The trail leaves Forest Road 111 from the trailhead parking on the left side of the road. It crosses Big Creek and climbs to a narrow ridge, then gradually drops to an old logging road along Whiteoak Flats branch. The trail passes a 100 foot waterfall before coming into the Whiteoak Flats wildlife opening. The trail follows the road for 3 miles, bearing left at all intersections. The road then becomes a foot trail that climbs through heavy brush, connecting with the Appalachian Trail at Bear Wallow Gap. This last section of trail is not well marked nor worn from use and there is no marker or directional sign at the Appalachian Trail intersection.

Directions: From Hot Springs, NC, Travel east on US 25 / 70 to SR 208 at Big Laurel Creek. Turn left and follow SR 208 it for 3 - 4 miles to SR 212. Turn right onto SR 212 and go 10 miles to SR 1312. Turn left on SR 1312 and go 1 mile to a ford through Dry Creek then another .25 miles to the Whiteoak Flats trailhead parking area on the left side of Forest Road 111. SR 1312 turns into Forest Road 111 at the National Forest boundary.

Whiteoak Flats Trail is especially beautiful in late spring when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom.