We recommend Whitesides as a great training drop for the New River Gorge Bridge. It is off highway 64 between the towns of Highland and Cashiers, North Carolina in the Nantahala Forest. The GPS coordinates for the Whitesides Parking Lot are N35.08041 and W83.14410.  There are as many as three (3) drops at Whitesides. We are promoting two (2), Cavers Rappel (known for what many of us say has the "Bird Bath") and Little Miss. Research is still being done on additional drops and we will update this site when the information is ready.

While at Whitesides, please be a good visitor. Respect people's property and do not trespass. Practice the Leave No Trace principles (www.leavenotrace.org.) We encourage all Bridge Day™ rappel teams to do trail maintenance while they are there. Please take trash bags with you and pick up as much trash as you can and repair any trail problems as they occur. Do not leave your carpet padding strips on the rock or at the bottom of the drop.

There have been some problems when people walk out from the rappel. Hopefully, the following information will help. From the bottom of the south face of Whitesides, as you stand facing the cliff, there are strategic white blazes on the climbers trail beginning at the bottom of the Cavers Rappell & going to the left (west) & up to the main Whiteside trail. The blazes are located at turns or other points of confusion. If you simply hug the cliff face & walk west, the blazes will solve any route finding issues.

There are a few blazes coming in from above & they continue to the Cavers Rappel landing spot. Beyond the Cavers Rappel, the rectangular blazes cease & there are a few white "double dots" going east along the cliff base towards the start of the "Original Route". These double dots cease after the only confusing spot between the Cavers Rappel & the Original Route. These blazes are for rock climbers. We do not know who or when these blazes were done; however, they are quite helpful.

Bruce Smith, www.onrope1.com, has worked extensively with the Cashiers Search and Rescue Squad. A number of us have developed relationships with the people who call this area their home. The Cashiers Search and Rescue Squad has done numerous things to make the Whitesides rappel a positive and memorable experience for the New River Gorge Bridge Day™ rappeller. Please report any problems and/or incidents to Benjy Simpson, New River Gorge Bridge Day™ Rappel Coordinator, bridgedayrap@passagestoadventure.com.  

Extreme Rappels is one of several New River Gorge Bridge Day™ teams that uses Whitesides in September for its final "tune up" for Bridge Day™. Check out their website for more information www.extremerappels.com.

Harrison Shull has provided us with some neat photos of Whitesides.  Please check his website for outstanding photos www.shullphoto.com.

In the interest of safety, the use of a chest harness will ensure a safer and more enjoyable rappel.  For those of you trying to decide whether or not you need a chest harness, go to www.onrope1.com/TopHeavyRappellers.htm.

The table below lists some big drops.