Do you want to take the road (or the hiking path!) less traveled? Whiteoak Sink in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hidden gem along a quiet nature trail, and the springtime is one of the best seasons to explore this beautiful area of the Smokies. We want to take some time to tell you why we love it, so keep reading to find out why you should visit Whiteoak Sink:
1. See a Secret Waterfall
One of the gems in the Whiteoak Sink area is a secret waterfall called Rainbow Cave Falls. It is a unique waterfall because the water doesn’t pool at the bottom. Rather, it drops 40 feet into an underground cave. This is why Rainbow Cave Falls is deemed the “disappearing waterfall.” The waterfall is especially stunning after a heavy rainfall because it is more voluminous.
2. Look Inside Bat Caves
A unique feature of Whiteoak Sink is the bat caves. This area of the national park has caves that were created when water dissolved the limestone rock formations. While most of these caves are underground, one that is visible from the surface is Blowhole Cave. The cave gets its name because of the constant flow of air at the entrance. The temperature inside stays between 50 to 55F! While entering the cave is prohibited, you can certainly look into the entrance and feel the cold air, ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day!
Fun Fact: Blowhole Cave is an ideal habitat for the endangered Indiana bat population! They live in groups and help the ecosystem by eating the insects.
3. Discover Rare Wildflowers
The limestone in the rocks of Whiteoak Sink helps nourish the soil. In the springtime, the area has lots of beautiful flowers and rare varieties. One flower to look out for is the Shooting Star. The petals come in purple, white, and pink. The flower gets its name because the flowers point up rather than out.
One of the more common varieties you’ll see is the Virginia Bluebell. These flowers come in different shades of blue and purple. The petals point downward, resembling a bell shape. Keep in mind that picking flowers is prohibited. Take a picture instead!
Learn More: Participate in expert-led educational programs during the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in April to learn more about these beautiful blooms!
4. Find Historical Remnants
While you’re exploring the Whiteoak Sink area, keep an eye out for the grave site of Abraham Law. He was one of the original settlers in the area and a recognized pioneer figure who took pride in living off the land. Abraham most likely had a plot of land where he had a cabin and raised livestock. As for Abraham Law’s grave site, he is buried on a knoll, not in any of the old cemeteries. You’ll see a stone with his name on it!
How to Get to Whiteoak Sink
Now that you know about all the reasons to visit Whiteoak Sink, you need to know how to get there! Read all about how to find this hidden gem along the Schoolhouse Gap Trail!
