soon get around to climbing a route on whiteside to officially tag the summit.
petersbike - Mar 17, 2005 5:30 pm
Route Climbed: original route variation Date Climbed: 2001The variation was at the bolt ladder. We went right on that ledge and worked up through a small one pitch cave like system, where my head lamp got knocked off and knocked out of commission. It had rained during the night , prior to the climb, making the slab seem quite slick,and even though I was second up that !st pitch, I nearly crapped in my pants. Wayne you have some big balls and a puny brain.
BobSmith - Aug 20, 2004 11:07 pm
Route Climbed: Whiteside Mountain Trail Date Climbed: 08-19-2004Two mile round trip. One of the most depressing trails I've ever hiked. All because this mountain is so stunningly beautiful, and yet has been so abused by commercial development. It's a crime. I couldn't get the hell away from that place fast enough.