PLATEAU
Working with [Silver Creek] to sell our property in Highlands was an absolute pleasure. [They] went above and beyond to get our listing up quickly, handled multiple offers, and secured an above-asking price! [Their] communication, patience, and genuine care for our goals really shined through. We’re so grateful for [Silver Creek’s] expertise and would recommend [them] to anyone looking for a Realtor in the area.
— J.W.
A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER & CEO
Welcome to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau! We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to join us here in the heart of the Nantahala Forest, where cool summer temperatures, pristine rivers, and refreshing breezes provide an oasis of natural beauty and comfort. Our team at Silver Creek Real Estate Group dedicates itself to providing a full range of resources to vacationers, seasonal residents, and full-time mountain dwellers, along with personal assistance to help you transform your vision into reality. We compiled this Plateau Guide to help you access everything the area has to offer.
Whether you seek outdoor adventures, savor a club atmosphere, or aim to immerse yourself in our charming local culture, the Plateau offers a myriad of opportunities to pursue your passions.
Our mountain paradise serves as a haven for nature lovers and intrepid explorers. Explore lush rainforests, discover hidden waterfalls, and embark on epic hiking trails that offer panoramic vistas of the rugged terrain. Bring your boat to enjoy our many public and private lakes, or borrow one from a local marina. Fly fishing enthusiasts will find solace — and abundant trout — in our bubbling streams. If you’re especially adventurous, many trails accommodate mountain biking and horseback riding, and the rivers are perfect for kayaks.
Social butterflies find themselves at home within the area’s numerous private clubs. Golf aficionados appreciate world-class courses with breathtaking Appalachian peaks, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable day on the green. If fitness is a priority, pick up a game of pickleball, tennis, or croquet. Many of our area clubs also offer swimming pools and fullyequipped fitness centers.
At the heart of our small-town lifestyle is a thriving community where events such as public concerts, parades, and holiday celebrations bring us together. Fulfill your craving for arts and culture
at one of many area museums, or attend a local theatrical performance. Highlands and Cashiers also host a number of festivals throughout the year, where you can access local foods or handmade crafts.
We feel compelled to prepare you: Those who visit our peaceful mountain towns often decide to stay! At Silver Creek Real Estate Group, we take pride in educating our clients on the latest real estate market trends and connecting them to community events. We also strive to provide lifestyle and everyday resources through comprehensive guides like this one.
We also recommend that you subscribe to our NC Living magazine, published bimonthly. Take a look at our website and follow us on social media for timely updates on our lifestyle, local happenings, and available properties.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau offers a variety of neighborhoods and rural escapes to fulfill your mountain living dreams. But once you’re here, we’re all a part of one large, extended family on the Plateau. Before long, you’ll recognize familiar, friendly faces everywhere you go.
We will be happy to show you around town personally, get to know you one-on-one, and help you find the perfect vacation or full-time property.
This is your chance to escape, unwind, and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We feel confident you’ll love our home as much as we do.
JOCHEN LUCKE
Founder, CEO, and Broker of Silver Creek Real Estate Group and Publisher of NC Living® Magazine
JOCHEN LUCKE
Founder | CEO | Broker
GRACE BIXBY
Managing Editor
COURTNEY SNYDER
Visual Content Producer
MARY ELLIS FERGUSON
Lead Designer and Art Director
ON THE COVER
Bald Rock mountain overlooking Fairfield Lake. Photographed by Courtney Snyder.
Copyright © 2025. NC Living® is owned and published by Silver Creek Real Estate Group at 341 Highway 64 West, P.O. Box 430, Cashiers, NC 28717. 828-743-1999.
The information we have provided has been well-researched and comes from a variety of credible sources. Please share any corrections or update requests by emailing us at info@ ncliving.com. Your input is greatly appreciated!
scan to Sub S cribe
LIFE IN MOTION
Page 26
ON THE WATER
Page 28
MARINA, BOAT RENTAL & STORAGE SERVICES
Page 29
LAKES & RIVERS
LAWN SPORTS
Page 48
GOLF Page 49
CROQUET
Page 52
PICKLEBALL
Page 53
TENNIS
Page 55
OUTDOOR
ADVENTURES
Page 59
EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES
Page 60
MOUNTAIN BIKING Page 60
ROCK CLIMBING Page 62
GUN CLUBS & OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGES
Page 62
ICE SKATING Page 63
SKIING Page 63
SNOW TUBING Page 63
MOUNTAINS OF YOUTH
Page 66
THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED
Page 71
HIKING Page 72
WATERFALLS Page 76
IN ANOTHER TIME
Page 92
PLAY, SEE, TOUR
Page 98
AGRITOURISM
Page 100
FAMILY FUN
Page 100
HISTORY AND CULTURAL CENTERS
Page 101
SILVER RUN FALLS IN CASHIERS, NC
PARKS & GARDENS
Page 102
PERFORMING ARTS
GROUPS & VENUES
Page 104
CAMPS
Page 106
LIFELONG LEARNING
Page 107
ART, CULTURE & HISTORY
Page 107
SPECIAL SIGHTS
Page 109
THAT ANCIENT MOUNTAIN
Page 111
SOCIAL EVENTS
Page 118
PROTECTING PARADISE
Page 128
HELPING HANDS
Page 133
ANIMAL WELFARE
Page 134
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Page 134
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Page 137
EDUCATION
Page 137
NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Page 139
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Page 139
EDUCATION
Page 144
PRE-K THROUGH 12
Page 146
HIGHER EDUCATION
Page 147
THE LITERARY HISTORY OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Page 149
INTERIOR OF THE ELIZABETH WRIGHT PRINCE HOUSE, MAINTAINED BY THE HIGHLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A NATURAL CONNECTION
Page 153
ELEVATED WELLNESS
Page 158
FITNESS CENTERS & STUDIOS
Page 160
HOSPITALS
Page 161
PHARMACIES
Page 162
PUBLIC HEALTH
Page 163
URGENT CARE
Page 163
ANSWERING THE CALL
Page 165
PUBLIC SAFETY & SERVICES
Page 168
COUNTY & MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
Page 170
DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICES
Page 170
LICENSE PLATE OFFICES
Page 170
U.S. POST OFFICES
Page 171
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Page 171
FIRE & RESCUE
Page 173
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Page 174
MEDICAL/RESCUE
Page 174
WASTE & RECYCLING CENTERS
Page 175
VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS
Page 175
TAKE FLIGHT
Page 176
COMMERCIAL AIRPORTS
Page 177
REGIONAL AIRPORTS AND FIXED BASE OPERATORS (FBOS)
Page 178
WORSHIP
Page 180
JACKSON COUNTY Page 182
MACON COUNTY Page 183
TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY Page 184
S i LVER CREEK OFF i CE LOCAT i ONS
CASH i ERS 341 HIGHWAY 64 WEST
828-743-1999
H i GHLANDS 537 MAIN STREET 828-526-2999
GLENV i LLE 4312 HIGHWAY 107 N 828-743-1999
HIGHLAND GAP
KNOB ACRES
WOUDES MOUNTAIN
STONE POINTE STRAWBERRY HILL
GREY CLIFF
GLENSHORE THE LAKE CLUB SUMMER HILL
STONE BRIDGE
BRIGHT MOUNTAIN
BRIDGE CREEK
CROSS CREEK HICKORY KNOLL MOUNTAINTOP
TRILLIUM LINKS
STILLMONT & CONTINENTAL CLIFFS
GLENCOVE BY OLD EDWARDS
OLD EDWARDS CLUB
COLD SPRINGS
HIGHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
TURTLE POND
SUMMER
SHEEPCLIFF
WILDCAT CLIFFS COUNTRY CLUB CULLASAJA CLUB
CHATTOOGA CLIFFS PEREGRINE
SHERWOOD FOREST MIRROR LAKE
HIGHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB
HIGHGATE MOUNTAIN LAUREL
VZ TOP THE COTSWOLDS
DOG MOUNTAIN
HIGHLANDS MOUNTAIN CLUB
KING MOUNTAIN CLUB
ROCKY KNOB
VISTA BRUSHY FACE
QUEEN MOUNTAIN
BIG BEAR PEN & LITTLE BEAR PEN
RAVENEL
SAGEE WOODS
BUCK
PILOT
STONEFLY
HOLLY BERRY ESTATES
LITTLE SHEEPCLIFF
SIMS VALLEY
WOLF
BIG
PINCHOT
SATULAH
HORSE COVE
PILOT MOUNTAIN
BEAR LAKE RESERVE
PILOT KNOB
SUMMER COVE
BIG RIDGE LAUREL FALLS
STILLPOINT
BUCK KNOB ISLAND
TATER KNOB
CHINQUAPIN
PINNACLE RIDGE
SHEEPCLIFF
CEDAR CREEK WOODS/ESTATES
SHEEPCLIFF
GLENRIDGE
HIGH HEMLOCK
CASCADES AT CEDAR CREEK PINE FOREST & SPRING FOREST CCSV
ZACHARY’S GAP ROUND HILL
CHATTOOGA RIDGE LONESOME VALLEY
CEDAR HILL
GOLF CLUB ESTATES
STONEFLY
CHATTOOGA CLIFFS
PEREGRINE
ESTATES
INDIAN LAKE ESTATES
BALD ROCK/THE DIVIDE
FALCON RIDGE HOLLY FOREST
PRESERVE AT ROCK CREEK LAKE TOXAWAY COUNTRY CLUB
FIVE STONE
TIMBER RIDGE HIGH HAMPTON
ARROWHEAD
DEER RUN WADE HAMPTON
SASSAFRAS RIDGE
CHATTOOGA CLUB
WHITESIDE FOREST
HIGH MEADOWS
FOUND FOREST
WHITESIDE CLIFFS
COVE
MOUNTAIN FALLS
BEAR WALLOW SPRINGS
BURLINGAME
WHISPER LAKE
OVERLOOK AT SAPPHIRE
SILVER RUN RESERVE
Scan to Learn More about the P L ateau
TWIN FALLS
OUR TOWNS
THE UN i QUE COMMUN i T i ES THAT MAKE UP THE PLATEAU
CASHIERS
One of the Southeast’s premier resort destinations, Cashiers, North Carolina, is widely known for its historic village, mountain elegance, world-class dining and shopping, the finest club lifestyles, and breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll find most of this near the renowned Cashiers Crossroads — the intersection of Highways 107 and 64 in Jackson County and home to the Village Green, a lush and lovely “park for the people” that offers outdoor concerts, festivals, and celebrations.
BUILT UPON A SOLID FOUNDATION OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT 3,484 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL, CASHIERS OFFERS A GENTEEL CULTURE, MILD TEMPERATURES, AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES THAT DRAW VISITORS TO RETURN YEAR AFTER YEAR.
TOP LEFT: FROM TOBY WEST ANTIQUES. TOBYWESTHOME.COM
TOP RiGHT: CASHIERS FARMER’S MARKET ENGLISH CREAM RETRIEVER, RAUCE. CASHIERSFARMERSMARKET.COM
BOTTOM LEFT: SCULPTURE AT THE VILLAGE GREEN OF CASHIERS. VILLAGEGREENCASHIERSNC.COM
BOTTOM RiGHT: AERIAL VIEW OF CASHIERS
For more than a century, the unincorporated village of Cashiers has been a vacation and summer haven for families seeking to make lasting memories and simply relax. Built upon a solid foundation of Southern hospitality at 3,484 feet above sea level, Cashiers offers a sophisticated culture, mild temperatures, and outdoor activities that draw visitors to return year after year. From golfing to hiking to biking to fly fishing, you’ll find it all in this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Accessible from Cashiers, Panthertown Valley is a 6,311-acre mecca for hikers seeking waterfalls and native flora and fauna. An ecological jewel located in the Nantahala National Forest, its 30-plus miles of trails traverse granite cliffs and sparkling streams. Breathe in the scents of wildflowers blended with mountain laurel as you stroll through an ancient forest, letting the sights and sounds of nature’s splendor complete the sensory experience.
HIGHLANDS
For more than a century, Highlands, North Carolina, has served as a showcase for charming mountain town life and the change of seasons. Established as a health and summer mountain resort, Highlands is perched 4,117 feet above sea level on the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Families and friends stroll through the town’s historic Main Street district, enjoying the mild temperatures during the warm months, the vibrant color burst of autumn, and the pictureperfect scenes of the holiday season.
Located in Macon County, downtown Highlands is a collection of quaint inns, upscale shops, and renowned eateries — including five current Wine Spectator award-winning restaurants — that draw visitors from throughout the Southeast. With distinct European architecture, the historic Old Edwards Inn and Spa occupies a bustling corner, beckoning those seeking a soothing refuge amid luxury.
The offerings of Highlands country clubs vary as widely as the colors of the fall foliage. Thoughtfully designed golf course communities flourish, coexisting with the natural splendor of the area. Charming cottages and fine mountain estates alike complement the setting in which they are constructed, and authentic timber, shingles, and stone accents abound. Cascading waterfalls, stunning sunsets, and long-range vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains topped off by unforgettable culinary experiences shared with loved ones inspire return visits to this distinctive mountain town.
TOP LEFT: INSIDE MILLI IN DOWNTOWN HIGHLANDS. MILLI-BOUTIQUE.SHOPLIGHTSPEED.COM
TOP RiGHT: INSIDE CITIZEN WILDER IN DOWNTOWN HIGHLANDS
BOTTOM LEFT: FAMILY PLAYS CORNHOLE AT KELSEYHUTCHINSON FOUNDERS PARK IN HIGHLANDS
BOTTOM RiGHT: AERIAL VIEW OF DOWNTOWN HIGHLANDS
GLENVILLE
Known as the crown jewel of Jackson County, Lake Glenville is the highest lake east of the Mississippi River. At 3,494 feet above sea level, and with a surface area of 1,462 acres, it offers 26 miles of pristine shoreline for abundant recreation.
Offering boating, paddling, tubing, skiing, swimming, and fishing — as well as glorious Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and sunsets — Lake Glenville is located about eight miles from the historic resort village of Cashiers.
Glenville was founded as the village of Hamburg. In the 1940s, to support World War II production efforts, the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) purchased the property from its owners, built the dam, and created the lake to generate the needed hydroelectric power. Originally Thorpe Reservoir, its name was changed to Lake Glenville in 2002.
Three waterfalls spill into this lake — Hurricane, Mill Creek, and Norton. Below its dam, High Falls becomes a spectacle that draws crowds on
AS YOU STIR ITS GLASSY SURFACE, YOU’LL FEEL A STIRRING IN YOUR HEART. THIS IS AUTHENTIC, MOUNTAIN LAKE LIFE AT ITS FINEST.
select days when water is released from the dam, and kayakers navigate its rushing flow down the Tuckasegee River.
Country clubs, gated neighborhoods, and working farms surround Lake Glenville’s sparkling waters. As you stir its glassy surface, you’ll feel a stirring in your heart. This is authentic mountain lake life at its finest.
TOP LEFT: LAKE GLENVILLE AT DUSK
TOP RiGHT: HAPP’S PLACE SERVING UP MOUTHWATERING DELIGHTS. HAPPSPLACE.COM
BOTTOM RiGHT : HIGH FALLS
BOTTOM LEFT: AERIAL VIEW OF LAKE GLENVILLE
LAKE TOXAWAY
Listen closely and you’ll hear the faint echoes of Lake Toxaway’s storied past.
Since the turn of the 20th century, this private lake, the largest in North Carolina and the first artificially made in the Appalachian Mountains, has drawn captains of industry. Accessible by railroad, the area once drew Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and members of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families to its Toxaway Inn. Decades after a 1916 flood, the inn closed and Lake Toxaway Estates, along with the historic Greystone Inn, became the successive draws.
At 3,000 feet elevation in Transylvania County, Lake Toxaway covers more than 640 acres and boasts a picturesque shoreline of 14 miles. On its shores is Lake Toxaway Country Club and an 18-hole golf course.
Nestled among four mountains and supplied by natural streams, Lake Toxaway flows into a waterfall and river by the same name. Property owners and guests enjoy boating, paddling, skiing, swimming, and fishing. Public access and outside boats are not permitted, so traffic is minimal.
TOP LEFT AND RiGHT: VIEW OF LAKE TOXAWAY
BOTTOM LEFT: AERIAL VIEW OF LAKE TOXAWAY COUNTRY CLUB. LAKETOXAWAYCC.COM
BOTTOM RiGHT: BOATING ON LAKE TOXAWAY ABOARD THE GREYSTONE INN’S LUCY II
SAPPHIRE VALLEY
With roots in the mining industry and a rebirth as a resort destination, Sapphire, North Carolina truly is a jewel on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
This is the land of rushing water, drawing waterfall chasers worldwide. The Thompson, Whitewater, and Horsepasture rivers feed the falls and provide a serene backdrop for fly fishing anglers. The 8,000-acre Gorges State Park is easily accessed for hiking, camping, and picnicking. For the outdoor enthusiast, a portion of the U.S. National Forestry’s Panthertown Valley lies in Sapphire, offering miles of hiking and unspoiled natural beauty.
The area is also home to Ski Sapphire Valley, with two downhill runs, one with a 200-foot vertical drop and a length of 1,600 feet, as well as a considerably milder “bunny” slope for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Not a fan of skiing and snowboarding? No problem! Gather your family for a spirited snow tube race.
Restaurants offering casual to fine fare dot Sapphire’s mountains and valley, which straddle Jackson and Transylvania counties. Overlooking the public, 18-hole Sapphire National Golf Course is a lively tavern, Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company.
The area’s history includes the development of Fairfield Inn, later renamed Sapphire Valley Inn, and the 80-acre Lake Fairfield. Many years after its golf course was completed, it became part of the prestigious Country Club of Sapphire Valley.
One of today’s most popular destinations, Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley offers an abundance of amenities and activities. The resort has also partnered with several local communities to share facilities with area residents.
THIS IS THE LAND OF RUSHING WATER, DRAWING WATERFALL CHASERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
SCALY MOUNTAIN
A small, unincorporated community between Highlands, North Carolina, and Dillard, Georgia, Scaly Mountain offers recreational activities for all seasons. Located approximately 3,800 feet above sea level in Macon County, the area offers an easy, two-hour drive for metro Atlanta residents seeking to escape to this playground paradise.
With an average annual snowfall of 38 inches, a winter wonderland is assured by snowmaking at the Highlands Outpost, which offers snow tubing and ice skating. In warmer months, the center features turf tubing, gem mining, and trout fishing.
Another popular attraction is the Highlands Aerial Park, which features a spectacular zipline course with long-range views of Nantahala National Forest’s milehigh peaks.
And don’t forget the hiking! Bartram Trail ascends the summit of Scaly Mountain for expansive views. Innovative pioneers settled the area, finding the verdant valley floor made the perfect grazing area for their herds. Once the domain of Cherokee Indians, Scaly Mountain trails may contain ancient pictograms. If you look hard enough, you just may find one on the paths once trodden by quiet moccasins.
Scaly Mountain offers a variety of homes and mountain lifestyles so you can enjoy all it has to offer.
TOP LEFT: PANNING FOR GEMSTONES AND CRYSTALS AT THE HIGHLANDS OUTPOST
MiDDLE: PANORAMIC VIEWS IN SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC
TOP RiGHT: TUBING AT THE HIGHLANDS OUTPOST
BOTTOM RiGHT: NARROWLEAF ANGELON FLOWERS
With mild temperatures and breathtaking vistas from land or water, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau beckons you to enjoy the outdoors. Cradled within our mountain peaks are hundreds of waterfalls, pristine lakes, and lush rhododendron forests. Our average high in July is about 78 degrees. Enjoy!
WATER ON THE
Few natural environments are more spectacular than a sparkling mountain lake or river cradled by peaks that become breathtaking silhouettes at sunrise and sunset. Whether you are fishing, boating, swimming, or paddling, the majestic waters of our Plateau are waiting to greet you.
MARINA, BOAT RENTAL & STORAGE SERVICES
BEAR LAKE RESERVE MAR i NA
An amenity for members and guests of Bear Lake Reserve, this private marina offers motorized and small craft rentals — from pontoons to paddleboards. Its Main Dock is nestled in a cove, close to its Lake Club.
Bear Lake Reserve Marina is located at 412 Lake Forest Drive, Tuckasegee, NC. For more information, call 828-293-7239.
FA i RF i ELD LAKE & BOAT
LAUNCH
This is a private Sapphire Valley Master Association amenity on Fairfield Lake that offers canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards for rent.
Inn. It also offers new and used boats, motor and trailer sales, service, parts and accessories, indoor or outdoor storage, and a retail store.
Lake Toxaway Marine is located at 15885 Rosman Highway/State Road 64, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-884-6919.
MOUNTA i N V i EW MAR i NE
An authorized Mercury dealer located near Lake Glenville, Mountain View Marine is a family-owned business that offers sales and service, as well as indoor and outdoor storage for boats and other vehicles.
Fairfield Lake & Boat Launch is located off Highway 64, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1182.
LAKE TOXAWAY MAR i NE
A full-service marine dealership serving private Lake Toxaway, this marina offers pontoon and ski boat, ski, tube, paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rental to property owners and their guests, those renting property, and guests of The Greystone
Mountain View Marine is located at 6355 North Highway 107, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5277.
S i GNAL R i DGE MAR i NA
Serving Lake Glenville, this marina offers pontoons, tritoons, canoes, and paddleboards for rent. Established in 1994, it also offers gasoline, boat sales, and service.
Signal Ridge Marina is located at 4769 North Highway 107, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2143.
LAKES & RIVERS
PUBLIC ACCESS
BALSAM LAKE
An 8-acre lake in the Roy Taylor National Forest, Balsam Lake offers fishing piers, a half-mile hiking trail, a picnic shelter, and facilities. Paddling is allowed, but motorboats are not.
Balsam Lake is located at State Road 1756, Tuckasegee, NC.
BOATING ON LAKE GLENVILLE WITH SILVER CREEK BROKER, RICK JACKSON
BEAR CREEK LAKE
Simply known as Bear Lake to the locals, this is the largest of the reservoirs on the Tuckasegee River’s East Fork along Highway 281. It welcomes motorboats and paddlers.
Bear Creek Lake is located in Tuckasegee, NC.
CEDAR CL i FF LAKE
Known for fishing and swimming, Cedar Cliff Lake offers public access from Shook Cove Road. Bear Creek Lake, Wolf Creek Lake, Cedar Cliff Lake, and Tanasee Creek Lake make up what is known as the Tuckasegee River’s East Fork Lakes.
Cedar Cliff Lake is located at in Tuckasegee, NC.
HORSEPASTURE R i VER
Flowing through the Nantahala National Forest, the four-mile Horsepasture River is accessible via trails in Gorges State Park as well as other nearby areas. It is renowned for hiking, trout fishing, and its splendid waterfalls — Drift Falls, Turtleback Falls (or Second Falls), Stairstep Falls, Windy Falls, and the 150-foot Rainbow Falls.
Horsepasture River is located in Sapphire, NC.
LAKE GLENV i LLE — P i NES
RECREAT i ON AREA
With a sandy swim beach, a fishing pier, picnic benches, and restrooms, this is the perfect place to enjoy a beach in the mountains. The highest elevation lake east of the Mississippi, Lake Glenville is known as The Jewel of Jackson County.
Lake Glenville — Pines Recreation Area is located at 1965 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC.
TANASEE CREEK LAKE
Most of this 40-acre gem’s shoreline is within the Nantahala National Forest. Along with Bear Creek Lake, Wolf Creek Lake, and Cedar Cliff Lake, it makes up what is known as the Tuckasegee River’s East Fork Lakes.
Tanasee Creek Lake is located in Tuckasegee, NC.
TUCKASEGEE R i VER
The Tuckasegee River begins at the confluence of Panthertown Creek and Greenland Creek in the Cashiers area and stretches more than 50 miles before emptying into Fontana Lake near Bryson City. Known for tubing and paddling, The Tuck is also a fly fishing haven, stocked with trout by the Wildlife Resources Commission.
Tuckasegee River is located in Tuckasegee, NC.
WESTERN NORTH CAROL i NA FLY
F i SH i NG TRA i L
Boasting the title of the first fly fishing trail in the country, this trail includes 15 excellent spots to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail stops are located throughout Jackson County. For more information call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155 or the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority at 800-962-1911.
WOLF CREEK LAKE
This 183-acre lake is popular with anglers, boaters, and swimmers. Bear Creek Lake, Wolf Creek Lake, Cedar Cliff Lake, and Tanasee Creek Lake make up what is known as the Tuckasegee River’s East Fork Lakes.
Wolf Lake is located in Tuckasegee, NC.
PADDLE BOARDS IN GLENCOVE, NC
PRIVATE/AMENITY ACCESS
CASH i ERS LAKE
Located on Cashiers Lake Road near the Cashiers crossroads, this 24-acre lake was created by damming the Chattooga River. It is perfect for paddling and fishing.
Cashiers Lake is located off of Highway 107 South in Cashiers, NC.
CHATTOOGA LAKE
Behind the gates of the Chattooga Club, this private and tranquil lake hosts canoeing, fishing, and enjoying a day on the water.
Chattooga Lake is located at 1 Pavilion Way, Cashiers, NC.
THE LAKE AT COLD SPR i NGS
SADDLE AND TENN i S CLUB
This reservoir lake is located within the private Cold Springs Saddle and Tennis Club community.
Cold Springs Saddle and Tennis Club Lake is located at 159 Stable Lane, Highlands, NC.
FA i RF i ELD LAKE BOAT & BEACH
This picturesque, 55-acre lake — an amenity of Sapphire Valley Master Association — offers a boathouse, dock, rentals, fishing, grassy shores, and a swimming beach area to its members and their guests.
Fairfield Lake & Boat Launch is located off Highway 64, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1182.
HAMPTON LAKE
Located on the grounds of High Hampton Resort, this private lake offers paddling and fishing.
Hampton Lake is located at 818 Wade Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 800-648-4252.
HARR i S LAKE
Tucked within a Highlands neighborhood with a park by the same name, Harris Lake may also be viewed from Lakeside Restaurant.
Harris Lake is located located on Smallwood Avenue, Highlands, NC.
HOGBACK LAKE
An idyllic, 19-acre reservoir for fishing and paddling, Hogback Lake rests in the heart of Sapphire Valley.
Hogback Lake is located off Highway. 64 in Sapphire, NC.
HURR i CANE LAKE
This reservoir lake located in the Glenville area is fed by Hurricane Creek.
Hurricane Lake is located off Laurel Knob Road in Cashiers, NC.
LAKE CATATOGA
Complete with a boathouse, this private lake is located inside the Catatoga community.
Lake Catatoga is located at 1 Indian Creek Drive, Lake Toxaway, NC.
LAKE LUPTON
Named after the family who dammed a portion of the Horsepasture River to create it, private Lake Lupton is part of Cedar Creek Club, accessible to its members and their guests.
Lake Lupton is located at 130 Racquet Club Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-9380.
LAKE OSSEROGA
Sitting at an elevation of 4,100 feet, Lake Osseroga is part of a 30-home community in Highlands.
Lake Osseroga is located at Highway 64 and Lake Osseroga Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 850-434-7285.
AERIAL VIEW OF CASHIERS LAKE IN CASHIERS, NC
LAKE SEQUOYAH
Highlands’ largest body of water, Lake Sequoyah can be viewed along Highway 64 or while dining at On The Verandah. The reservoir offers a variety of fish. No motorboats are allowed.
Lake Sequoyah is located off Franklin Road in Highlands, NC.
LAKE TOXAWAY
To the east of Cashiers lies Lake Toxaway, the state’s largest private lake with 14 miles of shoreline. Options for access include owning or renting property or staying at the historic Greystone Inn.
Lake Toxaway is located off Highway 64 in Lake Toxaway, NC.
M i RROR LAKE
Located in Highlands, Mirror Lake is accessed by the road with the same name off Highway 64. It is located a short walk from downtown Highlands via the Highlands Plateau Greenway.
Mirror Lake is located off Highway 64 in Highlands, NC.
RAVENEL LAKE
Fed by the Cullasaja River, this 19-acre lake is in the
private Cullasaja Club. It features a Yacht Club with canoes and kayaks.
Ravenel Lake is located at 1371 Cullasaja Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3531.
W i LDWOOD MOUNTA i N LAKE
A reservoir, this lake offers fishing and paddling to the private Wildwood Mountain community.
Wildwood Mountain Lake is located off Highway 64 in Highlands, NC.
WH i SPER LAKE
Located in both Jackson and Transylvania counties, this private lake is enjoyed by residents of the community by the same name. It offers fishing, swimming, boating (electric motors are OK), and paddling.
Whisper Lake is located off Whisper Lake Drive in Sapphire, NC.
WH i TES i DE LAKE
Located near the Red Fox Ridge community between Cashiers and Highlands, this lake is fed by Grassy Camp Creek.
Whiteside Lake is located off Norton Road in Cashiers, NC.
HIGHLANDS RECREATION PARK SWIMMING POOL IN HIGHLANDS, NC
SUMMER TUBING
BEAR TRACKS TRAVEL CENTER
Located in Lake Toxaway, Bear Tracks Travel Center serves all travel, shopping, and adventure needs. For lazy river tubing trips, it supplies tubes, vests, and transportation to and from the river. It also offers tube sales and long-term rentals.
Bear Tracks Travel Center is located at 10932 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway, NC.
HEADWATERS OUTF i TTERS
This family-based outfitter provides trips on the Upper French Broad River. For tubing trips, it provides the tube, life jacket, and transportation.
Headwaters Outfitters is located at 25 Parkway Road, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-877-3106.
H i GHLANDS OUTPOST
With a “magic carpet” lift and artificial turf providing the surface, summer tubing at Scaly Mountain promises speed and fun.
Highlands Outpost is located at 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC For more information, call 828-526-3737.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
W i LDWATER
offers packages for all skill levels and ages. Founded almost 50 years ago, its main campus is in Bryson City, with 10 locations across four southeastern states.
Nantahala Outdoor Center is located at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC. For more information, call 828-785-5082.
SWIMMING POOLS
Though cooler than most places in the Southeast during the summer, our Plateau offers days that are perfect for a dip in the pool. While most private communities and clubs offer swimming among their amenities, public facilities are also available.
Wildwater offers rafting on four rivers — the Chattooga, Ocoee, Pigeon, and Nantahala — and up to Class 4 rapids from March through October.
For more information, call 866-319-8870
NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER
Offering trips on six rivers — the Chattahoochee, Chattooga, French Broad, Nantahala, Ocoee, and Pigeon — the Nantahala Outdoor Center
GHLANDS RECREAT i ON PARK SW i MM i NG POOL COMPLEX
A year-round facility, this complex offers a designated schedule for lap and adult swim sessions, as well as water aerobics classes.
Highlands Recreation Park Swimming Pool Complex is located at 600 North Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1595.
FLY FISHING
Whether your ideal fishing excursion involves casting your fly rod over the flowing waters of a mountain river, hoping for trout, or reeling one in from your boat on a wide, still lake, you’ll find your place here on the Plateau. Novices and longtime anglers alike will find what they need, from guides and destination trips to fishing equipment. And don’t forget your fishing license!
AB’S FLY F i SH i NG GU i DE SERV i CE
Alex Bell, a co-creator of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, and his team offer guided wade and float trips to fly fish the waters of the Blue Ridge and the Smoky Mountains, including the Tuckasegee River.
For more information about AB’s Fly Fishing Guide Service, call 828-226-3833.
BLUE CH i P FLY F i SH i NG
Angler Ed Hudon hosts custom fly fishing trips to the notable streams and rivers in Western North Carolina, including the Tuckasegee.
Blue Chip Fly Fishing is located at 570 Ridgetop Circle, Whittier, NC. For more information, call 954-263-4452.
BROOK i NGS ANGLERS
With locations in Cashiers and Highlands, Brookings Anglers is a fly fishing outfitter offering a large inventory of goods as well as destination trips to more than 30 rivers and streams. Brookings offers wade and float trips for trout, as well as wading opportunities in private waters, float trips for smallmouth bass, and fishing schools.
The Brookings Anglers’ Cashiers store is located at 88 Cashiers Lake Road, Cashiers, NC, and can be reached at 828-743-3768. Brookings Anglers’ Highlands store is located at 273 Spring St. Highlands, NC, and can be reached at 828-482-9444.
CAROL i NA TROUT GU i DES
Zack Watson will guide you on a wade or float trip on the Raven Fork Trophy Water, the Tuckasegee, the East Fork French Broad, the Upper Nantahala, or in Smoky Mountain National Park — places he has fished since he was a boy.
For more information about Carolina Trout Guides, call 828-507-0425.
HEADWATERS OUTF i TTERS
For trout fishing on the west, north, east, and main stem of the French Broad River, Headwaters Outfitters offers guided wade and float trips, as well as trout school and a taproom on site.
Headwaters Outfitters is located at 25 Parkway Road, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-877-3106.
LET’S T i E ONE ON FLY F i SH i NG
Based in Cashiers, guide Derrell Brushaber leads fly fishing trips on the Chattooga, Tuckasegee, the French Broad, and the Davidson rivers, as well as within Panthertown Valley.
For more information about Let’s Tie One On Fly Fishing, call 828-200-4089.
LAKE FISHING
BEAR TRACKS TRAVEL CENTER
Located in Lake Toxaway, Bear Tracks Travel Center serves travel, shopping, and adventure needs, including guided lake fishing. Potential destinations include Lake Glenville, Wolf Creek Lake, Bear Creek Lake, Lake Keowee, and Lake
FISHING ON FAIRFIELD LAKE IN SAPPHIRE VALLEY, NC
Jocassee. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, catfish, crappie, and bluegill are available in most of these lakes.
Bear Tracks Travel Center is located at 10932 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway, NC.
DREAM CATCHER’S GU i DES
Covering lakes Burton, Fontana, Glenville, Nantahala, and many others, Dream Catcher’s Guidesserves Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and North Georgia. Lake Glenville excursions launch from the public access at Pine Creek, with high potential for reeling in blueback herring and bream. Bear Creek Lake is also a destination, with potential for largemouth bass and walleye.
Dream Catcher’s Guides is located at 21 Steeple Road, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-354-0250.
HEADWATERS OUTF i TTERS
For bass fishing, Headwaters Outfitters offers half or full days on lakes and rivers in Brevard, Cashiers, Lake Toxaway, Lake Glenville, Lake James, Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and Lake
Hartwell. In addition to smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted and striped bass, potential catches include crappie, sunfish, bluegill, redbreast sunfish (robin), and pumpkinseed.
Headwaters Outfitters is located at 25 Parkway Road, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-877-3106.
S i GNAL R i DGE MAR i NA
Serving Lake Glenville, this marina offers live bait, tackle, fishing rods, fishing licenses, and more for your lake excursion.
Signal Ridge Marina is located at 4769 North Highway 107, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2143.
LICENSES
NC HUNT i NG, F i SH i NG, AND TRAPP i NG L i CENSES
For more information about North Carolina hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, call 833-950-0575.
THREE RIVER FLY FISHING TOURNAMENT IN HIGHLANDS, NC
Unique Story Beautifully
ON THE PLATEAU
word S by nc living S taff writer
PINE CREEK BEACH AREA ON LAKE GLENVILLE, NC
There is no better time than summer to take advantage of all that life Western North Carolina has to offer — including the opportunities to enjoy time on the water! From the pristine lakes to the rushing rivers that carve their way through our mountains, there are endless possibilities for recreation and relaxation. This area is truly unique in its abundance of streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers, each offering its own options for beating the heat and enjoying time in the great outdoors.
No matter where you choose to spend your summer days, you will be surrounded by spectacular scenery, cool mountain breezes, and a peaceful atmosphere. But there is no denying that lake life in the Blue Ridge Mountains is among some of the best you can find in the Southeast.
BEAR CREEK LAKE
Located in nearby Tuckasegee, Bear Creek Lake is the largest of the four lakes formed by the Nantahala Power and Light Company in the ‘50s. While large enough for boats and pontoons, Bear Creek Lake is small and secluded enough for the
comfort of kayakers and paddleboarders and the enjoyment of other watersports — it also has some fantastic fishing!
Bear Creek Lake offers one public access boat ramp and dock, as well as a small swimming area. One of the main draws of this lake is the opportunity to see the spectacular Sols Creek Falls, which can be viewed from the water. The area also includes the Bear Creek Lake Loop Trail, a 2.2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Make sure to bring your fishing gear and fishing license if you plan on boating! Bear Creek Lake is full of brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. The lake is hatchery-supported and stocked with roughly 5,000 trout each year between March and June.
If you are looking to stay and play, check out Bear Lake Reserve, one of Western North Carolina’s premier mountain lake resorts — perfect for a weekend away with friends or a summer trip with the whole family. Bear Lake Reserve is a hidden
AERIAL VIEW OF BEAR CREEK LAKE IN TUCKASEGEE, NC
gem on this peaceful lake, offering a wide variety of vacation rentals, activities, and amenities. You can bring your boat and rent a slip in Bear Lake Reserve’s full-service marina or rent one of theirs with watersports equipment to go with it. To learn more about Bear Lake Reserve, visit bearlakereserve.com , or give them a call at 828293-3455.
LAKE GLENV i LLE
Formerly known as Thorpe Reservoir, Lake Glenville was created by Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America) and the Nantahala Power and Light Company during World War II. With the damming of the west fork of the Tuckasegee River at Onion Falls, the entire valley north of Cashiers was flooded, including the town of Glenville, its schools, homes, businesses, and farmlands. Many of these structures still exist nearly 300 feet below the lake’s placid surface.
At 3,494 feet in elevation, Lake Glenville is the highest major lake east of the Mississippi. Over 6 miles long, the lake boasts 26 miles of shoreline and covers roughly 1,470 acres. There are three major waterfalls flowing into the lake that can
only be seen from its waters — Mill Creek Falls, Norton Falls, and Hurricane Falls. A fourth waterfall — High Falls — can be found just below the dam and is accessible via a hiking trail that is open to the public.
An exhilarating spectacle and opportunity for kayakers, the High Falls Dam Release, occurring just below the Lake Glenville dam, offers the chance to experience Class IV and V rapids on a 6-mile section of the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River. This is the ultimate training water for experienced paddlers! Dam releases are scheduled this year on July 8 and 29, as well as August 12 and 19 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Lake Glenville offers boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more, with two public access areas (Pine Creek and Powerhouse Access Areas) and one public recreation area (The Pines Recreation Area). Both access areas have a boat ramp, launching docks, and public restrooms, and the recreation area has picnic tables, a fishing pier, a swimming area with beach access, and restrooms. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities with species such
AERIAL VIEW OF LAKE GLENVILLE IN GLENVILLE, NC
as bass, trout, and catfish, so make sure to bring your rods, reels, and fishing licenses.
If you are looking to get out on the water but don’t have a boat of your own, Signal Ridge Marina is the way to go. Family-owned and operating on Lake Glenville’s glistening waters since 1994, Signal Ridge Marina is the only full-service marina on the lake offering pontoon, tritoon, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, as well as storage, service, and boat sales. If you’re looking to fish, you can even get your North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License through the marina. Rentals can be booked hourly (two-hour minimum), for eight or 12 hours, or daily with a two-day minimum. Your four-legged friends are welcome on their boats, too! To book a rental or to learn more about Signal Ridge Marina and their services, visit signalridgemarina.com or call 828-743-2143.
LAKE TOXAWAY
Lake Toxaway is the largest privately owned lake in the state of North Carolina, offering a relaxed and serene experience to residents of Lake Toxaway
Estates and guests of the historic Greystone Inn. The lake covers 640 acres and boasts 14 miles of scenic, accessible shoreline resting at 3,010 feet above sea level.
Since the 1800s, Lake Toxaway — the first manmade lake in the Appalachian Mountains — has drawn visitors from all over, including notable figures such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and members of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families who relished in the lakes surrounding scenery and luxurious accommodations at the renowned Toxaway Inn. That is until 1916, when torrential rains caused the lake to flood and the dam to burst, sending more than five billion gallons of water downstream. While the inn survived the flood, it did not survive the loss of Lake Toxaway’s tranquil waters, and it was eventually torn down in the mid-1940s. In the 1960s, the property was purchased by a group of investors; the dam was rebuilt, and the lake was restored to its former glory. From then on, life began to flourish along the lake’s shores once more.
The lake offers various recreational opportunities, including boating, swimming, and fishing, all with the added benefit of less water traffic than other lakes. While there is no public access to Lake Toxaway, you don’t need to own a home there to spend time out on its beautiful waters. Stay a weekend at the Greystone Inn or one of their vacation rentals, and take advantage of the opportunity to access the lake via their designated swimming area or rent a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the inn or the Lake Toxaway Marina. The marina also allows for the rental of water skis, tubes, and other lake toys to enhance your time and enjoyment out on the water.
In the warmer months, guests of the Greystone Inn can reserve their spot for a delightful tour aboard Miss Lucy, a 24-passenger handcrafted mahogany boat, or aboard its sister vessel Lucy
II, which can seat up to 10 guests for a private cruise. For smaller groups, the Lightening Bug, a three-passenger electric cruiser, is also an option.
Anglers rejoice in a day of fishing with eight species of fish that call Lake Toxaway home. These species include rainbow and brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and bluegill.
The Greystone Inn opened in 1985 and offers 30 luxurious guestrooms and suites, vacation rentals for ultimate privacy and larger groups, fine dining, an intimate spa, and plenty of activities for the whole family. To learn more about The Greystone Inn and to make reservations visit greystoneinn.com.
A TALE OF TWO LAKES
word S by nc living S taff writer photography by courtney S nyder
IN A LAND OF LUSH FORESTS, PRISTINE WATERWAYS, AND RUSHING WATERFALLS, RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ON THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS PLATEAU SUFFER NO SHORTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. THE AREA’S TWO LARGEST LAKES, LAKE GLENVILLE AND LAKE TOXAWAY, PROVIDE AN IDYLLIC SETTING FOR HOME SITES AND AN ABUNDANCE OF JOYFUL RECREATION ON THE WATER.
LAKE GLENV i LLE
During World War II, the country’s requirements for electricity increased as factories ramped up production to support military efforts. In 1941, the Nantahala Power and Light Company built a hydroelectric dam at Onion Falls, on the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, to power the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa). Flooding the valley created the 1,470-acre Lake Glenville. After the war ended, Alcoa sold the lake to their subsidiary Nantahala Power in 1951, and from that point onward, the lake was referred to as Thorpe Reservoir after the electric company’s first president. Subsequent to the formation of the Friends of Lake Glenville, a nonprofit organization serving as stewards of the lake, the name reverted back to Lake Glenville in 2002.
LAKE GLENV i LLE AND LAKE TOXAWAY
Before the reservoir’s creation, the settlements of Hamburg and Glenville inhabited the valley north of Cashiers, which now forms the bed of Lake Glenville. The valley was populated with homes, churches, a post office, and even an inn that attracted tourists from far and wide.
Local myth says that the settlements are still down there, sleeping beneath the water, and tales abound of scuba divers swimming around the old post office. But that’s not entirely true; the original foundations of locust posts and rock remain, but the actual structures were demolished before the lake’s creation.
Old photographs of the dam’s construction depict oxen pulling down trees to clear the valley floor. The graves of the local cemetery were relocated to a hill above the water’s edge and are visible today as you drive north on Highway 107 toward Sylva. Highway 107 replaces the old road that ran from Walhalla, South Carolina, to Sylva. That road now lies at the bottom of the lake, as does part of Toby Bryson Road, which once connected Glenville to the Norton community and Highlands.
The dam’s history contributed to present-day regulations that sometimes befuddle property owners. A few families held out, refusing to sell their homes and land to Alcoa, and those properties ended up in court. As a result, the attorney negotiated a settlement in which some waterfront landowners were not subject to a setback rule. Today, many properties around Lake Glenville are subject to a 50-foot setback from the water, while others are not.
Now owned by Duke Energy, the public-access lake includes a boat launch and a popular beach area off Pine Creek Road and provides a much-loved recreational destination for residents and visitors. In addition, numerous private communities, such as Trillium Links and Lake Club and Stone Pointe, have made their homes on its shores.
Lake Glenville hosts watercraft of all types, including gas-powered and electric boats, as well as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The Friends of Lake Glenville, a local non-profit organization, publishes pamphlets on boater safety to help ensure the public’s continuing enjoyment of the lake. The group also puts on one of the area’s most popular Independence Day fireworks displays each July.
To manage the seven inflows into the lake, Friends of Lake Glenville dedicates the majority of its efforts to water quality. With a stated mission of preserving and protecting the lake’s natural beauty and integrity, they test water quality three to four times yearly, conduct cleanup initiatives, organize fish restocking programs, and have created a document outlining a long-term vision for watershed management.
As a result of these efforts, Lake Glenville is one of the cleanest lakes in Western North Carolina.
With 26 miles of shoreline and widely known as the highest-elevation major lake east of the Mississippi River (at 3,494 feet above sea level), Lake Glenville serves as a picturesque backdrop for the homes and communities that dot the water’s edge.
LAKE TOXAWAY
Ten miles to the east lies another of the area’s outstanding natural resources. A hidden gem in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Toxaway offers homeowners an adventurous outdoor lifestyle with access to the largest private lake in the state.
First formed in 1903, Lake Toxaway was conceived by The Toxaway Company as the largest manmade lake in North Carolina at that time. Back then, this region of Western North Carolina had gained recognition as The Switzerland of America, a vacation destination popular among wealthy tourists. The developers established the five-story Toxaway Inn overlooking the lake, and homeowners began constructing vacation homes on the shoreline. The Transylvania Railroad delivered passengers straight to the Lake Toxaway depot, where they vacationed in style at the inn or continued their travels to Highlands and other nearby destinations by motorcoach.
Circa 1915, Mr. and Mrs. George Armstrong of Savannah, Georgia, established their magnificent Hillmont House on Lake Toxaway. The home, designated on The National Register of Historic Places, was transformed into The Greystone Inn in 1985 and receives guests to this day. The 30room inn provides luxurious accommodations to its guests, with an all-inclusive spa, a lakeside restaurant, and catering services for special events.
Guests come from far and wide to experience the magic of the Greystone Inn, but the historic mainstay remains a local favorite among those who enjoy “staycations” on the lake. The inn is also open to the public so that visitors can explore all that Toxaway has to offer, including hiking trails, waterfalls, and a quaint mountain town.
Although Toxaway’s dam was destroyed by a devastating flood in 1916, the Armstrongs
and many other second-home owners persisted in their enjoyment of the area even through the trials of the Great Depression. Finally, in 1961, the Lake Toxaway Company purchased the dry lake bed, rebuilt the dam, and recreated the beloved destination.
The 640-acre private reservoir is home to Lake Toxaway Estates and its numerous subcommunities, with the Lake Toxaway Community Association anchoring conservation and safety programs. Members in good standing access the lake for boating, skiing, tubing, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. The nearby Cardinal Lake, a 65-acre private lake just upstream, provides another source of recreation with boats restricted to electric-only motors.
The enduring legacy of Lake Toxaway has contributed to its reputation as a welcoming, upscale respite from city life throughout the Southeast. After falling in love with the serenity of Lake Toxaway, visitors often decide to relocate to the community as second-home owners or even full-time residents.
BOAT i NG ON THE PLATEAU: GAS VS ELECTR i C
Boating has evolved over the years into a popular recreational diversion. As with all human innovation, watercraft designers continually develop their products to match consumer expectations and preferences.
With more public awareness around the environmental impact of emissions from gaspowered engines, many boaters have begun to consider electric-powered options. In addition, the large wakes produced by more powerful watercraft can contribute to shoreline erosion. For this reason, as well as the issues of noise pollution and boater safety, many smaller lakes — Mirror Lake, Lake Fairfield, Cardinal Lake, and Lake Osseroga — do not permit gas-powered boats within their waters.
Situated on Lake Glenville, Signal Ridge Marina specializes in gas-powered boats by Bennington, which creates luxury pontoon vessels, models
used for fishing, and recreational boats. Signal Ridge Sales Manager Brandon Luethye explains the primary differences between gas- and electric-powered watercraft.
“Electric boats are just beginning to gain widespread attention. They tend to be slower, designed for cruising rather than more intense and popular activities like skiing and wakeboarding, and are still limited to 22 feet in size. Gas-powered vessels are capable of higher speeds and are typically better suited to more exciting watersports.”
Beyond environmental concerns, practical issues can impact the boat buyer’s final selection. “With electric boats, you have to charge for eight to 12 hours. So, when you’re done, you’re done! But with gas-powered boats, you can gas up and continue enjoying your day,” shares Luethye.
Bob Bean at Singleton Marine in Sunset, South Carolina, says their pontoon and sport boat sales revolve exclusively around gas-powered crafts from well-known makers such as Cobalt and Regal. He expands on the limiting factor of electric power for larger watercraft. “You have to remember that boats don’t have brakes. Most people have two speeds; you’re either idling or wide open. In the ways that most people use sport boats, the battery life of an electric boat just isn’t sufficient.”
For those worried about emissions, Bean offers reassurance. “Remember that cars are still the main producers of emissions. The average boater might put 30 or 40 hours on their boat each year. That’s equal to just a few days of driving a car.”
However, he says, “We do carry an electric surfboard by Radinn that’s selling like hotcakes! Picture a paddleboard that goes 30 miles per hour.” After charging for three hours, electric surfboard users can expect about 40 minutes of run time at maximum speed.
“Battery drain is the main reason you don’t see many larger electric boats just yet,” Bean explains. “For people who enjoy water sports and want to spend a day on the lake, it just wouldn’t be convenient. But for those who want to cruise around and sightsee, Torqeedo does make an electric pontoon boat that many find enjoyable.”
For thrill-seekers with an environmental conscience, hope is on the horizon. Luethye has good news: “Some electric boat models that can handle higher speeds are currently in the testing phase. So those could be coming along and hitting the mainstream soon!”
For most boaters, the choice between gas and electric depends upon how they plan to use their crafts, as well as local regulations. Gas-powered engines remain the standard for many, but with more electric options becoming available, the future of boating looks exciting — and possibly greener than ever.
Beyond Ordinary. Beyond Expectations.
PHOTO
GOLF
PRIVATE COURSES
BEAR LAKE RESERVE GOLF CLUB
Crafted by renowned Nicklaus Design, this private nine-hole, 1,932-yard, par 29 mountaintop course offers views from an elevation between 3,400 and 3,700 feet at the summit of Bear Lake Reserve. The practice facility is equipped with a driving range and putting green. In-season programming includes special events, tournaments, clinics, leagues, private lessons for adults, and more. An on-site pro is available.
Bear Lake Reserve Golf Club is located at 1540 Grandview Drive, Tuckasegee, NC. For more information, call 828-293-3455.
BURL i NGAME COUNTRY CLUB
This private 18-hole course designed by Tom Jackson and John LaFoy, ASGCA, opened in 1985. Traversing the beautiful Sapphire Valley with a slope rating of 142, the course features 6,640 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. It offers seven sets of tees for different skill levels, a driving range, and an in-house pro.
Burlingame Country Club is located at 746 Club Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-966-9200.
THE COUNTRY CLUB OF SAPPH i RE VALLEY
The 18-hole course at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley features 6,859 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Designed by George W. Cobb, ASGCA, the club opened in 1956. The new clubhouse debuted in 2005.
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is located at 120 Handicap Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2462.
CULLASAJA CLUB
The 18-hole course at Cullasaja Club features 6,651 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course opened in 1989.
Cullasaja Club is located at 1371 Cullasaja Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3531.
WILDCAT CLIFFS COUNTRY CLUB IN HIGHLANDS, NC
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN GOLFING AT THE OLD EDWARDS CLUB IN HIGHLANDS, NC
HEADWATERS GOLF CLUB
The nine-hole course at Headwaters Golf Club features 1,450 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 27. Designed by Tom Fazio, ASGCA, the Headwaters Golf Club course opened in 1999.
Headwaters Golf Club is located at 2752 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-6047.
H i GH HAMPTON
After it was thoughtfully imagined by Tom Fazio as a par 71 championship course that extends to 6,900 yards, this course reopened in 2021. The new design honors the history of the course while refining play with more modern greens, fairways, and features. Clinics, private lessons, and a golf pro are available.
High Hampton is located at 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 800-648-4252.
H i GHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB
Legendary golfer Bobby Jones founded this club, which remained a treasure. The 18-hole course features 6,255 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. Situated at 4,000 feet elevation and designed by Donald Ross, the course opened in 1928. Its Bob Jones Invitational Golf Tournament benefits the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation.
Highlands Country Club is located at 981 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2181.
H i GHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
The 18-hole course at Highlands Falls Country Club features 6,300 yards of golf over a 250-foot elevation change for a par of 70. Designed by Joe Lee, ASGCA, the course opened in 1962. A new experience being created by Bill Bergin, ASCGA, is underway.
Highlands Falls Country Club is located at 1 Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4118.
LAKE TOXAWAY COUNTRY CLUB
Lake Toxaway Country Club’s 18-hole private golf course features 6,418 yards of golf. In 2008, a replacement course, designed by Kris Spence, opened for golfers of all skill levels.
Lake Toxaway Country Club is located at 4366 West Club Blvd. Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-966-4020.
MOUNTA i N FALLS LUXURY MOTORCOACH RESORT
At an elevation of more than 3,200 feet, this motorcoach resort is home to an executive nine-hole, par three golf course. Occupancy is restricted to Class A motorcoaches 26 feet or greater in length.
Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort is located at 20 Resorts Blvd. Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-579-4678.
MOUNTA i NTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB
The 18-hole course at Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club features 7,100 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. Designed by Tom Fazio, ASGCA, the club opened in 2006.
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club is located at 1638 High Mountain Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-4707.
THE SADDLE AT GLENCOVE, NC
OLD EDWARDS CLUB
AT H i GHLANDS COVE
Designed by Tom Jackson, this 18-hole course — a par 71 with 6,699 yards of play — underwent extensive renovations under its new ownership in early 2009. The property features a putting green and practice area.
Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove is located at 688 Highlands Cove Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1783.
THE SADDLE AT GLENCOVE
Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this 12-hole, par three, lighted walking and putting course is the perfect place for a quick game or to work on your swing. Want to practice on a rainy day?
The Entertainment Barn’s state-of-the-art golf simulator lounge is the perfect place to relax with friends and family.
The Saddle at GlenCove is located at 2502 Norton Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1783.
TR
i
LL
i
UM L i NKS & LAKE CLUB
The 18-hole course at Trillium Links features 6,505 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. Designed by Morris Hatalsky, the club opened in 1998.
Trillium Links & Lake Club is located at 48 Links Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-6161.
WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB
The 18-hole course at Wade Hampton Golf Club features 7,184 yards of golf from the longest tees and a par of 72. Designed by the famed Tom Fazio, ASGCA, the course opened in 1987 and has since garnered an extensive list of accolades.
Wade Hampton Golf Club is located at 68 Golf Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5465.
W i LDCAT CL i FFS COUNTRY CLUB
An 18-hole course at 4,250 feet elevation, originally designed by renowned golf course architect George W. Cobb, Wildcat Cliffs Country Club was renovated by Bill Bergin in 2008. The greens tees and fairways are bentgrass, while the fairway roughs and surrounds are bluegrass. A two-acre short course is available as well.
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club is located at 770 Country Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2165.
PUBLIC COURSES
RED B i RD GOLF L i NKS
This nine-hole executive course highlights the best of North Carolina mountain golf. Designed by Reid Horne, the course opened in 2001. It also features a 15-tee driving range.
Red Bird Golf Links is located at 67 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1991.
SAPPH i RE NAT i ONAL GOLF CLUB
The 18-hole course at Sapphire National Golf Club features 6,724 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. Designed by the award-winning Ron Garl, it opened in 1982 and more recently underwent an extensive renovation. It boasts a partnership with Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company, which overlooks the eighth and 18th holes.
Sapphire National Golf Club is located at 50 Slicers Ave. Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1174.
SKY VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
With an 18-hole championship golf course, this semiprivate club offers golf to the public. Designed by Bill Watts and reimagined by Bill Bergin in 2007, this is the highest elevation course in Georgia at 3,500 feet. Its length is more than 6,900 yards, which allows for each hole to have seven sets of tees. A par 36-36-72, it also offers a golf learning center and practice facility.
Sky Valley Country Club is located at 568 Sky Valley Way #1, Sky Valley, GA. For more information, call 706-746-5302.
GOLF COURSE AT BURLINGAME COUNTRY CLUB IN SAPPHIRE, NC
CROQUET
While tennis has long been a part of the recreation and club scene on the Plateau, croquet and pickleball have recently surged in popularity.
A croquet experience, which finds players dressed in their “whites,” can range from charming social interaction to intense tournament competition in which rules are strictly enforced and play is precise.
PRIVATE LAWNS
BURL i NGAME COUNTRY CLUB
Burlingame Country Club’s meticulously manicured, regulation-size croquet lawn offers interclub play, lessons, and tournaments.
Burlingame Country Club is located at 746 Club Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-966-9200.
CEDAR CREEK CLUB
Cedar Creek Club offers a dedicated croquet lawn. Spectators may view play from the club’s covered veranda.
Cedar Creek Club is located at 42 Racquet Club Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-9380.
CHATTOOGA CLUB
The Chattooga Club offers two world-class croquet lawns for competitive tournaments, social play, and private lessons from its resident pro. The club also hosts special events centered around croquet.
The Chattooga Club is located at 1 Pavilion Way, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3640.
THE COUNTRY CLUB OF SAPPH i RE VALLEY
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley features two regulation-sized, perfectly manicured bentgrass croquet lawns that cater to all levels of play, from beginner to advanced. Organized games include traditional Sunday Wine and Wickets, Wednesday Twilight Croquet, and a Friday Croquet Mixer.
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is located at 120 Handicap Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2462.
CULLASAJA CLUB
The Lawn at Cullasaja, a full-sized golf croquet court, opened in 2013. Since then, the club has opened two additional courts.
Cullasaja Club is located at 1371 Cullasaja Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3531.
H i GH HAMPTON
High Hampton offers croquet to all ages, with no charge to use its equipment. It also offers Wine and Wickets, in addition to other social events. Private lessons and weekly clinics are offered through its croquet professional.
High Hampton is located at 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 800-648-4252.
H i GHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
With one of the largest regulation croquet lawns, complete with a covered pavilion, Highlands Falls Country Clubhosts exhibitions by international professionals during the season, stages competitive tournament play, and provides learning opportunities to its members.
Highlands Falls Country Club is located at 1 Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4118.
CROQUET WITH SILVER CREEK BROKER SCOTT KENDALL
H i GHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB
The croquet facility at Highlands Country Club is one of the finest, attracting players of all ages for interclub matches as well as clinics and professional instruction. Wine and Wickets events are held each week.
Highlands Country Club is located at 981 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2181.
LAKE TOXAWAY COUNTRY CLUB
Featuring a robust, year-round program for members, Lake Toxaway Country Club plays host to events such as the Toxaway Mountain Challenge. The club’s director of tennis and croquet is available for instruction.
Lake Toxaway Country Club is located at 4366 West Club Blvd. Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-966-4020.
MOUNTA i NTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club offers two croquet lawns as part of its amenities.
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club is located at 1638
High Mountain Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-4707.
SKY VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
Recognized by the United States Croquet Association as the 2018 New Club of the Year, Sky Valley Country Club offers a championship-sized croquet lawn, interclub and intraclub matches, Wine and Wickets events, and more.
Sky Valley Country Club is located at 568 Sky Valley Way #1, Sky Valley, GA. For more information, call 706-746-5302.
TR i LL i UM L i NKS & LAKE CLUB
Trillium Links & Lake Club offers golf croquet, which combines golf putting and pool shot skills with chess strategies in a social atmosphere. It also offers Wine and Wickets events each week during the season, May through October.
Trillium Links & Lake Club is located at 48 Links Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-6161.
W i LDCAT CL i FFS COUNTRY CLUB
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club offers a United States Croquet Association regulation-sized bentgrass lawn, open daily with complimentary equipment available to its members and their guests. Wildcat Cliffs Croquet Association members enjoy a variety of activities and tournaments.
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club is located at 770 Country Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2165.
PICKLEBA LL
Pickleball combines the skills of badminton, ping pong, and tennis on a smaller court. Solid paddles are used to hit a perforated polymer ball.
PRIVATE COURTS
BEAR LAKE RESERVE
Adjacent to its golf course, private Bear Lake Reserve offers two pickleball courts, a director of racquet sports, and programming designed for all levels of play.
Bear Lake Reserve is located at 412 Lake Forest Drive, Tuckasegee, NC. For more information, call 828-293-3455.
PICKLEBALL COURTS AT THE GREYSTONE INN IN LAKE TOXAWAY, NC
BURL i NGAME COUNTRY CLUB
Burlingame has four courts to accommodate lessons, tournaments, and interclub play as part of its pickleball program. Members of all ages enjoy professional, yet personalized, lessons with its lawn sports professional.
Burlingame Country Club is located at 746 Club Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-966-9200.
CH i NQUAP i N
Chinquapin offers pickleball courts as part of its amenities.
Chinquapin is located at 2965 Breedlove Road, Glenville, NC.
CEDAR CREEK CLUB
Since 2017, Cedar Creek Club — founded as a club dedicated to racquet sports — has had a dedicated, all-weather, year-round pickleball court. It also offers a staff professional who is Professional Pickleball Registry certified.
Cedar Creek Club is located at 42 Racquet Club Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-7439380.
THE CHATTOOGA CLUB
The Chattooga Club offers three pickleball courts as part of its amenities.
The Chattooga Club is located at 1 Pavilion Way, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3640.
THE COUNTRY CLUB OF SAPPH i RE VALLEY
In 2018, The Country Club of Sapphire Valley opened a facility that offers six pickleball courts to cater to general playing, which is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced play.
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is located at 120 Handicap Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2462.
GLENCOVE
GlenCove offers a wide assortment of amenities, including pickleball courts located by The Barn and The Crafty Goat.
GlenCove is located at 35 Glencove Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1783.
H i GH HAMPTON
High Hampton offers four pickleball courts as part of its long-standing dedication to racquet sports. It hosts match and open play opportunities for every skill level, as well as private instruction and clinics.
High Hampton is located at 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 800-648-4252.
H i GHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
With four pickleball courts, Highlands Falls Country Club offers organized play, weekly clinics, and private lessons. The club offers facilities and playing partners to match every skill level.
Highlands Falls Country Club is located at 1 Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4118.
LAKE
TOXAWAY COUNTRY CLUB
Pickleball enthusiasts will find three courts at Lake Toxaway Country Club. There is also a certified pickleball instructor for private and group lessons and clinics for adults and children of all ages and abilities.
Lake Toxaway Country Club is located at 4366 West Club Blvd. Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-966-4020.
MOUNTA i N FALLS LUXURY MOTORCOACH RESORT
This Class A motorcoach resort offers four pickleball courts for its active community as well as a new, dedicated pavilion.
Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort is located at 20 Resort Blvd. Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-579-4678.
MOUNTA i N LAUREL TENN i S CLUB
A private club with 24-hour, year-round access for its members, Mountain Laurel Tennis Club features two indoor pickleball courts.
Mountain Laurel Tennis Club is located at 353 Mountain Laurel Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4770.
MOUNTA i NTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club offers two pickleball courts as part of its amenities.
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club is located at 1638 High Mountain Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-4707.
W i LDCAT CL i FFS COUNTRY CLUB
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club members may partake in four pickleball courts, which were built in 2018. Round robin and social events are held as well.
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club is located at 770 Country Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2165.
PUBLIC COURTS
CASH i ERS/GLENV i LLE
RECREAT i ON CENTER
Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center offers pickleball on their indoor courts during scheduled time throughout the week. Access with a day pass or a gym membership.
Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center is located at 355 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC.. For more information call 828-631-2020.
H i GHLANDS RECREAT i ON & C i V i C CENTER
The Town of Highlands offers pickleball on outdoor courts, or indoors if the weather is inclement and the gym is available, for a daily or monthly rate.
Highlands Recreation & Civic Center is located at 600 North Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3556.
SAPPH i RE VALLEY RESORT
Pickleball is the newest amenity offered by the Sapphire Valley Master Association. Lessons for all levels of play are offered.
Sapphire Valley Resort is located at 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
TENNIS
PRIVATE
COURTS
BEAR LAKE RESERVE
Adjacent to its golf course, private Bear Lake Reserve offers two hard court tennis courts, a director of racquet sports, and programming designed for all levels of play.
Bear Lake Reserve is located at 412 Lake Forest Drive, Tuckasegee, NC. For more information, call 828-293-3455.
BURL i NGAME COUNTRY CLUB
Burlingame features four Har-Tru tennis courts, a full-time professional, lessons, tournaments, and interclub play.
Burlingame Country Club is located at 746 Club Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-966-9200.
CEDAR CREEK CLUB
With five Har-Tru clay courts, Cedar Creek Club has a rich history of tennis and racquet sports.
It offers a staff professional who is Professional Tennis Registry certified. The club creates matches for members and guests and provides solid instruction through clinics, private instruction, or camps.
Cedar Creek Club is located at 42 Racquet Club Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-9380.
THE CHATTOOGA CLUB
The Chattooga Club boasts three Har-Tru tennis courts as well as tennis pros and clinics for instruction at every skill level.
The Chattooga Club is located at 1 Pavilion Way, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3640.
THE COUNTRY CLUB OF SAPPH i RE VALLEY
CCSV offers a premier tennis experience, with
four Har-Tru courts nestled in a serene mountain setting. Featuring a United States Professional Tennis Association-certified and former worldranked tennis professional, the renowned racquet center offers an array of programs for all ages and skill levels.
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is located at 120 Handicap Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2462.
CULLASAJA CLUB
Cullasaja Club’s tennis center features four HarTru courts, two observation decks for spectators, and a Professional Tennis Registry-certified tennis professional to assist with player needs.
Cullasaja Club is located at 1371 Cullasaja Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3531.
GLENCOVE
GlenCove offers a wide assortment of amenities, including tennis courts located by The Barn and The Crafty Goat.
GlenCove is located at 150 Wild Turkey Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1783.
H i GH HAMPTON
As part of the resort’s long-standing passion for racquet sports, High Hampton offers competitioncaliber facilities, including four Har-Tru clay courts and one classic hard court. Match and open play opportunities are offered for players of every skill level, as well as private lessons and clinics.
High Hampton is located at 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 800-648-4252.
H i GHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
Highlands Falls Country Club’s tennis center features three outdoor Har-Tru courts as well as access to personalized instruction from its tennis pro.
Highlands Falls Country Club is located at 1 Club Drive, Highlands, NC For more information, call 828-526-4118.
LAKE TOXAWAY COUNTRY CLUB
Tennis facilities at Lake Toxaway Country Club include five Har-Tru, fast-dry courts. A full
FINE DINING AT OLD EDWARDS CLUB IN HIGHLANDS, NC
schedule of events, social outings, and friendly tournaments are held throughout the season. United States Professional Tennis Association tennis professionals offer lessons for all skill levels.
Lake Toxaway Country Club is located at 4366 West Club Blvd. Lake Toxaway, NC For more information, call 828-966-4020.
MOUNTA i N LAUREL TENN i S CLUB
With year-round, 24-hour access for its members, Mountain Laurel Tennis Club offers three indoor tennis courts — two hard and one clay — plus two outdoor clay courts. Activities include weekly round robins and private and group lessons.
Mountain Laurel Tennis Club is located at 353 Mountain Laurel Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4770.
MOUNTA i NTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club offers two clay tennis courts as part of its amenities.
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club is located at 1638 High Mountain Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-4707.
OLD EDWARDS CLUB AT H i GHLANDS COVE
Just inside the gate to The Farm at Old Edwards, five minutes from downtown Highlands, are two clay courts. Or take to the Old Edwards Club courts, just 10 minutes from downtown and surrounded by mountain views. Adult tennis clinics and private lessons are offered. Courts are open to hotel guests and members.
Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove is located at 688 Highlands Cove Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1783.
SAPPH i RE VALLEY RESORT
Offering private lessons, group clinics, social events, and round robins, this tennis center is an amenity of the Sapphire Valley Master Association. Advanced registration is usually required.
Sapphire Valley Resort is located at 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
TR i LL i UM L i NKS & LAKE CLUB
Trillium Links & Lake Club offers two outdoor and three indoor clay composite tennis courts.
Regularly scheduled tennis tournaments, lessons, clinics, and round-robins are played throughout the season for every age and skill level.
Trillium Links & Lake Club is located at 48 Links Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-6161.
W i LDCAT CL i FFS COUNTRY CLUB
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club members and their guests enjoy tennis on two clay courts, with certain days dedicated to ladies’ and men’s tennis.
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club is located at 770 Country Club Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2165.
PUBLIC COURTS
H i GHLANDS RECREAT i ON & C i V i C CENTER
The Town of Highlands offers tennis for an hourly rate or a seasonal pass.
Highlands Recreation & Civic Center is located at 600 North Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3556.
CASH
i ERS/GLENV i LLE RECREAT i ON CENTER
As part of the facilities at this Jackson County Parks and Recreation center, two outdoor tennis courts are offered.
Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Department is located at 355 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-631-2020.
UP YOUR TENNIS GAME AT BURLINGAME COUNTRY CLUB IN SAPPHIRE, NC
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
IN WARMER WEATHER
Are you the adventurous type? A thrill-seeker? If so, then these destinations might be for you. From ziplines to skateboard parks to utility terrain vehicles, these destinations and guides offer a new level of experience on our Plateau and plenty of fun for the whole family.
H i GHLAND EXCURS i ON
Holding a federal special use permit to operate in the National Forests, Highland Excursion is an adventure outfitter and guide service based in the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. It specializes in custom tours for individuals and up to 14 guests, using Pinzgauer or Mercedes G-Wagon vehicles.
Highland Excursion is based out of Highlands, NC. For more information, call 864-373-4022.
H i GHLANDS AER i AL PARK
Offering zip line canopy tours, a challenge course geared towards ages four to 10, and UTV excursions, Highlands Aerial Park offers 95 acres of mountain forest.
Highlands Aerial Park is located at 9625 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-8773 or 828-372-0564.
H i GHLANDS OUTPOST
A gravitational hybrid of an alpine slide and a roller coaster, the mountain coaster — a relatively new experience at Highlands Outpost — glides and plunges its riders at speeds up to 27 miles per hour through the trees and curves.
Highlands Outpost is located at 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3737.
THE VORDACH Z i P L i NE
This world-class zip line canopy course will give you a thrill to remember. With a low course and a high course, the Vordach Zip Line offers experiences for ages eight and up.
The Vordach Zip Line is located at 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
WH i TE DOT ADVENTURES
White Dot Adventures offers private trail running tours, guided hikes, waterfall excursions, and more throughout Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, including the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. All tours are private, group rates are available, and most adventures are available year-round. All abilities, ages, and group sizes are welcome.
White Dot Adventures is based out of Asheville and Brevard. For more information, call 828-333-8208.
EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES
Calling all horse lovers! With mountain meadows and plenty of trails — public and private — our Plateau is the perfect place for equestrian experiences.
ARROWMONT STABLES & CAB i NS
A 200-acre horse farm atop Cullowhee Mountain, Arrowmont Stables & Cabins offers trail rides, horse camps, riding lessons, horse leases, and even cabins to stay in while you enjoy all that it offers. Its Old Fort Lodge serves as a special event facility.
Arrowmont Stables & Cabins is located at 276 Arrowmont Trail, Cullowhee, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2762 or 800-682-1092.
CARPE D i EM FARMS
A non-profit organization located on 44 acres 8 miles outside of Highlands, Carpe Diem is a life enrichment center that offers summer camps, after-school programs, riding lessons, and more.
Carpe Diem Farms is located at 544 Western Rhodes Drive, Highlands, NC.
MOUNTA i N T i ME SPORT HORSES
Offering full training, including starting young horses under saddle, problem-solving, and advanced discipline-specific work, the owners of Mountain Time Sport Horses previously worked in the notable equestrian area of Ocala, Florida.
Mountain Time Sport Horses is located at 1095 North Robinson Creek Road, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 352-861-5513.
WH i TEWATER EQUESTR i AN CENTER
Located 1.5 miles from Whitewater Falls, this center offers trail rides with lake views to mountain peaks
interspersed with Native American history. It also offers gem mining.
Whitewater Equestrian Center is located at 6420 Whitewater Road, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-966-9646.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Biking brings a unique perspective to the mountain experience. On and near our Plateau are a variety of trails for mountain biking, most sharing the path with hikers. To maximize safety, always wear a helmet and eye protection and do not venture off the trail. Bikers should yield to hikers and horses and maintain a safe speed.
DUPONT STATE FOREST
Located southeast of Brevard, this area includes about 100 miles of trails, most of which are intermediate in challenge level. The trails
HORSEBACK RIDING AT BALD ROCK IN SAPPHIRE, NC
include waterfalls, slick rock, single track, and smooth dirt.
Dupont State Forest’s High Falls Access Area is located at 1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC.
GORGES STATE PARK
Within this state park, mountain bikes (and horses) are permitted on the Auger Hole Trail from the Frozen Creek access area to Turkey Pen Gap on the western boundary of Gorges State Park.
Gorges State Park’s Frozen Creek Access is located at 3395 Frozen Creek Road, Brevard, NC.
PANTHERTOWN VALLEY TRA i L
MOUNTA
i N B i K i NG
Mountain bikers are among the more than 35,000 visitors who enjoy this 6,311-acre tract of Forest Service land near Cashiers. The trails, most of which are open to bikes, include eight gorgeous waterfalls, technical single-track sections, and speedy rolling hills. Among the most popular for biking is Panthertown Loop Trail, a 12-mile ride. Mountain bikes should stay on the trails marked with signs for such use.
Panthertown Valley Trail Mountain Biking’s Cold Mountain Access is located at Hogback Spur A, Lake Toxaway, NC and the Salt Rock Gap Access is located at Breedlove Road, Glenville, NC.
TSAL i RECREAT i ON AREA
One of the most recognized mountain bike trail systems in the region, Tsali Recreation Area features nearly 39 miles of designated trail. Named for an honored Cherokee leader who once lived in the area, Tsali Recreation Area’s main trail system is comprised of four loops around peninsulas with sweeping views of Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trails alternate access between bikes and horses; please check in advance before planning your trip.
Tsali Recreation Area is located at Tsali Road/ N.C. Highway 28, Robbinsville, NC. For more information, call 828-479-6431.
WESTERN CAROL i NA UN i VERS i TY
The university has its own trail system in Cullowhee, accessible to all bikers (as well as hikers and runners). The system has two trailheads, totaling 6.8 miles: one at the parking lot of the Western Carolina University Health and Human Sciences Building and the other at the parking lot of its softball field.
Western Carolina University’s Health and Human Sciences Trailhead is located at 4121 Little Savannah Road, Cullowhee, NC. Western Carolina University’s Softball Complex Trailhead is located at State Road 1325, Cullowhee, NC.
DISCOVER VORDACH ZIP LINE AND MORE AT HIGHLANDS AERIAL PARK IN HIGHLANDS, NC
ROCK CLIMBING
Our Plateau provides incredible adventures for rock climbers. A thrilling but inherently dangerous sport, climbing should include the use of proper equipment, planning, and instruction or supervision. Participate at your own risk.
LAUREL KNOB
In 2006, with donations from climbers all over the world, the Carolina Climbers Coalition purchased Laurel Knob, one of the tallest — if not the tallest — crags in the eastern U.S. The 1,200-foot dome is open to all climbers, and the coalition’s rules must be followed.
Hiking Directions: Hike the main trail to the first intersection. Take a right and continue 10-15 minutes to the Frolictown Creek crossing. Ford the creek and hike another mile or so to a fork. Take the right fork and hike another 10 minutes to a trail that angles up and to the right, marked as “Laurel Knob.” Continue on this trail, through the woods, and across a stream, and follow the pinkand/or blue-flagged markers. Cross a mossy slab and look for a gravel road and buildings to the left (which are private property). Continue past a kiosk and down a series of steep switchbacks to the base of the main Laurel Knob face. Take the well-groomed trail to the small clearing at the base of “Seconds.” The climbers’ trail goes up and continues along the cliff base.
Laurel Knob can be accessed by way of the Panthertown Valley’s Salt Rock Gap Trailhead located off Breedlove Road, Glenville, NC.
PANTHERTOWN VALLEY
In addition to providing access to Laurel Knob, Panthertown Valley provides other climbing opportunities, including Big Creek, with 22 routes, and Blackrock, with 10.
Panthertown Valley’s Salt Rock Gap Trailhead is located off Breedlove Road, Glenville, NC.
GUN CLUBS & OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGES
Our wide, open spaces on the Plateau are perfect for shooting sports. A private gun club and a public shooting range are available.
MOSS KNOB SHOOT i NG RANGE
Located near Highlands and part of the U.S.
Forest Service, this shooting range offers a 100yard range with four firing lanes or stations. Frame targets are set at seven, 25, and 100 yards. A range pass must be purchased in advance.
Moss Knob Shooting Range is located off Goodensville Mine Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-524-6441.
SMOKE R i SE F i ELD CLUB
A private, full-service gun club, Smoke Rise Field Club features three sporting clay venues, two covered five-stand venues, trap, and skeet fields, as well as a covered pistol range and limited-use rifle range.
Smoke Rise Field Club is located at 1050 Diamond Creek Road, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-862-6629.
AERIAL
IN COLDER WEATHER
Wintertime in the mountains offers an array of winter sports and activities for the whole family. Enjoy ice-skating, skiing, and snow tubing in our winter wonderland.
ICE SKATING
H i GHLANDS i CE R i NK AT KELSEYHUTCH i NSON FOUNDERS PARK
Opening in about mid-November, this outdoor ice-skating rink adds to the spirit of the season in downtown Highlands. Admission includes skate rentals. Reservations may be needed.
Highlands Ice Rink is located in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 411 Pine Street, Highlands, NC.
H i GHLANDS OUTPOST
Open from around Thanksgiving to March, this outdoor ice-skating rink offers fun for all ages. Skate rental is included in the admission price.
Highlands Outpost Ice Skating is located at 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3737.
SKIING
SK i SAPPH i RE VALLEY
Part of a winter sports destination that includes
snowboarding and snow tubing, Ski Sapphire Valley features a “bunny” learning slope, the main ski hill (with a 200-foot vertical drop), and a 500foot tube run with a “moving sidewalk.” It also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons.
Ski Sapphire Valley is located at 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
SNOW TUBING
FROZEN FALLS TUBE PARK
The entire family will enjoy tubing on this 500foot run with a vertical drop of 60 feet. Tubing sessions are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan ahead.
Frozen Falls Tube Park is located at 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
H i GHLANDS OUTPOST
Take a “magic carpet” ride to the top and speed toward the bottom in your tube. Highlands Outpost offers snow tubing for ages four and older. It opens for winter tubing in mid-November, claiming to be the first in the nation to do so.
Highlands Outpost is located at 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3737.
A DAY ON THE SLOPES AT SKI SAPPHIRE VALLEY IN SAPPHIRE, NC
Your home isn’t just listed; it’s featured . With a print circulation of 108,000 annually, NC Living Magazine places your property directly in front of affluent buyers across 45 states. Our bimonthly publication reaches 385,000 readers annually who appreciate the Plateau lifestyle and actively seek to invest in it, through print and digital subscriptions.
MOUNTAINS YOUTH of
word S by kri S tin bowen
At first glimpse of a mountain peak, I begin to feel it. I recognize it as a sensation of lightness, or possibly even giddiness. On my journey from the city to the Blue Ridge Mountains, my excitement builds with each mile marker. As my car climbs the first mountain to home, I notice a deep sense of calm sweeping over me. And as my breath deepens, I observe my racing thoughts slow and my blood pressure drops. My intuition tells me I have made the right move to leave the city behind and choose mountain living. While I trust my gut, some might need a little science to spur or confirm a decision.
It’s obvious that fresh mountain air, a slower pace, cooler temperatures, and green spaces are good for us, as new research tells us living in the mountains has positive health benefits and could actually prolong our lives. A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health concluded that living at higher altitudes creates a lower oxygen environment that mitigates heart disease. “Lower oxygen levels turn on certain genes, and we think these genes may change the way heart muscles function. They may also produce new blood vessels that create new highways for blood flow into the heart,” according to a study produced by the University of Colorado School of Medicine in partnership with theHarvard Global Health Institute.
Who doesn’t want a healthier heart, lower risk of cancer, less stress, and weight loss? This green, mountain living could really be the fountain of youth!
It is well known that living in a green environment is linked to stress reduction and well-being, and now it is concluded that a simple walk in the woods slows our heart rate and reduces anxiety. Using brain scans, heart-rate monitors, and behavioral tests on study participants, researchers, as reported by Scientific Reports, have proven that the sounds of nature, such as running water or birds singing, have restorative and positive physiological effects on our bodies and minds.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau has a long history of people seeking wellness in the Blue Ridge Mountains, whether it is to get away from it all or actually convalesce from an illness. Known as a health resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area drew people from afar to rejuvenate in the invigorating, clean air. We even had the first sanatorium in North Carolina in 1908 during a tuberculosis outbreak.
“Lower mortality rates, greater levels of positive mental health, and lower levels of stress and anxiety were found in mountain residents compared to those living in more urban environments.”
Furthermore, higher altitudes stimulate a certain hormone called leptin that is responsible for weight management, proper metabolic function, and balancing our energy stores. Possibly because of leptin production, lower rates of cancer and obesity were also found in mountainous communities. Lower mortality rates, greater levels of positive mental health, and lower levels of stress and anxiety were found in mountain residents compared to those living in more urban environments. I like this new evidence!
Things have not changed much over the decades, as many people still come from far and wide to seek solace here. Of course, anyone who enjoys getting outdoors to golf, play croquet, fish, hike, practice yoga, canoe, and camp can find all that and more in this area. Take away excessive light pollution and dangerous electromagnetic frequencies found in more urban settings, and you have found your panacea.
And as if this couldn’t get any more perfect, our mountains are host to the highest number of vortexes, or energy fields, in the country according to Asheville Magazine. A vortex is thought to be a physical location that harnesses a great amount of positive and rejuvenating energy.
Twenty-four vortices have been identified near the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, attracting people who seek emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and tranquility. Some might call it a “mystical Mecca.”
Just as the 19th-century naturalist John Muir famously penned, “The Mountains are calling, and I must go,” many others are finding themselves called to this 400-millionyear-old mountain chain. Once some of the highest mountains in the world, and despite being beaten down by time and erosion, the Appalachian Chain still proudly stands as the highest mountain range in the Eastern United States. The North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains claim a good many of the highest peaks and have the blessed fortune of being a biodiverse temperate rainforest.
Some of this may explain why more people are choosing to leave the urban jungles behind for a more relaxing quality of life in the lush, green forests and mountains with a hue of blue. Yes, we have to travel a little further for an international airport or shopping at Costco, but as we trade fast-paced living, traffic, and smog for cleaner air, taller trees, higher altitudes, and mountain vistas, we relish in our good sense and science’s findings to feel young and alive here on the Plateau.
The Roads Less Traveled
It’s the reason so many choose to visit, return, and even make their home here. The HighlandsCashiers Plateau offers abundant opportunities to hike to glorious vistas and rushing waterfalls. People travel from across the country and beyond to experience our hiking trails. Collectively, Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania counties are home to approximately 300 waterfalls.
The trails in Western North Carolina vary in length and difficulty, accommodating hikers of all ages and experience levels.
We recommend everyone follow these basic rules when hiking and visiting waterfalls:
• Practice the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. If you hike in with it, hike out with it. Properly dispose of garbage and recyclables. Take only photos; leave nothing but footprints.
• Stay on the marked trail; avoid shortcuts or detours.
• Stay behind guard rails or ropes.
• NEVER wade or walk on rocks above a waterfall! The rocks can be slippery, and a fall can be fatal. Water often flows more swiftly than it appears. Admiring the falls from a distance is safer (and offers better photo opportunities).
• Heed all caution signs. They are there for a reason.
• Do not climb on boulders (unless it is an intended part of the marked trail).
• Tread carefully to avoid stepping on plants, flowers, and wildlife.
• Keep pets on leashes at all times! They can get lost, suffer severe or fatal injuries, or harm someone else.
• Do not drink or carry alcoholic beverages.
• Always pack extra water and nutrition, firstaid items, and navigation tools or devices.
• Always wear or pack layered, weatherappropriate clothing; closed-toed hiking shoes or boots; and a multi-tool.
The information we have provided has been wellresearched and comes from a variety of credible sources. We have attempted to include only hikes and waterfalls that are located on land that is publicly owned and accessible. If, however, we have inadvertently included anything on private land, please let us know. We highly recommend that you research the best driving and hiking routes before you begin. Additionally, hikers should research weather and water levels and, above all, always use good safety judgment. Participate at your own risk.
HIKING
BARTRAM TRAIL | JONES GAP TO WHITEROCK MOUNTAIN
4.7 M i LES | OUT & BACK | CHALLENG i NG
The Bartram Trail, named for famed naturalist William Bartram, spans more than 112 miles through the striking landscapes of North Georgia and Western North Carolina. Locally, a notable 4.7-mile section offers hikers a demanding yet rewarding journey from Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain. The rugged path weaves through serene forests, unveiling expansive mountain vistas that inspire at every turn. This unforgettable trail blends tranquility and challenge, delivering a fulfilling escape.
Bartram Trail can be accessed via Jones Gap Trailhead located off Dendy Orchard Road, Highlands, NC.
BRUSHY FACE PRESERVE
1.2 M i LES | LOOP | MODERATE
Brushy Face Preserve, carefully protected by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT), offers a serene escape into the heart of the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. Visitors can meander along forested paths, soaking in the calm surroundings and discovering the natural treasures this preserve holds. Thanks to HCLT’s dedication to conservation and community, this special place remains open and free for all to enjoy, providing a welcoming space to reconnect with nature.
Brushy Face Preserve is located off Pineland Road, Highlands, NC.
CHATTOOGA RIVER
Nestled near Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina, the Chattooga River trails provide an array of hiking experiences perfect for nature lovers of all kinds. Meander through lush forests, enjoy stunning river views and discover serene waterfalls along these scenic paths. Whether you’re looking for a moderate workout or a peaceful escape into the wild, these trails deliver unforgettable adventures by the iconic Chattooga River.
• CHATTOOGA RIVER TRAIL
4.8 M i LES | PO i NT TO PO i NT | MODERATE
This scenic trail connects the Bull Pen Road and Whiteside Cove Road trailheads along the wild and scenic Chattooga Rive r.
C h attooga River Trail can be accessed from Whiteside Cove Road, Highlands, NC and Bull Pen Road, Cashiers, NC.
• CHATTOOGA CLIFFS TRAIL
4.7 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE Also known as the County Line Trail, its unmarked trailhead sits near the Jackson/ Macon county line. The route follows an old logging road before joining the Chattooga River Trail.
C hattooga Cliffs Trail is located off Whiteside Cove Road, Highlands, NC.
• CHATTOOGA GORGE TRAIL
3.3 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
This southern portion of the Chattooga River Trail is accessed from the Bull Pen Road trailhead near the old iron bridge.
C hattooga Gorge Trail is located off Bull Pen Road, Cashiers, NC.
• CHATTOOGA LOOP TRAIL
7.1 M i LES | LOOP | MODERATE
This loop trail follows the Chattooga River Trail before a gradual uphill hike through the woods followed by a 2-mile stretch along Whiteside Cove Road returns you to the trailhead.
C hattooga Loop is located off Whiteside Cove Road, Highlands, NC.
CHINQUAPIN MOUNTAIN TRAIL
3.3 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
This scenic trail near Highlands, NC, winds through a lush forest with rhododendrons and spring wildflowers, crossing streams and small cascades along the way. The switchbacks offer a rewarding workout, leading to breathtaking overlooks. Don’t miss Lookout #5 for the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Chinquapin Mountain Trail is located off Glen Falls Road, Highlands, NC.
CLIFFSIDE LAKE RECREATION AREA
Located less than 10 miles northwest of Highlands, this recreational area has been referred to as a mecca for those who enjoy the outdoors. Walk around the lake, or enjoy your choice of several
hiking trails. Take the interpretive Cliffside Vista Trail for descriptions of shrubs and trees. The area also offers picnic tables with grills, camping, fishing, and swimming. For overnight stays, enjoy the nearby Van Hook Glade Campground.
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is located at 14014 Highlands Road, Highlands, NC.
ELLICOTT’S ROCK AND COMMISSIONER’S ROCK
6.3 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
An enormous boulder in the Chattooga riverbank, Ellicott’s Rock can be found on the east side of the river. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott carved the letters “NG” into it in 1811 when he surveyed the boundary between North Carolina and Georgia. Commissioner’s Rock is about 15 feet south of it, marking the point at which Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina meet. The hike is a 6.3-mile, well-marked, intermediate “out and back” trek on Bad Creek Trail with the Chattooga River at the bottom — great for trout fishing!
Rock and Commissioner’s Rock can be accessed via Bad Creek Trail located off Bull Pen Road, Cashiers, NC.
GORGES STATE PARK
Located in Transylvania County near the meeting point of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, Gorges State Park is a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Spanning over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest in the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the park boasts stunning natural features, including plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, dramatic rock cliffs, and trails for all levels of hiking.
• AUGER HOLE TRAIL
14.4 M i LES | OUT & BACK | STRENUOUS
• BEARWALLOW FALLS TRAIL 0.4 M i LES | OUT & BACK | STRENUOUS
• BEARWALLOW VALLEY TRAIL
2.3 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
Ellicott’s
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAIL LEADING TO SILVER RUN FALLS IN CASHIERS, NC
PICK UP A TRAIL MAP AT THE HIGHLAND HIKER IN CASHIERS OR HIGHLANDS, NC
• CANEBRAKE TRAIL
10 M i LES | OUT & BACK | STRENUOUS
• FOOTHILLS TRAIL
13.4 M i LES | OUT & BACK | STRENUOUS
• HEATH PINE RIDGE TRAIL
0.8 M i LES | OUT & BACK | EASY
• INDIAN CAMP TRAIL
2 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
• LIME KILNS TRAIL
0.5 M i LES | OUT & BACK | EASY
• PICNIC CONNECTOR TRAIL
0.8 M i LES | OUT & BACK | EASY
• RAINBOW FALLS TRAIL
3 M i LES | OUT & BACK | STRENUOUS
• WINTER GREEN TRAIL
2.2 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
Gorges State Park can be accessed at 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC and Frozen Creek Road, Brevard, NC.
THE HIGHLANDS PLATEAU GREENWAY
The Highlands Plateau Greenway is a cherished community initiative dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and heritage of the Highlands, N.C., area. This non-profit organization has a mission to establish a network of walking and hiking trails that connect the region’s stunning landscapes and historic landmarks. Designed as a locally owned and managed trail system, the Greenway ensures safe, continuous paths clearly marked with signage, maps, and guides to enhance accessibility and enjoyment for all visitors.
With 15 miles of natural trails and sidewalks, the Greenway offers a serene escape for walkers and hikers alike. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, it invites the public to explore and appreciate the unique environmental and historical treasures of the Highlands plateau while fostering a better quality of life for the surrounding community.
• SATULAH MOUNTAIN TRAIL
3.2 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
Maintained by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, this trail offers a panoramic view from 4,543 feet. On a clear day, the views extend
TAKE A STROLL ON THE CASHIERS GREENWAY RAMBLE IN CASHIERS, NC
to three states. An “out-and-back” trail mostly on paved road, it begins in downtown Highlands. The last portion offers a beautiful canopy to the big view and an old stone house.
S atulah Mountain Trail is located off Satulah Road, Highlands, NC.
• SUNSET ROCK
1.4 M i LES | OUT & BACK | EASY
For a spectacular view, arrive an hour before sunset and find a seat in this natural, cliffside amphitheater. Vistas to the west include Highlands and Brushy Face Mountain; to the east, you’ll see Horse Cove.
S unset Rock is located off Sunset Road, Highlands, NC, accessed near the Highlands Nature Center.
PANTHERTOWN VALLEY
1.2 M i LES | LOOP | MODERATE
Known as “the Yosemite of the East,” Panthertown offers more than 30 miles of multi-use trails and more than a dozen waterfalls on 6,300 acres. Located in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers, it is one of the most spectacular natural areas in the region. From granite domes and cliffs to major waterfalls and creeks to endangered plant species and rare high-altitude bogs, Panthertown has it all. Fishing, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding are
permitted, though you’ll want to check your specific trail or area and plan your adventure first.
For the best experience, Friends of Panthertown recommend bringing a printed map. Burt Kornegay’s Guide’s Guide to Panthertown (2017) is especially recommended for its detailed and upto-date trail information, making it an invaluable companion for anyone planning to explore Panthertown’s vast trails and natural wonders.
Panthertown Valley is located off Breedlove Road, Glenville, NC.
SCALY MOUNTAIN TRAIL
3.8 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
Scaly Mountain delights hikers with its scenic beauty and rewarding views. Beginning at Osage Overlook, this section of the famed Bartram Trail weaves through a lush forest, offering a steady elevation gain on the way to its summit. Along the route, you’ll encounter stunning overlooks, sweeping vistas, and a tranquil waterfall tucked into the woods.
From the top, hikers are treated to southwestfacing views, including Rabun Bald, Georgia’s second-highest peak. For an easier approach, an alternative trail to the summit is accessible via Hickory Knut Gap Road, making this remarkable destination suited for explorers of all levels.
Scaly Mountain Trail is located off Dillard Road, Highlands, NC.
SHORTOFF MOUNTAIN TRAIL
3.6 M i LES | OUT & BACK | MODERATE
Shortoff Mountain offers a serene hiking experience with a short, easy trail that winds through peaceful forested switchbacks. Perfect for a few hours of outdoor exploration, this trail leads to stunning views of the Buck Creek area and sweeping vistas to the south. During the winter months, the ridge unveils panoramas of multiple mountain ranges, making it a particularly magical destination. Starting from the same trailhead as the challenging Yellow Mountain Trail, the Shortoff Mountain trail is a gentler option that rewards hikers with breathtaking scenery without the strenuous effort.
Shortoff Mountain Trail is located off Buck Creek Road, Highlands, NC.
WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
2 M i LES | LOOP | MODERATE
Standing tall at 4,930 feet, Whiteside Mountain is a geological marvel estimated to be 390 to 460 million years old. This iconic peak is home to an array of colorful wildflowers and the rare peregrine falcon, making it a vibrant hub of natural life. The steep, 2-mile loop trail takes you past dramatic 750-foothigh cliffs and rewards hikers with panoramic views stretching east, south, and west. Located just south of Highway 64 between Highlands and Cashiers, this trail combines breathtaking scenery with a glimpse into ancient natural history, offering an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Whiteside Mountain Trail is located at 91-170 Deville Drive, Highlands, NC.
YELLOW MOUNTAIN TRAIL
12 M i LES | OUT & BACK | CHALLENG i NG
At 5,127 feet above sea level, Yellow Mountain is one of the highest mountains in the Highlands Ranger District. Yellow Mountain Trail takes you to the top, where you can enjoy an unbelievable view from the Yellow Mountain Fire Tower, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the U.S. Forest Service in 1934. In the early 1990s, the tower was revitalized, and in 1992 it was recognized as a National Historic Lookout. The trail showcases a variety of trees, flowers, and berries, as well as views of Panthertown Valley, Whiteside Mountain, Shortoff Mountain, and Rabun Bald.
Yellow Mountain Trail is located off Buck Creek Road, Highlands, NC.
WATERFALLS
BERNIE’S FALLS
Honoring area waterfall explorer Bernie Boyer, this unique waterfall’s viewing path is steep and slippery. This one is not for the novice hiker or anyone afraid of heights. From the trailhead, it is about a 3-mile hike to reach the fall, which is part of Miser Creek. Bernie’s Falls is located within Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County.
The trailhead to Bernie’s Falls is located off Highway 281 North, Lake Toxaway, NC.
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
This unique roadside waterfall cascades adjacent to Highway 64 and sometimes showcases a rainbow in the afternoon sun. Part of the Cullasaja Gorge and Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, Bridal Veil is on a tributary of the Cullasaja River. It offers a 120foot fall — or “veil.”
Bridal Veil Falls is located off Highway 64/28 West, Highlands, NC.
VIEW FROM WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN TRAIL IN HIGHLANDS, NC
BUST YOUR BUTT FALLS
Located along US Highway 64 near Highlands, Bust Your Butt Falls, also known as Quarry Falls, is a beloved destination for adventure and relaxation. This scenic spot on the Cullasaja River features a natural slide and a refreshing swimming hole, perfect for cooling off on a warm day. A short walk from roadside parking leads you to the fun, including a “jump off” rock for the daring. Bust Your Butt Falls also offers ample space for picnicking, sunbathing, and enjoying the beauty of its large, rugged rocks surrounded by nature’s charm.
Bust Your Butt Falls is located off Highway 64/28 West, Highlands, NC.
CARLTON FALLS
Located in Panthertown Valley, Carlton Falls is accessed by a path along Greenland Creek. It is best accessed by first hiking to Greenland Creek Falls, then following the very steep upstream path beside it, passing a smaller waterfall, Halfway Falls, along the way. Because it is not an official forest service trail, it is not as clear or wide as
other paths; take extreme caution. Carlton Falls is named for a veteran hiker who cared for the trails and scenery of Panthertown Valley.
Carlton Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
CULLASAJA FALLS
Just outside of Highlands, Cullasaja Falls captivates visitors with its dramatic 250-foot cascade nestled within the stunning Cullasaja Gorge. The name “Cullasaja” originates from a Cherokee term meaning “honey locust place.” The falls are most easily enjoyed from a roadside vantage point along the breathtaking cliffside drive through the Cullasaja River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest. While an unofficial, steep, and slippery trail descends past the guard rails, it is not recommended due to safety concerns. Instead, pause along the scenic route to soak in the grandeur of Cullasaja Falls, a true jewel of the region’s rugged beauty.
Cullasaja Falls is located off Highway 64/28 West, Highlands, NC.
DEW FALLS
With an easy and short hike to reach it, DEW Falls has a bittersweet story. Students from Hammond School in Columbia, South Carolina, built and named the trail years ago as a senior class project in tribute to a classmate who passed away, Dorothy Ehlrich Walker. With a modest height of 10 feet and cascades below, it is fed by Mill Creek, once known as Gumbottom Creek. With easy access off Highway 281, it is close to John’s Jump Falls and White Owl Falls.
DEW Falls is located off Highway 281, Sapphire, NC.
DRY FALLS
Part of the Cullasaja Gorge, Dry Falls is so named because you can walk behind the falls and, theoretically at least, not get wet. This massive waterfall with a 75-foot drop on the Cullasaja River is highly popular because of this unique experience and its accessibility. It is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak traffic.
Dry Falls is located off Highway 64/28 West, Highlands, NC.
FROLICTOWN FALLS
Located in Panthertown Valley, this appropriately named waterfall beckons you to frolic in its pool. A quiet, modest waterfall with only a 15-foot drop,
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
GLEN FALLS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
Frolictown Falls is accessed by taking Panthertown Valley Trail to Deep Gap Trail. Its orange-brown pool comes from the natural tannic acid in the soil.
Frolictown Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
GLEN FALLS
A popular hike, Glen Falls is a triple waterfall with four scenic stops along its 215-foot descent. Roughly a 2-plus-mile round-trip hike, you may want to save the stops to rest as you hike back up. Glen Falls is on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the scenic Blue Valley area.
Glen Falls is located off Glen Falls Road in Highlands, NC.
GRANNY
BURRELL FALLS
Come play in the pool! Located in Panthertown Valley, Granny Burrell Falls offers an incredibly large pool at the bottom of its falls, perfect for wading, sunbathing, and just relaxing. Created by a 12-foot fall from Panthertown Creek, it is found by hiking from the Salt Rock Gap trailhead along Panthertown Valley Trail.
Granny Burrell Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
State Park. Though modest at under 10 feet tall, this hidden gem forms a picturesque pool framed by boulders, perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. Located before the final ascent to Rainbow Falls, near a wide section of the main trail, Hidden Falls is easy to miss. Look for side trails leading to the river on your left, and the waterfall will be tucked away on your right. Its secluded beauty offers a peaceful respite amidst your hike.
Hidden Falls is located in Gorges State Park.
GREENLAND CREEK FALLS
Located in Panthertown Valley, Greenland Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall created by two drops totaling 45 feet along Greenland Creek. With a deep and wide pool, it is surrounded by large, lichencovered boulders.
Greenland Creek Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
HIDDEN FALLS
Hidden Falls is a charming, family-friendly swimming hole tucked off the Rainbow Falls Trail in Gorges
HIGH FALLS
High Falls, also known as Cullowhee Falls, is a striking 150-foot waterfall located below Lake Glenville Dam. During periodic water releases throughout the summer, the falls transform into a thundering cascade, captivating onlookers and attracting adventurous kayakers. At other times, its flow is gentler, reduced to a picturesque stream as much of its water is directed to Duke Energy’s powerhouse. Despite its everchanging demeanor, the majestic setting of High Falls within the Tuckasegee Gorge remains consistently breathtaking, offering visitors a dynamic and awe-inspiring experience.
High Falls is located off Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC.
HURRICANE FALLS
Hurricane Falls, a picturesque cascade, feeds directly into the tranquil waters of Lake Glenville. While hiking to the base of the falls is discouraged for safety reasons, this stunning waterfall can be admired from Norton Road or up close from the lake itself. With boat rentals readily available, visitors can enjoy a unique perspective of
SECRET FALLS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
Hurricane Falls, one of four spectacular waterfalls that grace the shores of Lake Glenville.
Hurricane Falls is located on Lake Glenville, NC.
JAWBONE FALLS
Jawbone Falls is one of three stunning waterfalls along the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley, joined by Warden’s Falls and Riding Ford Falls. All three can be visited on a single hike starting at the Cold Mountain Road trailhead on Panthertown’s east side.
This serene fall offers a sandy retreat surrounded by rosebay rhododendron, laurel, and white pine. The large, clear pool at the base of the falls, formed where the Tuckasegee River flows down a long, steep slide, is perfect for swimming and promises a truly refreshing escape into nature.
Jawbone Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
JOHN’S JUMP FALLS
A short hike, John’s Jump Falls is located only about 100 feet off Highway 281 in the Sapphire area; however, the short trail is steep. Because it is not well marked, it is not highly trafficked. It offers a lovely 25-foot fall along Mill Creek and a secluded experience. It is located close to DEW Falls and White Owl Falls.
John’s Jump Falls is located off Highway 281, Sapphire, NC.
KALAKALESKIES FALLS
(LAKE SEQUOYAH DAM FALLS)
Kalakaleskies Falls, also called Lake Sequoyah Dam Falls, is a striking man-made cascade created by the Cullasaja River spilling from Lake Sequoyah. Located just off Highway 64 West near downtown Highlands, this spot features a series of up to 18 smaller falls below the dam. While the falls can be enjoyed from a roadside pulloff, adventurous visitors can carefully descend the steep and slippery bank for a closer view. However, due to challenging access, it’s not recommended for young children or pets. Nestled at the start of the gorge, Kalakaleskies Falls offers a dramatic and unique sight for those who tread with caution.
Kalakaleskies Falls is located off Highway 64, Highlands, NC.
LOWER SATULAH FALLS
Sometimes known as Clear Creek Falls due to its source, this waterfall is located near Highlands. No hike is needed to view this 100-foot waterfall, seen from a highway overlook of the beautiful Blue Valley.
Lower Satulah Falls is located off Highway 28 in Highlands, NC.
LOOKING GLASS FALLS
One of the most popular waterfalls in Western North Carolina, perhaps due to its roadside accessibility and classic shape, Looking Glass Falls boasts a stunning 30-foot-wide cascade over a sloped, 60-foot surface of polished granite. In the winter, it resembles a mirror, (or looking glass) as the water on its sides freezes and glistens in the sunlight. Looking Glass Creek flows past the falls through Pisgah National Forest.
Looking Glass Falls is located off Highway 276 in Brevard, NC.
MILL CREEK FALLS
Mill Creek Falls features an impressive 30-plusfoot cascade tumbling directly into the pristine waters of Lake Glenville. Conveniently located near the Pines Recreation Area, it is the closest waterfall to this popular public access point. Like Hurricane Falls and Norton Falls, Mill Creek Falls is best experienced by boat, offering visitors a tranquil and scenic outing on the water to this beautiful natural wonder.
Mill Creek Falls is located on Lake Glenville, NC.
HIGH FALLS IN CULLOWHEE, NC
NORTON FALLS
Norton Falls is a striking, powerful waterfall that flows directly into the serene waters of Lake Glenville. Accessible only by boat, this captivating natural feature offers an unforgettable experience for visitors exploring the lake. It is easily identified by the charming water wheel situated nearby, adding a touch of uniqueness to this lakeside treasure.
Norton Falls is located on Lake Glenville, NC.
PICKLESIMER ROCK HOUSE FALLS
Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls is a peaceful retreat nestled in the forests near Highlands, offering a short, scenic hike of just over a mile round trip. The waterfall is fed by Abes Creek, which plunges over a high bluff showcasing striking rock layers that earned the name “rock house” in earlier times. Surrounded by moss-covered boulders and lush greenery, the falls create a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Picklesimer Rock House Falls is located off Blue Valley Road, Highlands, NC.
POTHOLES FALLS
A popular spot for fly fishing, Potholes Falls is a great place to hang out and explore the Chattooga River Trail. With a 10-foot drop, it is as much a rapid as a waterfall and is easily viewed from the one-lane iron bridge on Bull Pen Road. Alternatively, you can take a short trail just past the west side of the bridge to the top. A unique feature is deep swirl holes in the rock at the bottom of the cascade, created over thousands of years by the water, which is the genesis for its name, “Potholes Falls.”
Potholes Falls is located off Bull Pen Road, Highlands, NC.
RAINBOW FALLS
Take the 3-mile round-trip trail in Gorges State Park to this impressive waterfall, which boasts a 150-plus-foot cascade — one of the most popular in the region. When rain swells the Horsepasture River, its source, the drama is unmatched. The falls can be admired from multiple vantage points, but the most spectacular view is from the fenced overlook along the trail. With several other dazzling waterfalls dotting the same trail, Rainbow Falls is an absolute must-visit destination for waterfall enthusiasts.
Rainbow Falls is located in Gorges State Park.
RANGER FALLS
Ranger Falls is a scenic 30-foot cascade on Skitty Creek near Highlands, reached via a moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike. Surrounded by laurel, rhododendron, and moss-covered rocks, it’s a peaceful retreat. When water is low, the flow hugs the left side, but after heavy rain, the falls spread dramatically across the entire rock face.
Ranger Falls is located off Highway 64, Highlands NC.
RIDING FORD FALLS
Jawbone Falls is one of three stunning waterfalls along the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley, joined by Warden’s Falls and Riding Ford Falls. All three can be visited on a single hike starting at the Cold Mountain Road trailhead on Panthertown’s east side.
Riding Ford Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
SCADIN FALLS
Scadin Falls, a picturesque 30-foot cascade fed by the Cullasaja River, lies tucked within the stunning Cullasaja Gorge. Named after Rupert Henry Scadin, a renowned photographer of the late 1800s and early 1900s who favored waterfalls,
LOOKING GLASS FALLS IN BREVARD, NC
Scadin Falls is a tribute to artistic heritage and natural beauty. A short but steep path, just a few hundred feet long, leads to the falls. The trail offers breathtaking views but sits high above the river, so caution is essential.
Scadin Falls is located off Highway 64, Highlands, NC.
SCHOOLHOUSE FALLS
Schoolhouse Falls, the gem of Panthertown Valley, cascades gracefully from a curved rock outcrop into a tranquil pool below, surrounded by lush forests and rhododendron. This scenic waterfall, named for a small schoolhouse that used to stand nearby during the logging days of the 1920s, is accessible via a moderate under-three-mile hike from Cold Mountain Gap. Visitors can wade in the large pool, walk behind the falls, and soak in its serene beauty.
Schoolhouse Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
SECRET FALLS
Secret Falls, also called Big Shoals Falls, is a breathtaking 50-foot cascade tucked away near Highlands. This hidden gem is accessible by an easy 0.75-mile hike through a serene wooded trail. The path includes two gentle creek crossings, a short uphill climb, and a set of stairs leading to the falls. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the soothing sound of water plunging into a stunning swimming hole, complete with a sandy beach perfect for relaxing.
Secret Falls is located off Big Creek Road in Highlands, NC.
SILVER RUN FALLS
For an easy, short hike with a great payoff, you can’t top Silver Run Falls. This gentle, 25-foot waterfall cascades into a calm, treelined pool. After a quick hike, relax and dip your toes in the cool mountain water. With its sandy beach, this is a fun swimming area and a great spot for the whole family. Upper Silver Run Falls can also be accessed by a nearvertical path next to the waterfall, but it is only recommended for the most experienced and fit hikers.
Silver Run Falls is located off Highway 107, Cashiers, NC.
DRY FALLS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
SLIDING ROCK
Unlike the similar waterfall in Brevard, Cashiers’ Sliding Rock off Whiteside Cove offers cool, summertime fun with a smaller crowd. With a 10-foot-high rock face, this natural waterslide sits on the Chattooga River. Visitors can slide down the rock or just wade in its pool.
Sliding Rock is located off Whiteside Cove Road, Cashiers, NC.
STAIRWAY FALLS
Located in Gorges State Park, this multi-tier waterfall with a 50-foot drop is a fixture of the Horsepasture River. Other waterfalls along its trail include Drift Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Rainbow Falls. The hike is approximately 3 miles.
Stairway Falls is located in Gorges State Park.
TOXAWAY FALLS
You may have driven over this beautiful 125-foot waterfall without even realizing it! A hike is not necessary to view this fall; it may be viewed from the road (with caution). A bit of history: In 1916, the
area flooded, causing Lake Toxaway’s earthen dam to collapse. When the deluge rushed down the gorge, vegetation and soil were stripped, and the bedrock — in all its colorful glory — was exposed. The Gorges State Park boundary runs through the center of the Toxaway River, the source of the falls. Downstream from the falls are additional slides and cascades; however, they are not easily or safely accessed.
Toxaway Falls is located off Highway 64 in Lake Toxaway, NC.
TURTLEBACK FALLS
Located in Gorges State Park along the Horsepasture River, this waterfall slides about 8 feet into a pool that can have strong currents, so use extreme caution. At lower water levels, it is a popular spot for sliding and swimming; however, exercise caution and avoid doing so when the water is at high levels. Keep in mind that the huge Rainbow Falls is below it and there are no lifeguards on duty. On a sunny morning, you may see rainbows over the water!
Turtleback Falls is located in Gorges State Park.
KALAKALESKIES FALLS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
UPPER BEARWALLOW FALLS
Nestled within Gorges State Park, Bearwallow Falls is a hidden gem reached by the scenic Bearwallow Falls Trail. This short yet rewarding hike winds through an enchanting forest, particularly breathtaking in the summer months when rhododendrons burst into vibrant bloom.
Upper Bearwallow Falls showcases a cascading river sliding down angled rock amidst a tranquil setting of hemlock, pine, and leafy hardwood trees. Perfect for families or anyone seeking a quick trip, this hike offers the chance to enjoy a stunning waterfall without the need for a long trek.
Upper Bearwallow Falls is located in Gorges State Park.
UPPER MIDDLE CREEK FALLS
Tucked away off Highway 106 near Highlands and the Georgia line, Upper Middle Creek Falls offers a hidden gem for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. This one-mile round-trip trail winds through vibrant forests, inviting hikers into a lush paradise. As you near the falls, the
air cools, and the soothing sound of cascading water sets the scene. The breathtaking views of the waterfall make it a perfect spot for photos and unforgettable memories.
Upper Middle Creek Falls is located off Highway 106, Highlands, NC.
UPPER SOLS CREEK FALLS
With a main drop of 55 feet and cascades below, this lovely waterfall is among the lesser-known in the area. Fed by Sols Creek, the waterfall requires a less-than-a-mile hike round trip for viewing; however, you’ll need to cross a few streams, wade through the creek bed, and traverse a path that is narrow and slippery in parts.
Upper Sols Creek Falls is located off Highway 281, Tuckasegee, NC.
WARDEN’S FALLS
Jawbone Falls is one of three stunning waterfalls along the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley, joined by Warden’s Falls and Riding Ford Falls. All three can be visited on a single hike starting at the Cold Mountain Road trailhead on Panthertown’s
SCHOOLHOUSE FALLS IN PANTHERTOWN VALLEY, NC
east side. Warden’s Falls is a lovely 35-foot waterfall that curves at the bottom.
Warden’s Falls is located in Panthertown Valley.
WHITE OWL FALLS
White Owl Falls enchants visitors with its understated yet striking beauty. Though just 15 feet tall, its wide cascade creates a stunning visual spectacle. Conveniently located off
WHITEWATER FALLS
Few people realize that the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains is located on our Plateau. Whitewater Falls sits in the Nantahala National Forest along the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge. This massive cascade falls a staggering 811 feet in total, with its Upper Falls plummeting 411 feet. A beautiful view of Upper Whitewater Falls is found by following a short paved walkway, also accessible to
Highway 281 near DEW Falls and John’s Jump Falls, it is a must-visit for waterfall enthusiasts. A short trail leads to the top of the falls, with a steep path guiding you to the base for a closer look. For the most breathtaking view of White Owl Falls, head across the stream.
White Owl Falls is located off Highway 281, Hogback Township/Sapphire, NC.
wheelchairs, to an overlook. Another overlook offers a more expansive view and requires visitors to traverse 154 steps. With rugged, undisturbed terrain, steep slopes, and rock cliffs, venturing off the trail is extremely dangerous and highly unadvised. Enjoy its spectacular beauty from the overlooks.
Whitewater Falls is located off Whitewater Falls Lane, Cashiers, NC.
SECRET FALLS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
WHITEWATER FALLS IN CASHIERS, NC
CULLASA J A FALLS
DRY FALLS
H i GH FALLS
SEQUOYAH FALLS
BR i DAL
VE i L FALLS
SECRET FALLS
NORTON FALLS
YELLOW
MOUNTA i N
F i RE TOWER
HATCHER FALLS
M i LL CREEK FALLS
GLEN FALLS
H i DDEN FALLS
DiSCLAiMER: SOME OF THE
HURR i CANE FALLS
GRANNY
BURRELL FALLS
TOXAWAY FALLS
SCHOOLHOUSE FALLS
CASH i ERS SL
NG ROCK
FALLS
BEH i ND THE SCENES, OUR DED i CATED PROFESS i ONALS WORK T i RELESSLY TO POS i T i ON YOUR PROPERTY FOR A FLAWLESS SALE.
In Another Time
photography by jim mauchly
word S by
ligeia brown
Listen carefully for the long-ago voices of children playing in the yard, and experience the love story preserved in the Zachary-Tolbert House.
CLOCKWiSE FROM ABOVE: THE FAMILY WROTE IMPORTANT MILESTONES ON THE WOODEN WALLS.
SINCE THE 1920S, THE CASHIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS WORKED TO PRESERVE BUILDINGS AT LEAST 50 YEARS OLD IN CENTRAL CASHIERS.
AN HEIRLOOM GARDEN AT COLONEL JOHN'S CABIN OFFERS A GLIMPSE OF EARLY PIONEER LIFE IN CASHIERS VALLEY.
If you’ve spent any time in Cashiers, North Carolina, you’ve no doubt driven past the Zachary-Tolbert House countless times on your way to Silver Run Falls, Whitewater Falls or Atlanta. It’s one of the few traces left of those early days in Cashiers Valley.
Enter the grounds of the Zachary-Tolbert House, and your mind goes back in time. Asphalt roads change to gravel, then to packed dirt with planks over the mud holes, then to the narrow hunting trails used by the Cherokee. Forests thick with oaks and maples crowd close. You hear birdsong and rustling breezes. Round a curve and a meadow bursting with wildflowers surprises your eyes. Deer and wild turkeys roam by. It becomes easy to imagine it is 1832 in the Cashiers Valley.
Mordecai Zachary was nine years old that year when he arrived in the area. His family was one of the first pioneers to settle in the valley. Working alongside their father, John Zachary, Mordecai and his brothers learned pioneer skills: clearing, cabin building, crop planting, and hunting. As Mordecai grew,
he added carpentry, stone masonry and brick making.
In 1842, John Zachary deeded plots of land to his sons. Mordecai immediately began clearing his land along the Chattooga River. The nearby springs would be his source of pure water. He felled trees, turned them into lumber at the family sawmill, and used them to construct the Zachary-Tolbert House, today the jewel of the Cashiers Historical Society.
Mordecai built the house in the Greek Revival style, unusual in the remote mountains of North Carolina during pioneer times. But he had studied the popular architectural styles of the era as he was perfecting his building skills and taking them to an artisan level. The house features a low-hipped roof, a cornice lined with decorative trim, a central porch that reaches the full height of the two-story building, and a decorative door with a transom accented with plaster designs. Inside, a central hallway leads to two rooms on each side. Four more rooms grace the upstairs floor. Using only hand tools, Mordecai created a house that truly is a work of art.
Perhaps Mordecai’s motivation was more than his artisan pride. While the house was under construction, he began courting Elvira Evelina Keener. She lived in nearby Quallatown where her father was a Methodist missionary who served the Cherokee people. Elvira taught in the school he opened, and she was able to fluently speak the Cherokee language. As the house went up, the love story of Mordecai and Elvira also grew.
When the pair married on February 18, 1852, Mordecai gave Elvira the house as a wedding present. He completed the gift by building all the furniture in the house. Crafted in Southern Plain Style, the pieces feature simple, yet artistic, lines.
During the next 22 years, the family grew to include 13 children. All learned the Cherokee language from their mother. Flora Jane (born in 1856) recalled in her autobiography the happiness she felt as she helped on the farm, climbed the apple trees, pretended in the playhouse, and entertained visitors.
And the visitors did come. The house was open to travelers along the Tuckasegee River and Keowee Turnpike. South Carolinians would summer in the home to savor the cool mountain climate. Some came to hunt or fish. The guests were educated and knew current affairs. The conversations during these visits likely brought excitement to the children and parents alike.
The land around the house was a working farm that provided for the large family’s needs. Mordecai would sometimes work as a builder for others and even served as postmaster in the 1850s. However, life in the beautiful home became difficult after the Civil War because Mordecai chose to side with the Confederacy, while his nearby brothers sided with the Union.
To ease the tension, Mordecai sold the treasured home in 1873 to Armistead Burt of South Carolina for $700. After this purchase, the house remained a summer vacation home. William Henry Parker bought the property in 1881 for $1,100. Then in 1909, Robert Red Tolbert purchased it for $1,650.
Through the changes in ownership, the house went through minimal changes in appearance. The interior remained unpainted, and electricity, modern plumbing, and central heat were never added. Many of the windows still have the original glass. Even the furniture that Mordecai created survived. Family milestones documented in graffiti still remain in the house.
After Thomas Dowden acquired the home in 1997, he soon donated it to the Cashiers Historical Society. It was then developed into a museum and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the Zachary-Tolbert House is an impressive and wonderful artifact from the 19th century. Visitors may tour the home and explore the grounds on its Nature Trail, which is open yearround from dawn to dusk.
For more information about the Cashiers Historical Society, visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org.
PLAY, SEE, TOUR
The Plateau offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From museums that preserve its Appalachian heritage to professional arts performances to unique and breathtaking vistas, there’s something to fulfill all your senses. For rainy days — after all, this is one of two temperate rainforests in North America — indoor facilities are the answer.
AGRITOURISM
Are you curious about beekeeping or how a working farm operates? Then spend some time with experts who live the mountain farm life.
K i LLER BEES HONEY
Killer Bees Honey offers tours and tastings of its raw, organic mountain honey.
Killer Bees Honey is located at 10932 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 312-909-5878.
FAMILY FUN
Although we’re known for our outdoor adventures and beauty, there’s plenty of indoor fun to be had on our Plateau. Our region has a long history of commercial gem mining, which lives on today through roadside shops offering a taste of the experience. And if you’re looking for an indoor trampoline challenge or a game of laser tag, we have that nearby, too.
BEAR TRACKS GEM M i NE
Part outfitter, part gift shop, part gem mine, and part outdoor adventure host, Bear Tracks Gem Mine offers something for everyone. For the rock and gemstone enthusiast (or novice), it offers a covered flume and seating areas so you can sift through the dirt, discover an array of gems, and take home a bag of treasures. Gem mining has a long history in this area.
Bear Tracks Gem Mine is located at 10932 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway, NC.
THE FACTORY
Load up your fun card for a day of indoor adventure. The Factory offers virtual reality, video games, a go-cart track (the largest in Western North Carolina), laser tag, indoor mini-golf, bumper cars, a carousel, a kids’ play area, and more. Its Jump Factory also offers a trampoline experience.
The Factory is located at 1024 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-3498888.
JACKSON HOLE GEM M i NE
Located between Highlands and Franklin and known for its gems, Jackson Hole offers a covered flume and seating to search for gemstone treasures. A store with homemade jams and juices, along with other items, is also on-site.
Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine is located at 9770 Highlands Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-524-5850.
DISCOVER THE RICH HISTORY OF THE PLATEAU AT THE CASHIERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY & ZACHARYTOLBERT HOUSE. READ MORE ON PAGE 92
HORSEBACK RIDING AT THE BILTMORE. PHOTO BY MATTHEW TURLEY, COURTESY OF THE BILTMORE COMPANY. BILTMORE.COM
HISTORY & CULTURAL CENTERS
In the Southern Appalachians, stories are abundant and best told through centers dedicated to preserving and sharing them in ways that are artful and engaging. The lives of early settlers, aristocrats, and the Cherokee people are featured in our area’s history and cultural centers.
APPALACH i AN WOMEN’S MUSEUM
Located on the Monteith Farmstead in Dillsboro, this museum is dedicated to preserving the stories of ordinary women leading extraordinary lives.
Appalachian Women’s Museum is located at 100 West Hometown Place, Dillsboro, NC. For more information, call 828-482-5860.
THE BASCOM: A CENTER FOR THE V i SUAL ARTS
The Bascom, a nonprofit center for the visual arts in Highlands, sits on a 6-acre pastoral campus where it serves people through rotating highquality art exhibitions, classes, and educational presentations. The campus features historic buildings, a covered bridge, a nature trail, a main building, a reconstructed Studio Barn, a shop, a terrace, and much more.
The Bascom: A Center For The Visual Arts is located at 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4949.
THE B i LTMORE ESTATE
About 1.5 hours from Cashiers is the famous Biltmore Estate, once George and Edith Vanderbilt’s country home and the largest privately-owned home in America. Completed in 1895, the 250-room chateau is as impressive today as it was more than a century ago. Beyond the 175,000-square-foot home are gardens, a winery, hiking trails, a farm, restaurants, and more — all for your enjoyment on 8,000 acres. Open year-round, it offers a full calendar of special exhibitions and events, including outdoor concerts. Its annual “Christmas at Biltmore” is a particularly beloved tradition.
The Biltmore Estate is located at One Lodge Street, Asheville, NC. For more information, call 800-411-3812.
CASH i ERS H i STOR i CAL SOC i ETY & ZACHARY-TOLBERT HOUSE
Keeping Cashiers’ heritage alive through seasonal activities, the Cashiers Historical Society offers something for everyone. The iconic 19th-century Zachary-Tolbert House was built 150 years ago in the Greek Revival style and stands today as a free museum located on its beautiful grounds. This site also includes seven additional landmarks, walking trails, and an heirloom garden.
Cashiers Historical Society & Zachary-Tolbert House is located at 1940 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7710.
GR i MSHAWES POST OFF i CE
America’s Smallest Post Office for 75 years, this structure still stands along Whiteside Cove. Named for its first postmaster, it held the title from 1878 to 1953.
Grimshawes Post Office is located at Whiteside Cove Road, Cashiers, NC.
THE H i GHLANDS H i STOR i C V i LLAGE
Comprised of The Prince House, The Highlands Historical Museum and Archives, and The Highland Sanitorium Tent or Bug Hill Cottage, this historic village is easily accessed in downtown Highlands. It offers tours Thursday through Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October.
The Highlands Historic Village is located at 524 North Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-787-1050.
MOUNTA
i N HER i TAGE CENTER
Visit the Mountain Heritage Center, and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachian region. Through exhibits, publications, programs, and demonstrations, you’ll discover the rich traditions of the mountains and come away with an enhanced understanding of its land, culture, and people.
Mountain Heritage Center is located on the Western Carolina University campus at 176 Central Drive, Cullowhee, NC. For more information, call 828-227-7129.
MUSEUM OF THE CHEROKEE PEOPLE
Inspired by the beauty and ingenuity of the Cherokee people, this is a cultural and historical
tour fused with interactive video, intriguing displays, and a full sensory experience of the 11,000-year-old Cherokee story.
Museum of the Cherokee People is located at 589 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee, NC. For more information, call 828-497-3481.
OCONALUFTEE
i ND i AN V i LLAGE
Step into the 18th century on a guided tour of what life was like for the Cherokee Indians of the North Carolina mountains. Crafting and pottery demonstrations, living history, special shows, traditional Cherokee drumming, and dancing are offered, along with dining and shopping.
Oconaluftee Indian Village is located at 218 Drama Road, Cherokee, NC. For more information, call 866-554-4557 or 828.554.4557.
THE TRANSYLVAN i A HER i TAGE MUSEUM
The Transylvania Heritage Museum inhabits an 1890s house built by a relative of one of the men who donated the land that became Brevard. It now houses temporary and permanent displays of heirlooms, artifacts, genealogical exhibits, vintage photographs, and other exhibits reflective of the county’s history.
The Transylvania Heritage Museum is located at 189 West Main Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-2347.
PARKS & GARDENS
Our temperate rainforest makes for lush, unique outdoor environments that welcome relaxation, exercise, and play, even for our four-legged family members.
CASH i ERS DOG PARK
Created for families, friends, and their fourlegged friends, this park opened in 2021. It offers a clean, safe, fenced-in space for dogs to play and exercise off-leash.
Cashiers Dog Park is located at 259 Garden Lane, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-631-2020.
HARR i S LAKE PARK
Located within a neighborhood on a beautiful lake, this park is located near downtown Highlands. Relax, enjoy a picnic, and watch the geese, swans, and ducks play.
Harris Lake Park is located off Smallwood Avenue in Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828526-2118 or 828-526-5266.
H i GHLANDS B i OLOG i CAL STAT i ON AND BOTAN i CAL GARDENS
Located just a half mile from downtown Highlands, this spot features several gardens to explore.
THE PAC IN HIGHLANDS, NC
Highlands Biological Station and Botanical Gardens is located at 265 North Sixth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2623.
H i GHLANDS DOG PARK
Open from dawn to dusk, this park offers a friendly and safe place to exercise dogs off their leash.
Highlands Dog Park is located at 56 Foreman Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2118 or 828-526-5266.
H i GHLANDS PLATEAU
GREENWAY
With more than 10 miles of natural trails and sidewalks, the Highlands Plateau Greenway is a locally owned and managed system for walkers and hikers along a continuous, safe, green route in and around downtown Highlands. Its nine trails may be centrally accessed from its hub on Oak Street.
The Hub at Founders Park for the Highlands Plateau Greenway is located at 411-499 Pine Street, Highlands, NC.
THE HORST W i NKLER NATURE AND SCULPTURE TRA i L AT THE BASCOM
Part of The Bascom’s six-building, 6-acre campus, the Horst Winkler Nature and Sculpture Trail features native flora, a brook with falling water, and scenic views.
The Horst Winkler Nature and Sculpture Trail at The Bascom is located at 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4949.
KELSEY-HUTCH i NSON FOUNDERS PARK
This park is named after two men who drew lines on a map from New Orleans to New York City and from Savannah to Chicago and predicted the intersection. It was named the Highlands and would become a thriving commercial area. When not playing host to a special event, this downtown Highlands park serves as a retreat for picnicking or just relaxing. The Friends of Founders Park provides funds for its maintenance and management by HighlandsCashiers Land Trust.
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is located at 411 Pine Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1111.
SOUTHERN H i GHLANDS RESERVE
Offering monthly visitors’ days and private garden tours by reservation during the warm months, this reserve preserves, cultivates, and displays plants native to the region.
Southern Highlands Reserve is located at 558 Summit Ridge Road, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-885-2050.
THE
V i LLAGE GREEN & V i LLAGE PLAY
Known as the heart of Cashiers, The Village Green is a 13.2-acre park near the crossroads of Highway 64 and N.C. 107. Thousands of visitors and more than 80 events descend upon its green spaces and garden paths each year. Its Village Play, located near the gazebo, is a deluxe playground offering adventure and imagination to little ones.
The Village Green & Village Play is located at 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS & VENUES
Whether you seek a meaningful and reflective experience or just pure entertainment, our performing arts groups and venues fit the playbill. From chamber music to Broadway-style musicals to intentional stage performances, you’ll find it here.
CALL i OPE STAGE COMPANY
Inspired by the magic of the Appalachian Mountains, Jackson County’s newest professional theater group creates meaningful performances that elevate the collective mind, heart, and identity of our community. A nonprofit organization, it hosts projects with local artists and arts groups and aspires to bridge rural North Carolina to the wider theatrical world. In addition to producing original works, it offers theater camps and community classes for children, teens, and adults.
CHEROKEE
MOUNTA i NS i DE THEATER
The home of “Unto These Hills,” a live production that tells the Cherokee story of struggle and triumph, this is a 2,100-seat outdoor theater. “Unto These Hills” made its debut in 1950.
Cherokee Mountainside Theater is located at 564 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee, NC. For more information, call 828-497-2111.
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE
Designated as the State Theatre of North Carolina, Flat Rock Playhouse is located about 1.5 hours from Cashiers. What began as a few weeks of summer performances in 1940 is now a nine-month season of plays, including Broadway musicals, comedy, drama, and theatre for young audiences. With a dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education, it offers a professional series, a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program, yearround classes, and workshops for students from kindergarten through adulthood.
Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC. For more information 828-693-0731.
H i GHLANDS-CASH i ERS CHAMBER MUS i C FEST i VAL
From its beginning in 1976 as a series of three concerts to its official founding in 1982, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival has become a signature part of summers on the Plateau. Now among the oldest and longest summer chamber music festivals in the country, it brings together highly accomplished artists with standards of excellence and commitment to chamber music. It is one of three resident groups at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.
Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival is located at 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9060.
H i GHLANDS CASH i ERS PLAYERS
Founded in 1995 as the Highlands Community Players, this group evolved several years ago to
ON STAGE INSIDE THE PAC IN HIGHLANDS, NC
become The Highlands Cashiers Players (HCP). One of three resident groups at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, HCP usually stages three plays a year, with performances Thursdays through Sundays during each run. Special productions are offered during the holidays and summers.
Highlands Cashiers Players is located at 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9047.
H i GHLANDS PLAYHOUSE
One of the country’s oldest summer stock theaters, Highlands Playhouse has provided the region with a selection of summer offerings that have thrilled and entertained for more than 80 years. Its founders organized in the 1930s as Highlands Little Theatre. Today, Playhouse Theatre produces two to three plays each summer, allowing local drama students to hone their skills alongside professional mentors. For children, its Playhouse Theater Summer Camp offers fun, hands-on exposure to writing and performing plays. Offseason, the space becomes a movie theatre for first-run films. Highlands Playhouse will join other local cultural organizations in the new Performing Arts Center, scheduled to open in 2022.
Highlands Playhouse is located at 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9047.
THE H i GHLANDS PERFORM i NG ARTS CENTER
Highlands’ Performing Arts Center (PAC) hosts three resident groups: Highlands Cashiers Players, the PAC Youth Theater, and the HighlandsCashiers Chamber Music Festival. Each season, it offers performances ranging from bluegrass to Broadway to comedy to retro rock, as well as filmed performances by the National Theatre of London.
The Highlands Performing Arts Center is located at 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC. For more informatino call 828-526-9047.
PAC YOUTH THEATER
Dedicated to introducing youth from the area to live theater through classes and shows at no cost, PAC Youth Theater is one of three resident groups at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in Highlands.
PAC Youth Theater is located at 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9047.
HORSEBACK RIDING AT CAMP MERRIE-WOODE. FOUNDED IN 1919, THE 435-ACRE CAMPGROUND IS LOCATED IN SAPPHIRE VALLEY, NC
SMOKY MOUNTA i N CENTER FOR THE PERFORM i NG ARTS
Located in Franklin, North Carolina, this 1,500seat performing arts center presents Broadwaystyle plays and musicals, dance and choral festivals, lectures, recitals, special events, movies, and concerts — all with a primary focus on family entertainment.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 866-273-4615.
CAMPS
BOYS AND G i RLS CLUB OF THE PLATEAU
The Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau offers outdoor recreation and experiential education during its summer day camps. Sessions are open to children ages six through 12 as well as teens.
Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau is located at 558 Frank Allen Road Cashiers, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2775.
CAMP MERR i E-WOODE
A summer sleep-away camp for girls and young women, Camp Merrie-Woode offers several sessions and more than 20 instructed activities.
Camp Merrie-Woode is located at 100 Merrie-Woode Road, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3300.
H i GHLANDS SUMMER
RECREAT i ON CAMP
This summertime day camp is open to children ages five to 12.
Highlands Summer Recreation Camp is located at 600 North Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3556.
CASH i ERS/GLENV i LLE
RECREAT i ON CENTER
As part of the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, an eight- or nine-week summer day camp program, Fun 4 Kids, is offered to children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade.
Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center is located at 355 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-631-2020.
DEERFOOT BLUE R i DGE
Deerfoot offers camping accommodations in three age groups: nine to 12 (log cabins), 13 to 14 (lean-tos), and 15 to 16 (treehouses). In a Christian setting, campers learn outdoor skills.
Deerfoot Blue Ridge is located at 100 Reunion Lane, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 855-447-2267.
MOUNTA i NCAMP AT THE MOUNTA i N RETREAT AND LEARN i NG CENTER
A Unitarian Universalist youth summer camp, this program welcomes children ages seven to 17.
Mountaincamp at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is located at 3872 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828526-5838.
R i DGE HAVEN CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER
A ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America,
ARTIST DEMONSTRATION DURING THE THREE POTTERS SYMPOSIUM AT THE BASCOM IN HIGHLANDS, NC
Ridge Haven Camp and Retreat Center provides camps, conferences, and retreats for all ages. Its summer camps serve rising third through 12th graders.
Ridge Haven Camp and Retreat Center is located at 215 Ridge Haven Road, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-862-3916.
SAPPH i RE VALLEY K i DS CAMP
Offering a half-day or full-day program, Sapphire Valley Kids Camp is open to ages five through 12. It emphasizes outdoor activities and sports.
Sapphire Valley Kids Camp is located at 244 Sapphire Valley Road, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1163.
SUMMER EDVENTURE CAMP
This summer day camp is offered to elementary students who have completed kindergarten through age 13. Physical activities, arts and crafts, reading, and enrichment are part of the program.
Summer Edventure Camp is held at South Macon Elementary School at 855 Addington Bridge Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828 369-0796.
THE W i LDS CHR i ST i AN CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER
The Wilds offers summer camps for teens from June through August with a focus on Biblical guidance. It also offers camps for adults and families.
The Wilds Christian Camp & Conference Center is located at 1000 Wilds Ridge Road, Brevard, NC. For more information, called 828-884-7811.
LIFELONG LEARNING
CENTER FOR L i FE ENR i CHMENT
The Center for Life Enrichment is a nonprofit organization committed to providing lifelong learning for adults throughout the HighlandsCashiers area. It has relationships with numerous universities and educational institutions throughout the Southeast.
Center for Life Enrichment is located at 348 South Fifth St. Suite 209, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-8811.
ART, CULTURE & HISTORY
ART LEAGUE OF H i GHLANDS-CASH i ERS
Started many years ago by a group of painters, the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers is comprised of individuals who have an interest in art and wish to network. The organization sponsors three fine art shows each year.
The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers is located at 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC.
B i BL i OPH i LES BOOK GROUP
A program of Friends of the Library, the Bibliophiles Book Group meets for discussion monthly, September through May, at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library.
Bibliophiles Book Group is held at the Albert CarltonCashiers Community Library at 249 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-0215.
EXHIBITION AT THE BASCOM IN HIGHLANDS, NC
LEFT TO RiGHT: JOHN CUMMINGS, LARGE VASE WITH YELLOW DRIPS ; KOICHI YAMAMOTO, KANMURI , GINO CASTELLANOS, AMBROSIA
CASH i ERS QU i LTERS
Bringing together all levels of experience, this group gathers weekly at St. Jude Catholic Church to continue a tradition in the Appalachian Mountains. Often, their work is given to those in need. Additionally, they also organize and host quilt shows.
Cashiers Quilters is held at St. Jude Catholic Church at 3011 Highway 64 East, Sapphire, NC.
CASH i ERS H i STOR i CAL SOC i ETY
Keeping Cashiers’ heritage alive through seasonal activities, the Cashiers Historical Society offers something for everyone. The iconic 19th-century Zachary-Tolbert House, built 150 years ago in the Greek Revival style, is a free museum located on its beautiful grounds. The site also includes seven additional landmarks, walking trails, and an heirloom garden.
Cashiers Historical Society is located at 1940 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7710.
H i GHLANDS
H i STOR i CAL SOC i ETY
With a mission to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Highlands for present and future generations, the Highlands Historical Society is comprised of three historic structures that are open to the public.
Highlands Historical Society is located at 524 N. Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-787-1050.
THE H i STOR i C TOXAWAY FOUNDAT i ON
Founded in 2017, this foundation aims to preserve the past and prepare for the future in the communities of Sapphire, Lake Toxaway, and Rosman.
The Historic Toxaway Foundation is located in Lake Toxaway, NC.
JACKSON COUNTY ARTS COUNC i L
The Jackson County Arts Council promotes individual artists, fosters an appreciation of the arts, provides art education, and inspires creativity at all levels, from school age through adulthood.
Jackson County Arts Council is located at 310 Keener St. Room 201, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-507-9820.
MACON COUNTY ART ASSOC i AT i ON
A community of artists and art patrons, the Macon County Art Association (MCAA) is based in Franklin. The MCAA encourages artists of all ages, promotes two- and three-dimensional visual arts, hosts education events, and provides networking and socializing opportunities. Its members run Uptown Gallery, a cooperative art space.
Macon County Art Association is located at 30 East Main Street, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-349-4607.
TRANSYLVAN i A COMMUN i TY ARTS COUNC i L
The Transylvania Community Arts Council offers an array of programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Transylvania County. It hosts up to 12 exhibitions a year featuring local artists in its gallery space and partners to present Art in Schools, an educational program for area students of all ages.
Transylvania Community Arts Council is located at 349 S. Caldwell St. Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-2787.
HIGH FALLS IN CULLOWHEE, NC
SPECIAL SIGHTS
The Plateau’s bountiful, unique sights and experiences are worth the trip. Don’t miss the opportunity to take them in!
CULLASAJA GORGE
This amazing gorge may be seen while traveling from Highlands to Franklin. From rock faces to wide views to a waterfall, Cullasaja Gorge offers breathtaking beauty. Extreme caution should be taken if you decide to stop along the roadside to view. Hiking is not recommended.
Cullasaja Gorge is located between Franklin and Highlands on Highway 64.
THE
EASTERN CONT i NENTAL D i V i DE
Also known as the Appalachian Divide or Eastern Divide, this geographical mark runs through the towns of Cashiers and Highlands. In many places along this divide, waters run eastward to the Atlantic Seaboard watershed, only a few feet from waters headed westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Water in the Cullasaja River, for example, is bound for the Gulf of Mexico. A roadside marker along N.C. 107 in Cashiers designates one of its points.
The Eastern Continental Divide can be found on N.C. 107, Cashiers, NC.
LAKE GLENV i LLE DAM
/ H i GH FALLS RELEASES
During the summer months, Duke Energy
schedules whitewater releases from Lake Glenville into the west fork of the Tuckasegee River, drawing paddlers and spectators alike. (Check their calendar for dates and times.) From the parking lot, hike down to High Falls for the spectacular display of falling water.
Lake Glenville Dam/High Falls release is located at 1966 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC.
THE SHADOW OF THE BEAR
Witness this phenomenon at Whiteside Mountain on sunny days between mid-October and early November, as well as between mid-February and early March, from the Rhodes Big View Overlook on Highway 64, between Cashiers and Highlands.
The Shadow of the Bear can be found at the Rhodes Big View Overlook near the Whiteside Mountain Trail parking lot on Highway 64, Highlands, NC.
SUNSET ROCK
Part of the Highlands Plateau Greenway and a birding trail, Sunset Rock is the choice for a late afternoon hike, as the sunset views of Highlands and Brushy Face Mountain to the west create a mesmerizing view from the top. From downtown Highlands, travel east on Main Street for 0.5 miles to the Highlands Nature Center. Park, look for the sign, and hike along the gravel road for 0.7 miles to reach Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park.
Sunset Rock is located at 131 Highlands Gate Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1111.
TAKEA SHORT HIKE UP TO SUNSET ROCK FOR PERFECT EVENING VIEWS IN HIGHLANDS, NC
THE HISTORY OF WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN AND THE LEGENDS IT INSPIRED
With the first steps across the open rock face of Whiteside Mountain’s high southfacing cliffs, the wind whips up over the steep plunge. While the shadow of the bear that creeps across the valley for a half hour during the autumn months might be the best-known attraction of the area, it is far from the only draw. People come to hike the trails where they can take in the awe-inspiring view of the surrounding mountains and ridges from the top of Whiteside. But those who look further into the past can appreciate the beautiful landscape and its geological peculiarities all the more.
More than 400 million years ago, long before the Himalayan mountains existed, the Appalachian mountains, including Whiteside Mountain, were formed, making them among the oldest mountains in the world. An amalgamation of quartz and feldspar makes one of the Eastern Continental Divide’s highlights all the more striking. Hikers marvel at the dark and light stripes as the raw material seems to glimmer.
Worn by wind and time, Whiteside Mountain remains one of the most impressive views on the Plateau, though it stands much lower at 4,930 feet in elevation compared to its early days. Despite its smaller stature than the younger mountains of the world, the vertical cliffs of Whiteside Mountain remain the tallest east of the Rockies with a sheer drop of roughly 1,800 feet at their highest point.
Of course, among earth as ancient as this, there is equally ancient folklore. Whiteside Mountain, or Sanigilâ’gi as it is known in its native Cherokee, has a rich history of tales long told by the Cherokee Nation that brought the mountain to life. Many were gathered by James Mooney in the second half of the 19th century. One story describes Tsul ‘Kalu, a weathercontrolling giant who was later referred to as Judaculla. In the stories, he lived near Devil’s Courthouse in a cave on Whiteside Mountain. From his perch, he would shoot piercing arrows that flashed through the sky as lightning bolts.
JOHAN TALJAARD
Another legend spins the story of the Tlanuwa, which were mammoth, mythical hawks. It was said that a pair lived high on the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain and would swoop down to pluck dogs and even small children from the indigenous people below. It wasn’t until a Cherokee medicine man finally reached the nest and disposed of the four young of the Tlanuwa pair that the Cherokee gained any relief. It’s said another great river-dwelling creature, the Uktena, swallowed up the young hawks as they fell from the nest. To avenge the loss of their young, the pair of Tlanuwa dove down and pulled the snake-like creature from the waters and carried it high into the sky. None of them were ever said to have been seen again.
One of the most important legends of Whiteside Mountain revolves around the shapeshifter U’tlun’ta, also known as Spearfinger. The shapeshifter was said to be able to take on the form of anything or anyone. In her natural state, the shapeshifter was described as being a hideous monster who dined on the livers of humans. The legend says Spearfinger controlled stones, making her impossible to destroy. She did, however, have a stone forefinger on her right hand that could cut through anyone who tried to attack her. It’s said that the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain were once a rock bridge connecting the mountain to Hiwassee River so that Spearfinger could more easily travel. Lightning destroyed the bridge and tossed its pieces along the ridge where they lie today.
PHOTO BY
DESPITE ITS SMALLER STATURE THAN THE YOUNGER MOUNTAINS OF THE WORLD, THE VERTICAL CLIFFS OF WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN REMAIN THE TALLEST EAST OF THE ROCKIES, WITH A SHEER DROP OF ROUGHLY 1,800 FEET AT THEIR HIGHEST POINT.
According to Cherokee practice, it was customary to burn the dead leaves of autumn before shaking the chestnut trees to gather the nuts. One year, to rid themselves of Spearfinger, who had an affinity for dining on children’s livers, the Cherokee lit a fire to lure Spearfinger away from the children and destroy her. When she had been lulled into place, Cherokee warriors struck her down where she stood. It’s rumored that Spearfinger still lies among the hills. To this day, there are traces of ancient hunting camps in the area.
In more recent history, after the Seventh Cherokee Treaty of 1819, as many as 20 land grants around the eastern slope of Whiteside Mountain were issued to settlers. Later, after the Civil War, the remainder of Whiteside Mountain was bought
for roughly 7 cents per acre by the Macon County Land Company. By the turn of the 20th century, the land had become part of the Ravenel family estate. Before the 1950s, a private corporation owned the land and installed a road to the mountain’s peak so people could take in its view more easily. Later, the land was acquired by the Crouch family who sold it to the U.S. Forest Service so that it would remain undeveloped.
Today, Whiteside Mountain is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. As part of the Nantahala National Forest, visitors can buy annual passes or day passes for a nominal fee to access the Whiteside Mountain trail. Note, the trail is more difficult than other local trails due to the steep incline. The trail is mild at the start, but those who
Opposite page
Photos by James Lee
Since being reintroduced to their native range in 1985, peregrine falcons have thrived and return annually to nest on the rocky outcrops of Whiteside Mountain.
opt to challenge themselves with the hike will be greatly rewarded by the 2-mile loop. Hikers who reach the top of the 750-foot cliffs can take in 180-degree views from east to west. Keep in mind that the trail can be adapted to suit most levels of hiking and fitness.
Though the area is open all year, there are special precautions during the nesting season of the peregrine falcons, which begins in January. The falcons can be spotted come spring and summer and are some of the most beautiful and fastest birds of prey there are. Since being reintroduced to their native range in 1985, the falcons have thrived and return annually to nest on the rocky outcrops.
While the views are certainly one of the biggest attractions, there is plenty to see along the way up the cliffs. The subtropical highland climate fosters a wide variety of flora and fauna, though the flora
is much easier to catch a glimpse of. Among the trees and lush green landscape, hikers will find wildflowers growing, such as dwarf dandelion, bluets, false Solomon’s seal, and speckled wood lily, among others. There are Fraser magnolias, black birches, and eastern hemlocks. Closer underfoot are witch hazel, wild raisin shrubs, azaleas, and Carolina rhododendron. Plants such as spikemoss, gramicidin, and gray beardtongue also carpet the rocky forest floor. By the time hikers reach the peak, an old-growth forest of northern red oaks is twisted and gnarled by the harsh elements they are exposed to during the winter.
So, the next time locals and visitors alike hope to truly appreciate the local area, just take a closer look along Whiteside Mountain’s trails. From the plants and trees to the views and the folklore, there is much to be admired and preserved across the ridge.
At Silver Creek, we understand that a home is a canvas for the lifestyle and experiences that define us. Buyers seek more than square footage; they invest in the ambiance, the feelings, and the vision a property offers for their future.
Our approach centers on forging an emotional connection between prospective buyers and your property, ensuring it resonates deeply and authentically.
SNOWFEST
HIGHLANDS
From twinkly lights to outdoor activity, SnowFest is a new event in Highlands. Snowballs, ice slides, a merry-go-round, s’mores, and more are in store at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
Apr Feb Jan
EASTER EGG HUNT HIGHLANDS
Local churches and organizations host this Easter egg hunt at the Highlands Civic Center. For more information, call 828-526-3556.
THE GREEN MARKET FROM APR i L through OCTOBER CASHIERS
THE GREAT OUTHOUSE RACES SAPPHIRE
Held at Ski Sapphire Valley, this event involves teams building outhouses around skis and racing them down the slope. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
Held Wednesday afternoons from April through October at The Village Green, this market features products by local producers. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET FROM APR i L through OCTOBER HIGHLANDS
Held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday mornings, the market runs April through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
PLATEAU PICKUP HIGHLANDS
Previously known as the Gorge Road Clean Up, this project brings together volunteers to clean up downtown Highlands and surrounding roadsides. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
VILLAGE NATURE SERIES
FROM APR i L through SEPTEMBER CASHIERS
Sponsored by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and The Village Green, this wildlife lecture series takes place from April through September. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
THE GREEN MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER CASHIERS
Held Wednesday afternoons from April through October at The Village Green, this market features products by local producers. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN FROM MAY through SEPTEMBER CASHIERS
May
BEAR SHADOW MUSIC FESTIVAL HIGHLANDS
This multi-day, outdoor music festival for adults aged 21-plus is held in the Highlands area. It features musical performances as well as other activities.
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER & MUSIC
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
LAKE TOXAWAY
Live music is featured during high season on Friday nights after dinner is served at Lake Toxaway Community Center. For more information, call 828-966-4060.
Traditionally held on Friday evenings at The Village Green, this event features live music and a friendly scene during the summer season. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday mornings, the market runs April through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
HIGHLANDS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Bands are scheduled every Friday at the Town Square and Saturdays in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from May through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
MEANDER IN MAY
HIGHLANDS
This free, self-guided event includes live performances, artisans, food, shopping, and demonstrations in downtown Highlands. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
THREE RIVERS FLY FISHING FESTIVAL
HIGHLANDS
This multi-day fundraiser, which takes place in streams and rivers throughout the area, is open to veteran and novice anglers. It includes entertainment and demonstrations. For more information, call 828-526-0441.
TWILIGHT 5K HIGHLANDS
Featuring a U.S.A. Track & Field certified 5K, this race, founded by the Rotary Club of Highlands, raises money for area youth activities and includes live music afterward. For more information, call 828-200-9226.
VILLAGE NATURE SERIES
FROM APR i L through SEPTEMBER CASHIERS
Sponsored by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and The Village Green, this wildlife lecture series takes place from May through September. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
Jun
ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
SAPPHIRE
This event features local, handmade mountain crafts, art, music, jewelry, and kids’ activities. For more information, call 828-743-2251.
CONCERT ON THE SLOPES
FROM JUNE through SEPTEMBER
SAPPHIRE
Entertainers perform on the back porch of the Sapphire Valley Resorts’ Community Center at the base of Ski Sapphire Valley. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
FRIDAY NIGHT
DINNER & MUSIC
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
LAKE TOXAWAY
Live music is featured during high season on Friday nights after dinner is served at Lake Toxaway Community Center. For more information, call 828-966-4060.
THE GREEN MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
CASHIERS
Held Wednesday afternoons from April through October at The Village Green, this market features products by local producers. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN
FROM MAY through SEPTEMBER
CASHIERS
Traditionally held on Friday evenings at The Village Green, this event features live music and a friendly scene during the summer season. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday mornings, the market runs April through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
HIGHLANDS MOTORING FESTIVAL
HIGHLANDS
More than 75 high-quality, invited classic cars are on display during this fundraising event. An eclectic field of entries assures there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, call 828-200-9237.
HIGHLANDS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Bands are scheduled every Friday at the Town Square and Saturdays in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from May through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL HIGHLANDS
A benefit for Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, this event brings coastal cuisine to Highlands.
MOUNTAINTOP ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW HIGHLANDS
Held in Highlands and sponsored by the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands, this festival features regional potters, jewelers, woodworkers, fine artists, and food. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
VILLAGE NATURE SERIES
FROM APR i L through SEPTEMBER
CASHIERS
Sponsored by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and The Village Green, this wildlife lecture series takes place from April through September. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
July
CASHIERS PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL CASHIERS
A biennial fundraising event for The Village Green, artists set up their easels in outdoor spaces in and around Cashiers and create original work. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
CONCERT ON THE SLOPES
FROM JUNE through SEPTEMBER
SAPPHIRE
Entertainers perform on the back porch of the Sapphire Valley Resorts’ Community Center at the base of Ski Sapphire Valley. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
FIREWORKS OVER LAKE GLENVILLE
GLENVILLE
Viewed from the water or shore, this spectacular holiday display is presented by the Friends of Lake Glenville.
THE GREEN MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
CASHIERS
Held Wednesday afternoons from April through October at The Village Green, this market features products by local producers. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN
FROM MAY through SEPTEMBER
CASHIERS
Traditionally held on Friday evenings at The Village Green, this event features live music and a friendly scene during the summer season. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL FROM JULY through AUGUST
HIGHLANDS AND CASHIERS
Among the oldest and longest summer chamber music festivals in the U.S., this series of world-class music is performed in Highlands and Cashiers and includes an education component. For more information, call 828-526-9060.
HIGHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday mornings, the market runs April through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
HIGHLANDS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Bands are scheduled every Friday at the Town Square and Saturdays in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from May through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS HIGHLANDS
Games, music, food, and fireworks are part of this downtown Highlands event. For more information, call 828-526-5841.
JOY
GARDEN TOUR
CASHIERS
A biennial fundraising event for The Village Green, this tour draws garden enthusiasts of every level. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE — SPORTS DAY & DINNER
DANCE GALA
LAKE TOXAWAY
This day of racquet events and golf concludes with a festive dinner, all to support Lake Toxaway Charities.
VILLAGE NATURE SERIES
FROM APR i L through SEPTEMBER
CASHIERS
Sponsored by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and The Village Green, this wildlife lecture series takes place from April through September. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
YANKEE DOODLE
DANDY DAY
SAPPHIRE
Sapphire Valley Resort is the site of this Fourth of July familyfriendly celebration. For more information, call 828-743-7663. ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Aug
SAPPHIRE
This event features local, handmade mountain crafts, art, music, jewelry, and kids’ activities. For more information, call 828-743-2251.
BARK, BEER & BARBEQUE HIGHLANDS
The signature fundraising event in Highlands for the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society. For more information, call 828-743-5752.
CASHIERS DESIGNER
SHOWHOUSE
FROM AUGUST through SEPTEMBER
CASHIERS
For this Cashiers Historical Society signature fundraising event, organizers bring together designers, a unique space, and other partners for a multiday experience. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
CASHIERS VILLAGE CRAWL CASHIERS
Featuring music, shopping, and food, this event is held on and around The Village Green. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
CONCERT ON THE SLOPES FROM JUNE through SEPTEMBER
SAPPHIRE
Entertainers perform on the back porch of the Sapphire Valley Resorts’ Community Center at the base of Ski Sapphire Valley. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER & MUSIC
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
LAKE TOXAWAY
Live music is featured during high season on Friday nights after dinner is served at Lake Toxaway Community Center. For more information, call 828-966-4060.
THE GREEN MARKET FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
CASHIERS
Held Wednesday afternoons from April through October at The Village Green, this market features products by local producers. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN
FROM MAY through SEPTEMBER CASHIERS
Traditionally held on Friday evenings at The Village Green, this event features live music and a friendly scene during the summer season. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
FROM JULY through AUGUST
HIGHLANDS AND CASHIERS
Among the oldest and longest summer chamber music festivals in the U.S., this series of world-class music is performed in Highlands and Cashiers and includes an educational component. For more information, call 828-526-9060.
HIGHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER HIGHLANDS
Held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday mornings, the market runs April through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
HIGHLANDS
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FROM MAY through OCTOBER HIGHLANDS
Bands are scheduled every Friday at the Town Square and Saturdays in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from May through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
MOUNTAINTOP
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW HIGHLANDS
Held in Highlands and sponsored by the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands, this festival features regional potters, jewelers, woodworkers, fine artists, and food. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
NASHVILLE
SONGWRITER’S ROUND CASHIERS
A benefit for Blue Ridge School Education Foundation, this event brings together some of country music’s most accomplished songwriters for a unique performance.
TWILIGHT 5K HIGHLANDS
Featuring a U.S.A. Track & Field certified 5K, this race, founded by the Rotary Club of Highlands, raises money for area youth activities and includes live music afterward. For more information, call 828-200-9226.
VILLAGE NATURE SERIES FROM APR i L through SEPTEMBER CASHIERS
Sponsored by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and The Village Green, this wildlife lecture series takes place from April through September. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
Sep
BEL CANTO RECITALS HIGHLANDS
An annual performance featuring international opera stars, many of whom have performed at the Metropolitan Opera, this event benefits the arts and Highlands-area organizations. For more information, call 828-526-4949.
CASHIERS DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE
FROM AUGUST through SEPTEMBER
CASHIERS
For this Cashiers Historical Society signature fundraising event, organizers bring together designers, a unique space, and other partners for a multi-day experience. For more information, call 828-743-7710.
CONCERT ON THE SLOPES FROM JULY through SEPTEMBER
SAPPHIRE
Entertainers perform on the back porch of the Sapphire Valley Resorts’ Community Center at the base of Ski Sapphire Valley. For more information, call 828-743-7663.
THE DAHLIA FESTIVAL HIGHLANDS
Sponsored by the Highlands Historical Society, this event artfully displays native plants and dahlias grown on the Plateau at downtown sites. For more information, call 828-787-1050.
FARM
FEST HIGHLANDS
Hosted by The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center at its campus, this event includes a variety of activities and games, arts and crafts, food, music, and, of course, farm animals. For more information, call 828-526-5838.
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER & MUSIC
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
LAKE TOXAWAY
Live music is featured during high season on Friday nights after dinner is served at Lake Toxaway Community Center. For more information, call 828-966-4060.
THE GREEN MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
CASHIERS
Held Wednesday afternoons from April through October at The Village Green, this market features products by local producers. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN
FROM MAY through SEPTEMBER
CASHIERS
Traditionally held on Friday evenings at The Village Green, this event features live music and a friendly scene during the summer season. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday mornings, the market runs April through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
HIGHLANDS PORCHFEST
HIGHLANDS
This one-day, family-friendly musical event is organized by The Center for Life Enrichment, with support from Visit Highlands NC/The Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Performances take place all over town. For more information, call 828-526-8811.
HIGHLANDS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Bands are scheduled every Friday at the Town Square and Saturdays in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from May through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
SATULAH-BRATION
HIGHLANDS
Honoring the first property conserved by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust, this hike up Satulah Mountain is usually complemented by a chili cookoff. For more information, call 828-526-1111.
VILLAGE NATURE SERIES FROM APR i L through SEPTEMBER CASHIERS
Sponsored by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and The Village Green, this wildlife lecture series takes place from April through September. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
Oct
ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL SAPPHIRE
This event features local, handmade mountain crafts, art, music, jewelry, and kids’ activities. For more information, call 828-743-2251.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS CASHIERS
A tradition begun by the Church of the Good Shepherd, this event at The Village Green includes music, a donation collection, and prayer, with each animal receiving a special blessing. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
CASHIERS VALLEY LEAF FESTIVAL CASHIERS
This popular and free event draws around 100 artisans and merchants to The Village Green in the fall. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
DOWNTOWN TRICK-ORTREAT HIGHLANDS
Children and adults alike find Halloween fun in downtown Highlands. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
EMPTY BOWLS CASHIERS
An international grassroots effort to fight hunger organized locally by Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, Empty Bowls offers a handcrafted pottery dish to each supporter. For more information, call 828-743-4931.
EMPTY BOWLS HIGHLANDS
Hosted by the International Friendship Center to raise funds for their Food Pantry program, this event aims to end hunger in the community. Each supporter receives a ceramic bowl from The Bascom. For more information, call 828-526-0890.
FRIDAY NIGHT
DINNER & MUSIC
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
LAKE TOXAWAY
Live music is featured during the high season after dinner is served at Lake Toxaway Community Center. For more information, call 828-966-4060.
GOBLINS IN THE GREEN CASHIERS
A frightfully fun, family-friendly Halloween event, this event is sponsored by The Village Green, in partnership with Jackson County Parks & Recreation and the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
THE GREEN MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
CASHIERS
Held Wednesday afternoons from April through October at The Village Green, this market features products by local producers. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
FROM APR i L through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Held in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturday mornings, the market runs April through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
HIGHLANDS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
FROM MAY through OCTOBER
HIGHLANDS
Bands are scheduled every Friday at the Town Square and Saturdays in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from May through October. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
HALLOWEEN TRIVIA HIKE
HIGHLANDS
Ghosts and goblins are invited to unearth the secrets held by the historic Kelsey Trail, protected by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, through a self-guided trivia walk. The moderate hike is appropriate for all ages. For more information, call 828-526-1111.
THE KELSEY TRAIL HIKE
HIGHLANDS
A biennial event, this hike is organized by the Highlands Plateau Greenway. The 4.5mile guided hike begins at Whiteside Mountain and ends on Fifth St. in Highlands, with stops at landmarks along the way. For more information, call 828-526-1111.
PUTTS FORE PAWS
HIGHLANDS
A golf tournament to benefit the shelter pets at the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society, this event began in 2021, when it was held at Cullasaja Club. For more information, call 828-743-5752.
Nov
CASHIERS FESTIVAL OF TREES
CASHIERS
Benefitting the Summit Charter School Foundation, the Cashiers Festival of Trees is a multi-day event featuring decorated trees, wreaths, décor items, children’s crafts, holiday performances, and other shopping opportunities and activities. For more information, call 828-743-5755.
CASHIERS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING & CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN CELEBRATION
CASHIERS
This annual celebration brings the community to The Village Green as it becomes a winter wonderland.
The fun kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving weekend. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
CHRISTMAS AT COLONEL
JOHN’S CABIN CASHIERS
Enjoy a taste of Christmas past at this seasonal event held on the campus of the Cashiers Historical Society. Read a story by the fireplace, make a craft, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy Christmas treats. For more information, call 828-743-7710.
GOBBLE ON THE GREEN RUN/WALK CASHIERS
Held Thanksgiving morning, this “turkey trot” at The Village Green offers a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fun run. Awards and prizes are given, and all proceeds benefit The Village Green. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HIGHLANDS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
HIGHLANDS
This multi-day Highlands tradition features cuisine, wine, and music.
LIGHT UP THE PARK HIGHLANDS
Traditionally, Highlands lights its trees on the Saturday evening after Thanksgiving, kicking off more than a month of holiday fun in and around KelseyHutchinson Founders Park. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
MISTLETOE MARKET CASHIERS
This special artisan gift market takes place in Commons Hall at The Village Green. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
SANTA ON THE GREEN CASHIERS
Children of all ages are invited to come to The Village Green and share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
TREE LIGHTING & SANTA IN HIGHLANDS
HIGHLANDS
Presented by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, this event brings joy to all ages. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
TRIM OUR TOWN HIGHLANDS
Downtown Highlands hosts a storefront decorating contest to kick off the holiday season. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
Dec
CASHIERS CHRISTMAS PARADE CASHIERS
This annual event brings together the Village of Cashiers for a traditional holiday parade. For more information, call 828-743-5191.
HANDS CHRISTMAS DINNER
HIGHLANDS
This Highlands Area Non-Profit Donation Sharing fundraising event provides a festival meal for all of its patrons. For more information, call 828-526-9419.
HIGHLANDS OLDE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS PARADE
HIGHLANDS
Highlands turns up the smalltown charm for this Main Street tradition. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
HIGHLANDS
Part of a national movement to honor the sacrifices of veterans, this ceremony is held at Highlands Memorial Park.
word S by nc living S taff writer photography by andrew renfro, courte S y of the highland Sca S hier S land tru S t
In the present day, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau serves as a vacation destination for those seeking cool mountain air, prestigious golf courses, fine dining, and charming shops. While perhaps not the busiest or most bustling spot in the Southeast, the area enjoys enthusiastic popularity among those who know and love it. In recent years, our mountain towns have experienced an influx of new residents along with a consequential boom in the real estate market. But it all started with our most valuable resource: the land.
Our high elevation in the Southern Appalachian Mountains provides spectacular scenery and mild summer temperatures, but the extraordinary terrain also serves as an oasis of unique flora and fauna within the region. Along with full-time locals, part-time residents, and weekend vacationers, over 250 geographically unique plant and animal species have made their homes on the Plateau and the surrounding Nantahala Forest. The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust seeks to conserve and protect that environment for us, all while providing valuable benefits to homeowners and landowners who invest in the area.
After 17 years of faithful service, former Executive Director Dr. Gary Wein handed the reins of the organization to Lance Hardin in June of 2023. Here, Lance shares the history of the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust, his personal experience with the Trust, and an overview of conservation practices and gives a sneak peek at upcoming activities planned for the new year.
HOW DID THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS LAND TRUST COME TO BE A PRESENCE ON THE PLATEAU?
“Back in the 1880s, the Highlands Improvement Association launched efforts at attracting more permanent residents to town. Back then, it was simple things like planting flowers in window boxes and installing benches on Main Street, which was still a dirt road. Before long, Captain Prioleau Ravenel, one of the primary landowners at that time, laid a road up Satulah Mountain, and people were building homes up there. By 1909, rumors of a planned hotel venture on top of the mountain swirled around town.
“The Highlands Improvement Association objected to the idea of a highly visible hotel on top of Satulah, and apparently, many of the townspeople agreed with them. Within a span of two months, they had raised five hundred dollars, which of course, was a small fortune back then. The organization purchased the top of Satulah Mountain and placed it into a trust to be preserved in its natural state. Even though the name of our organization has now changed to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, that property remains the oldest in our care to this day.
“Sunset Rock, donated by the Ravenel family, became the next property added to the group’s protection in 1914. Those were the only two properties preserved by our organization until the 1970s when tax laws began to change. At that point, conservation easements became more impactful tax planning tools and began to grow in popularity. The organization began to grow as more landowners utilized the tax benefits of conservation easements, and in 1987, we formed the Highlands Land Trust. Some years later, we expanded into Cashiers and became the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust of
today. Despite the name changes throughout the years, we’re actually the oldest land trust in North Carolina.
“Today, we conserve over 4,000 acres on 130 separate properties in Macon and southern Jackson counties.”
HOW DID YOU END UP AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS LAND TRUST?
“I spent 25 years as a financial consultant, and for some of that time, I was able to work remotely, before remote work became so common. From about 2006 to 2008, my wife and I lived in Highlands while I worked remotely for a company in Raleigh. So I was familiar with the area and even owned a house here. But after 2008, my company asked me to return to Raleigh. We kept the home as a weekend retreat and moved back to the capital, but we were eager to
get back here at some point. No question about it, I prefer the pace of life of Highlands and Cashiers to big-city life any day!
“I had always been fascinated by the culture and history of Western North Carolina, so about eight years ago, I went back to school to seek a master’s degree in Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University in Boone. At that time, I reached out to Gary Wein and asked if I could help out as an intern. I conducted research on some of our properties and helped with various activities for the Trust.
“When Gary announced that he was retiring, there was some healthy competition for the job. But several people suggested I should apply for it too, and luckily, the board chose me. I feel blessed to be in this role!”
WHAT EXACTLY IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT, AND WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT PROVIDE THE LANDOWNER?
“Under a conservation easement, a person still owns their land. But they donate the development rights to build on that land, and in exchange, they can earn valuable tax benefits. And once under a conservation easement, no one can ever build on the land.
“For example, a landowner might construct a house on 20 acres in Highlands. They enjoy their 20 acres of wooded property and don’t have any desire to see that cleared or to ever experience construction at their doorstep. However, they would have no say in the matter when the property changes hands, either through inheritance or a sale. But when they donate a conservation easement on some of that acreage to us, they
know it’s protected forever. And in return, they may earn a tax deduction that helps them.
“When considering a conservation easement, the landowner will seek an appraisal of the land, which would consider the value of the acreage if it were developed into a subdivision versus being left in a natural state. After placing their land into the easement, the owner can typically claim a federal tax benefit based on the difference between these two appraised values. Of course, each individual’s tax situation is different, and we always advise landowners to seek their own competent advisors.
“The deduction for conservation easements may often provide more value than a standard charitable deduction. That’s because if the value of the donated easement exceeds the usual annual charitable deduction limits, the remaining balance of a conservation easement deduction has a special carryforward period of up to 15 years. Therefore, a one-time donation of land rights to the Trust can potentially reduce the landowner’s taxable income for many years in the future.
“But another benefit simply lies in the lifestyle. Many people appreciate living next to a conservation easement. They would rather enjoy the unspoiled forest, along with the privacy and tranquility it provides. They still own the land, and they can continue to hike on it and enjoy it as-is. They’ve just donated the building rights to us, with the knowledge that under North Carolina statute, no one will ever be able to build on land within a conservation easement.
“We often joke that easements breed easements, because once people learn about the benefits of the arrangement from their neighbor, they often consider placing a conservation easement on their land, too.”
WHAT IF A LANDOWNER DOESN’T WANT TO PURSUE THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ARRANGEMENT? CAN THEY SIMPLY DONATE LAND TO YOU OUTRIGHT?
“Yes, some landowners prefer to simply donate land to us outright, utilizing the standard charitable contribution deduction. If it’s unable to be fully used in the year of the donation, it has a carry-forward period as well, although it’s shorter than that allowed for donations of conservation easements. There are some unbelievably generous people in Cashiers and Highlands, and
donations of land happen more often than you might think.”
OTHER
THAN THE TAX
DEDUCTION,
ARE THERE ANY OTHER BENEFITS TO A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?
“For many landowners, this arrangement comes in handy because, under the easement, we become responsible for stewardship of the land. That means we go
out to check on it periodically, make sure no one is dumping trash or cutting trees, and ensure that no one is illegally accessing or using the land and that the land is being maintained in accordance with the terms of the conservation easement. Many landowners feel safer this way, particularly those who don’t live here full-time, knowing that the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will help them monitor their property and preserve its natural attributes.”
HOW
DO YOU MAINTAIN 4,000 ACRES OF LAND?
“Stewardship of the land is one of our central purposes and, in fact, is an obligation under our conservation easement agreements. We go out to each property at least once a year, and we accomplish that with both paid staff and some volunteer help. Stephanie Contreras serves as our full-time stewardship associate, and Andrew Renfro works part-time in stewardship and also with me in acquisition.”
ASIDE FROM CONSERVING LAND, THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS LAND TRUST IS PRETTY VISIBLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR OTHER ACTIVITIES?
“Our organization encompasses four main priorities, with conservation and stewardship of land being the first two. As for the third, we conduct a number of environmental education activities, helping everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents learn about the Plateau and the incredible biodiversity of plants and animals that inhabit it. Most people don’t know this, but our area is home to over 250 species that are endemic, meaning they exist here and nowhere else in the world. They’re specially adapted and evolved to survive in this particular environment and nowhere else.
“Hope Corbin, our environmental education coordinator, organizes events such as group hikes, trivia nights, and a summer lecture series at the Village Green. Jessica Blackburn, our current Americorps member, conducts our children’s programs with the local schools, after-school programs, and the Boys & Girls Club.
“So many people are attracted to this area because it’s beautiful, but we help to explain what’s truly special about the natural resources. Advocacy for our local environment begins with
learning about it. Planting those seeds today helps to ensure the success of our organization tomorrow.”
RUNNING AN ORGANIZATION LIKE THIS IS CLEARLY A COMPLEX JOB. WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS RIGHT NOW AND GOING FORWARD?
“Our fourth priority pertains to the legal and financial obligations that we face. Part of any organization is the governance. There are approximately 1,700 land trusts across the country, but only about 500 are fully accredited. The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is one of those that maintains full accreditation. A large part of the accreditation process revolves around ensuring that the organization reserves enough funds for things like legal or environmental challenges to the land. We also have to demonstrate that we have the processes and procedures to provide adequate safeguards for the protection of conserved lands. We are currently in the process of re-accreditation, which occurs every five years.
“Julie Schott oversees outreach to our donors and members, from land acquisition to fundraising events. Anyone who wants to help us preserve our local resources and support the efforts of the Land Trust is welcome to reach out to her or to me personally.”
While a number of man-made amenities draw visitors, seasonal residents, and full-time dwellers to the area, it’s the natural resources that provided the original backdrop for our stunning developments here on the Plateau. Vacationers flock here for the mild climate and relaxed pace of life, but they often decide to return frequently or even stay permanently because they find themselves in awe of the beauty of our mountains.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is fortunate to host an organization that seeks to conserve, protect, and educate the public on our abundant natural resources. The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust fulfills an important role in our community and will continue to provide this invaluable service for generations to come. Lance Hardin and his team express passionate dedication to our land, and they welcome your interaction and support in 2024 and beyond.
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is located at 348 S. Fifth St. Suite 214, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1111 or visit hcltnc.org
HELPING HANDS
Generosity — and the need for it — abounds on the Plateau. Whether you’re looking for help or a way to give your time, talent, and treasure, these community and nonprofit organizations are standing by.
ANIMAL WELFARE
CASH i ERS H i GHLANDS HUMANE SOC i ETY
Established in 1987, the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society (CHHS) has rescued, provided compassionate care, and found forever homes for thousands of abandoned and neglected animals. CHHS is a not-for-profit, nokill animal shelter.
Cashiers Highlands Humane Society is located at 200 Gable Drive, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5752.
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BREVARD/TRANSYLVAN i A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND V i S i TORS CENTER
Surrounded by gorgeous public lands in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this organization promotes Transylvania County as an exceptional place to live, work, or visit.
Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is located at 175 E. Main Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-883-3700.
CASH i ERS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND V i S i TOR CENTER
Founded in 1982, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce provides leadership, acts as a business advocate, and serves as an information source and conduit for building destination awareness and responsible growth. Area guides, maps, and brochures are always available on its covered front porch.
Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located at 202 Highway 64, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5191.
H i GHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND WELCOME CENTER
The voice of business since 1931, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce is located at The Marchant-Parker-Davis-Patterson House at the corner of 1st and Main Streets. The Chamber
and Welcome Center offers a full slate of membership services and manages tourism events. It provides visitors with brochures, maps, reservations, and advice.
Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center is located at 108 Main Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2112.
JACKSON
COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND V i S i TOR CENTER
Headquartered in the historic Hooper House in downtown Sylva, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center promotes a prosperous and diverse business community that compliments the region’s natural beauty. This engaged and active center provides exemplary guest services for new residents, members, and visitors.
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located at 773 W. Main Street, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-2155.
JACKSON COUNTY TOUR i SM DEVELOPMENT AUTHOR i TY
Established in 2013 by the North Carolina General Assembly, the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority promotes year-round tourism opportunities that benefit the local economy. It helps employ people, grow jobs, build community, and make the county and its towns a vibrant place to live, play, and work.
Jackson County Tourism Development Authority is located at 98 Cope Creek Road, Suite D, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-339-1160.
THE PEGGY CROSBY CENTER
Since the 1990s, this nonprofit organization and campus has nurtured and encouraged community service in the Highlands area.
The Peggy Crosby Center is located at 348 South Fifth St., Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9938.
ROTARY CLUB OF CASH i ERS VALLEY
A chartered chapter of Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley is comprised of members devoted to, among other things, providing service to others in their own backyards. It holds weekly meetings and monthly socials.
Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley’s weekly meetings are held at the Cashiers United Methodist Church, located at 894 Highway 107 S in Cashiers, NC.
ROTARY CLUB OF H i GHLANDS
Chartered in 1945 and adhering to the Rotary International motto of “service above self,” the Rotary Club of Highlands meets weekly for fellowship to exchange ideas, hear speakers, and receive updates on its projects and events. Each year, among other projects, it organizes a golf tournament — usually held in May — and a 5K run around July Fourth.
The Rotary Club of Highlands’ weekly meetings are held at the Highlands Community Center at 869 Poplar Street, Highlands, NC.
ROTARY CLUB OF H i GHLANDS-MOUNTA i NTOP
Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands is a small, friendly Rotary International chapter that regularly meets for fellowship and programs. It supports local charities and other area clubs to make a difference in the lives of neighbors — in Highlands and around the world.
The Rotary Club of Highlands-Mountaintop’s weekly meetings are held at the Highlands Community Center at 869 N. Fourth St. Highlands, NC.
THROUGH THE TREES i NTERNET ACCESS
Through the Trees assists community members in Transylvania County in obtaining internet access in homes or businesses through rural broadband expansion and hot spot deployment.
Through The Trees Internet Access is located at 470 Asheville Highway, Suite B, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-351-3972.
V i S i ON CASH i ERS
Recognizing that change is inevitable, Vision Cashiers promotes policies and actions that retail the look, feel, and scale of Cashiers’ village environment. It guides appropriate development through a planning process that is thoughtful, transparent, and open to public participation.
SILVER CREEK BROKER, BAMBI FAMOUS KAINE, VOLUNTEERING AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB IN CASHIERS, NC
TRAIL MARKER ON THE CASHIERS GREENWAY RAMBLE IN CASHIERS, NC
AFTER
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
AWAKE CH i LDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER
A nonprofit organization, AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center coordinates, and advocates for services for abused children in Jackson County. It works to educate the community to recognize the signs of child abuse and help them understand the importance of reporting abuse.
Awake Children’s Advocacy Center is located at 20 Colonial Square, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-3574.
B i G BROTHERS B i G S i STERS OF CASH i ERS AND H i GHLANDS
Offering a mentorship program for ages six through 15, this organization aims to create lasting, impactful friendships. It works to ensure every child has an enjoyable, long-term relationship with a caring adult who believes in them and sees their potential. It is affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
For more information, call 828-399-9133.
BOYS & G i RLS CLUB OF THE PLATEAU
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau is an afterschool program open five days per week for students in Southern Jackson County. Families have access to countless opportunities and programs, including those for teens.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau is located at 558 Frank Allen Road, Box 1812, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2775.
THE CH i LDREN’S CENTER OF TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
This center coordinates a multidisciplinary approach for services for children who are at risk of, or victims of, neglect and abuse in Transylvania County.
The Children’s Center of Transylvania County is located at 95 S. Johnson Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-885-7286.
THE FAM i LY PLACE
With two locations in Transylvania County, The Family Place strengthens families and helps build resiliency through support, education, and community building.
The Family Place is located at 88 Chestnut Street, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-884-6273.
SHOP W i TH A COP
This effort connects resources with children in need during the Christmas season. Led by the Highlands Police Department, the effort results in gift cards for children to spend on themselves and others.
Shop With A Cop is held at the Highlands Police Department at 310 Oak Street, Highlands, NC For more information, call 828-526-9431.
EDUCATION
BLUE R i DGE SCHOOL
EDUCAT i ON FOUNDAT i ON
Founded in 2002, the Blue Ridge School Education Foundation provides Blue Ridge School and Blue Ridge Early College with programs and technology not ordinarily available through the school system. Each year, funds are raised through a popular special event, the Nashville Songwriters’ Round, to benefit the foundation.
Blue Ridge School Education Foundation can be reached at P.O. Box 803, Cashiers, NC.
CASH i ERS VALLEY PRESCHOOL
A nonprofit organization, Cashiers Valley Preschool offers a full curriculum to prepare threeand four-year-old children for kindergarten.
Cashiers Valley Preschool is located at 180 Cashiers School Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-4320.
HAMPTON PRESCHOOL AND EARLY LEARN i NG CENTER
Serving children aged 12 months to five years, the Hampton Preschool and Early Learning Center follows guidelines by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
A nonprofit organization, it also offers an afterschool program for children aged five to 12 during the school year.
Hampton Preschool and Early Learning Center is located at 20 Community Place, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3056.
H i GHLANDS COMMUN i TY CH i LD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Located in downtown Highlands, this child development center opened more than 40 years ago and relies upon contributions.
Highlands Community Child Development Center is located at 89 Church Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-8905.
THE L i TERACY & LEARN i NG CENTER
The Literacy & Learning Center enriches lives and expands the knowledge of children, adults, and families in Macon County through diverse educational programs, including after-school enrichment and homework programs that serve K-12 students and individual tutoring.
The Literacy & Learning Center is located at 675 S. Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-0863.
THE L i TERACY COUNC i L OF CASH i ERS
The Literacy Council of Cashiers focuses its efforts on supporting and promoting emergent literacy
throughout the Cashiers community, from birth through adulthood. It also provides tutoring services and distributes books — all free of charge.
For more information, call 828-743-0215.
THE P i SGAH ASTRONOM i CAL RESEARCH i NST i TUTE
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute is a nonprofit public foundation dedicated to providing research and educational access to radio and optical astronomy for a broad cross-section of users. Pre-college through postgraduate students can work and learn with fulltime and visiting astronomers. Additional access is provided remotely through their Internet site resource and the StarLab planetarium to grades K-12 and the public.
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute is located at 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-862-5554.
SUMM i T CHARTER SCHOOL FOUNDAT i ON
As a public charter school, Summit Charter School relies on private funding through this foundation to support its students, faculty, staff, and facilities.
Summit Charter School Foundation is located at 370 Mitten Lane, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5755.
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY SCHOOLS EDUCAT i ONAL FOUNDAT i ON
Established in 1989, the Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation promotes, develops, and encourages public and private support of the county’s public schools.
Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation is located at 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-513-0389.
TRANSYLVAN i A VOCAT i ONAL SERV i CES
Transylvania Vocational Services is a thriving, nonprofit social enterprise that provides quality employment, job training, and residential and community services to individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment.
Transylvania Vocational Services is located at 11 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3195.
ALBERT CARLTON CASHIERS COMMUNITY LIBRARY IN CASHIERS, NC
NATURE & THE ENVIRONMENT
FR i ENDS OF LAKE GLENV i LLE
Preserve. Protect. Educate. The Friends of Lake Glenville are impassioned advocates who work to ensure the continued beauty, integrity, safety, and survival of the lake. This not-for-profit association welcomes residents, property owners, businesses, and concerned individuals to support its focus on water quality, lake ecology, environment, cleanup, and boating safety.
H i GHLANDS B i OLOG i CAL FOUNDAT i ON
The Highlands Biological Foundation supports the Highlands Biological Station through funding for educational programming, scholarships, research, and daily operations. It also supports the outreach missions of the Highlands Nature Center and Botanical Garden.
Highlands Biological Foundation is located at 265 N. Sixth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2221.
H
i GHLANDS-CASH
i ERS LAND TRUST
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is the oldest land trust in North Carolina and among the first 20 in the United States. It conserves forests, wetlands, and vistas on the Plateau, home to the greatest number of rare and endemic plants and animals in the Southern Appalachians.
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is located at 348 S. Fifth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1111.
H i GHLANDS PLATEAU AUDUBON SOC i ETY
The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society provides opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and promotes conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them. A chapter of the National Audubon Society, it serves Highlands, Cashiers, Franklin,
THE V i LLAGE GREEN
As a nonprofit organization that does not receive government funding, The Village Green depends on the generosity of donors and volunteers. Contributions help maintain, enhance, and improve the 13.2-acre park, maintaining and operating it for public enjoyment.
The Village Green is located at 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3434.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
BREAD OF L i FE
Bread of Life free community kitchen provides nutritious meals in a safe, secure environment and shares food with those in need in Transylvania County. It also works with partners and refers those who need additional support to local social service organizations.
Bread of Life is located at 238 S. Caldwell Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-877-3577.
CASH i ERS CARES
With the motto, “Neighbor Helping Neighbor,” Cashiers Cares is a community-based organization that raises funds and awareness for select charitable organizations that serve the residents of the Cashiers and southern Jackson
HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION IN HIGHLANDS, NC
County area — from the beginning to end-stages of life. Collaborating with donors, volunteers, and area churches, it distributes funds to a variety of local organizations each year. With the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, it also provides a free lunch following the Cashiers Christmas Parade.
For more information, call 828-743-7158.
CARPE D i EM FARMS
A nonprofit organization located on 44 acres 8 miles outside of Highlands, Carpe Diem is a life enrichment center that offers summer camps, after-school programs, horseback riding lessons, a labyrinth, and more. It specializes in “exploring the human potential through equines.”
Carpe Diem Farms is located at 544 Western Rhodes Drive, Highlands, NC.
CENTER FOR DOMEST i C PEACE
Center for Domestic Peace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focusing on ending interpersonal violence in Jackson County through a holistic, community-driven approach. “Everyone has a right to be treated with dignity: we honor, respect, and value multiculturalism and diversity.”
For more information, call 828-586-1237 or call 911 and request the on-call advocate from Center for Domestic Peace.
COMMUN i TY CARE CL i N i C OF H i GHLANDS-CASH i ERS
With free services to those who qualify, the Community Care Clinic provides primary healthcare services to children and adults. Its staff is comprised primarily of physicians, registered nurses, administrative support/clerical staff, and interpreters who volunteer their time and efforts.
Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers is located at 52 Aunt Dora Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1991.
COUNSEL i NG AND PSYCHOTHERAPY CENTER OF H i GHLANDS
Located in the Peggy Crosby Center, the Counseling and Psychotherapy Center of Highlands offers individual, marital, family, child, and group counseling, drawing upon the insights, principles, and practices of modern psychology. Services are provided with fees based on a sliding scale based on family resources and circumstances.
Counseling and Psychotherapy Center of Highlands is located at 348 S. Fifth St. Suite 203, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 864-481-0598.
F i SHES & LOAVES FOOD PANTRY
Established in 2005 by six Cashiers-area churches, Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry helps alleviate hunger and food insecurity in the area by gathering and distributing food to all in need through a team of volunteers.
Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry is located at 543 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1401.
FOUR SEASONS
As the region’s largest independent nonprofit provider of end-of-life care, Four Seasons provides the highest quality of care to patients and families in 13 counties, including Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania. Its Four Seasons Foundation raises funds for patient services.
Four Seasons is located at 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC. For more information, call 866-466-9734.
GOD’S WAY FOOD PANTRY
A ministry of God’s Way Fellowship, this food pantry supports the residents surrounding Balsam Grove in Transylvania County. It also works to encourage self-sustaining abilities for food security.
God’s Way Food Pantry is located at 525 Tanasee Gap Road, Balsam Grove, NC.
THE HAVEN OF TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
The Haven Thomas House is an 18-bed overnight shelter to temporarily house homeless men and women. The Haven Family House is a fivebedroom house renovated to provide a safe and secure home for families in crisis.
The Haven of Transylvania County is located at 240 S. Caldwell Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-877-2040.
H
i GHLANDS EMERGENCY COUNC i L
Highlands Emergency Council helps low-income individuals and families who are in urgent need of support, such as food, clothing, household goods, appliances, utilities, and fuel.
Highlands Emergency Council is located at 71 Poplar Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4357.
H i GHLANDS FOOD PANTRY
In partnership with the Highlands United Methodist Church and MANNA FoodBank, the Highlands Food Pantry provides food assistance to residents of Highlands and the surrounding communities. It is a program of the International Friendship Center in Highlands.
Highlands Food Pantry is located at 350 Spring Street, Highlands, NC For more information, call 828-526-0890.
H i GHLANDS CASH i ERS HEALTH FOUNDAT i ON
This foundation works to lift the health and wellbeing of Highlands, Cashiers, and the surrounding communities. It engages in collaborative partnerships and focuses on specific areas for grant funding.
Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is located at 348 S. Fifth St. Suite 221, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-482-6510.
THE HUNGER COAL i T i ON OF TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
This coalition aims to strengthen the existing food distribution network, engage additional resources to combat hunger, and increase access to healthier food options.
For more information, call 828-577-3795.
i NTERNAT i ONAL FR i ENDSH i P CENTER
Serving individuals and families who live or work in the Highlands, Franklin, and Cashiers areas, the International Friendship Center is committed to the area’s underserved international population. It facilitates services that bridge the gap between struggle and self-sufficiency for people in hardship. The center assists those in need of access to human and social services — including food, medical, legal, interpretation, and transportation
KELSEY-HUTCHINSON FOUNDERS PARK IN HIGHLANDS, NC
— and promotes assimilation of the population into mainstream Western North Carolina and American society.
International Friendship Center is located at 348 S. Fifth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-0890.
MER
i D i AN BEHAV i ORAL HEALTH SERV i CES
Meridian Behavioral Health Services provides an array of recovery-oriented and outcome-driven behavioral health care to adults and children in Western North Carolina, including those in Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania counties. Meridian’s staff are professionals who demonstrate passion and a commitment to service.
Meridian Behavioral Health Services is located at 44 Bonnie Lane, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-631-3973.
THE MOUNTA i N RETREAT AND LEARN i NG CENTER
An ecologically conscious, nonprofit camp, retreat, and conference location, The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center was established in 1979 by a group of friends and Unitarian Universalists from across the southeast. It offers dining, lodging, and meeting space for its own events as well as those hosted by third-party organizations. In the summer, it offers MountainCamp to children from first through 12th grade.
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is located at 3872 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-5838.
P i SGAH LEGAL SERV i CES
With an office in Highlands, Pisgah Legal Services provides an array of free civil legal services in 11 Western North Carolina counties — including Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania — and offers immigration law services in 18 counties. It seeks to pursue justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people meet their basic needs and improve their lives.
Pisgah Legal Services is located at 209 Hospital Drive, Suite 203, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 800-489-6144 or 828-210-3424.
R.E.A.C.H.
R.E.A.C.H. is an acronym for resources, education, assistance, counseling, and housing. It works to eradicate domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse crimes in Macon County.
For more information, call 828-3695544 or call 911 and ask for a R.E.A.C.H. advocate. Phones without minutes can still call 911.
SAFE OF TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
SAFE works to eliminate domestic and sexual abuse in Transylvania County through support, prevention, and outreach. It provides a safe space and advocates for victims while connecting them to services.
SAFE of Transylvania County is located at 515 N. Broad Street, Brevard, NC For more information, call 828-885-7233.
SHAR i NG HOUSE TRANSYLVAN i A CHR i ST i AN M i N i STRY
Sharing House is a source of compassion and crisis assistance for low-income residents in Transylvania County. It offers food, clothing, rent and utility assistance, household goods, camping equipment, hot showers, and a safe place for social interaction. It also offers programs to encourage self-reliance.
Sharing House Transylvania Christian Ministry is located at 164 Duckworth Avenue, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-2866,
TRANSYLVAN i A HAB i TAT FOR HUMAN i TY
A faith-based organization, Habitat for Humanity builds and sells new houses to qualified families at no profit. Their mortgage payments help support building more homes. Founded in 1984, the organization is an affiliate of Habitat International.
Transylvania Habitat for Humanity is located at 692 Ecusta Road, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3464.
EDUCATION
From pre-kindergarten through grade 12, public to private, the Plateau offers quality schools to suit the needs of every child. Additionally, the area is known for its remarkable summer and educational camps. For adults seeking to learn a new skill or just stay sharp and active, a variety of learning opportunities await.
PRE-K THROUGH 12 TH GRADE
BLUE R i DGE PRE-K HEAD START
Blue Ridge Pre-K Head Start is located at 95 Bobcat Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1963.
BLUE R i DGE SCHOOL
Blue Ridge School is located at 95 Bobcat Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2646.
BLUE R i DGE EARLY COLLEGE
Blue Ridge Early College is located at 95 Bobcat Drive, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2646.
CASH i ERS VALLEY PRESCHOOL
Cashiers Valley Preschool is located at 180 Cashiers School Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-4320.
HAMPTON PRESCHOOL AND EARLY LEARN i NG CENTER
Hampton Preschool and Early Learning Center is located at 20 Community Place, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3056.
H i GHLANDS COMMUN i TY CH i LD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Highlands Community Child Development Center is located at 89 Church Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-8905.
H i GHLANDS SCHOOL
Highlands School is located at 545 Pierson Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2147.
JACKSON COUNTY EARLY COLLEGE
Jackson County Early College is located at 404 College Drive, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-354-0343.
JACKSON COUNTY PUBL i C SCHOOLS
Jackson County Public Schools is located at 398 Hospital Road, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-2311.
MACON COUNTY PUBL i C SCHOOLS
Macon County Public Schools is located at 1202 Old Murphy Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-524-3314.
NEW ADVENTURE LEARN i NG CENTER (PRE-K)
New Adventure Learning Center (Pre-K) is located at 260 S. Gaston Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3232.
RABUN GAP — NACOOCHEE SCHOOL
Rabun Gap — Nacoochee School is located at 339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap, GA For more information, call 706-746-7467.
ROSMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Rosman Elementary School is located at 167 Rosman School Road, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-862-4431.
ROSMAN M i DDLE SCHOOL
Rosman Middle School is located at 2770 Old Rosman Highway, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-862-4286.
ROSMAN H i GH SCHOOL
Rosman High School is located at 749 Pickens Highway, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-862-4284.
SMOKY MOUNTA i N H i GH SCHOOL
Smoky Mountain High School is located at 100 Smoky Mountain Drive, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-2177.
BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL IN CASHIERS, NC
SUMM i T CHARTER SCHOOL
Summit Charter School is located at 370 Mitten Lane, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5755.
T.C. HENDERSON SCHOOL OF SC i ENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
T.C. Henderson School of Science and Technology is located at 11839 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-862-4463.
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
PUBL
i C SCHOOLS
Transylvania County Public Schools is located at 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-6173.
HIGHER EDUCATION
BREVARD COLLEGE
Brevard College is a private coeducational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. With a focus on experiential teaching and learning, it offers a safe and comfortable learning environment on a 120-acre campus in downtown Brevard for more than 750 students.
Brevard College is located at One Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-641-0641.
SOUTHWESTERN COMMUN i TY COLLEGE
With four locations, Southwestern Community College is a top-ranked public two-year postsecondary educational institution that primarily serves the Jackson, Macon, and Swain County areas. It received the top spot in BestColleges.com’s listing of The Best Community College & Trade Schools of 2020.
Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus is located at 447 College Drive, Sylva, NC. To reach the Jackson Campus, call 828339-4000. Southwestern Community College’s Macon Campus is located at 44 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, NC. To reach the Macon Campus, call 828-306-7001.
WESTERN CAROL i NA UN i VERS i TY
Recognized as a top adventure college, this public four-year regional comprehensive university offers residential, hybrid, and online programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Western Carolina University is located at 110 H.F. Robinson, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. For more information, call 828-227-7211.
SUMMIT CHARTER SCHOOL IN CASHIERS, NC
THOMAS WOLFE IN 1937 BY CARL VAN VECHTEN
THE LITERARY HISTORY OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
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North Carolina’s mountains are wellknown for pristine lakes, world-class golf courses, and scenic hiking trails. But less visible is the rich literary underbelly known to the lucky readers among us.
Perhaps it’s the isolation of life in the mountains or the spirit of hundreds and hundreds of ancestors and their stories that seem to come alive in the quiet of the woods. Whatever the source, the mountains of North Carolina abound in literary history.
Thomas Wolfe, arguably the most famous of North Carolina writers, grew up in Asheville as the son of a stonecutter before beginning his writer’s life in New York City. The locals knew him to be an able wordsmith — he had, after all, edited the Daily Tar Heel, University of North Carolina’s student paper. But when Look Homeward, Angel was released to enthusiastic reviews and sales, it caused an uproar in the town, as apparently some of the characters in the bestseller seemed all too familiar. Wolfe called the town “Altamont” and says in the book, “The mountains were his masters. They rimmed in life. They were his absolute unity in the midst of eternal change.”
Those mountains, of course, have been the setting for countless significant events in our country’s history, most notably the Civil War and the institution of the Trail of Tears, by which Native Americans were banished to Oklahoma.
Charles Frazier’s award-winning fiction is firmly planted in the local mountains. Did you realize there really is a Cold Mountain for which his novel Cold Mountain is named? Just southwest of Asheville, the 6,000-foot peak is the tallest in the wilderness area and was the home of the protagonist Inman’s wife, to whom he struggles to return after serving in the Confederate Army. Inman’s character is based on stories handed down — in true mountain tradition — by Frazier’s father about his great-granduncle named Inman.
His second novel, Thirteen Moons, is also set in the North Carolina mountains and tells the story of a man’s experience with the Cherokees during their removal from the area.
Kaye Gibbons, who grew up in rural North Carolina, is a prolific contemporary writer, mostly about complex women with layered emotions. She draws on her hardscrabble upbringing in Nash County, and many of her characters have similar struggles, especially as they attempt to push back against a restraining Southern culture. Her voice apparently rings true, as evidenced by her best-selling status, innumerable awards, and selection for Oprah’s Book Club.
Ron Rash, who has been hailed by The New York Times’ Janet Maslin as an “elegantly fine-tuned voice,” grew up in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and received a master’s degree from Clemson University. A former professor and part-time
resident of Sapphire Valley, Hallman Bryant, regrets that “Clemson let him get away.” It seems he applied for a teaching job there but was turned down because he didn’t have a doctorate but only an “ABT” (all but thesis). He concedes it was their loss and Western Carolina University’s gain, as Rash spent years on Western Carolina University’s faculty.
Rash went on to become a prolific novelist and short story writer. He is perhaps best known for his 2008 novel Serena, which was a finalist for the famed PEN/Faulkner award and was eventually made into a feature film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
Wiley Cash, who made his debut with A Land More Kind Than Home, has more recently published The Last Ballad, a critically acclaimed story of a single mother’s fight for rights in a North Carolina textile mill. Based on a true story, Cash, who has been called by Vanity Fair magazine “a charming North Carolinian,” illuminates a dark period in Appalachian history and breathes life into it through his rich, intriguing characters. He was the writer-in-residence at the University of North Carolina Asheville in 2018.
Perhaps it is the incomparable scenery that stirs the creative soul. Laura Lane McNeal sought solace in Cashiers, where her parents lived, following the 2005 upheaval of Hurricane Katrina in her hometown of New Orleans. The quiet winter in the mountains was a useful backdrop as she spent the time here writing Dollbaby, a Southern take on coming of age, which was published to enthusiastic reviews.
“I spent countless hours with my dog Max taking hikes in the fiercely beautiful landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” she says. “The gorges and waterfalls, the hidden streams, the fresh smell of cedar and hemlock, the way the earth and sky came alive after the rain, the ethereal sunsets that reminded me there would be light after the dark.”
Though she and her family did eventually rebuild in New Orleans, the mountains claimed them, and they now own property in the Cashiers area and spend some of the season here. And Laura has written two more novels following the bestseller success of her Cashiers-inspired debut.
Deanna Klingel is one of the more prolific writers to set up shop in these mountains. She didn’t seriously get down to fiction until she had raised seven children. Her stories, which she describes as being for the young and the young at heart, include Civil War historical fiction and another called BlueEyed Doll , which is based on a doll exchange that her elementary school class conducted with students in Japan at a time when there existed a deep mistrust of all things Japanese. Not surprisingly, she is a frequent guest at schools throughout the country, where her stories are enthusiastically received. “Maturity,” she says, “is a blessing when it comes to writing.”
CLOCKWiSE FROM TOP LEFT
GROVE PARK INN IN 1913 / F. SCOTT FITZGERALD IN 1921 / COLD MOUNTAIN IN THE SHINING ROCK
WILDERNESS AREA BY KEN THOMAS / THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL
But bestseller status is not required to take a stab at creative writing. That many local residents are inspired by the environs is supported by the popularity of the Highlands Writers Group, a collection of short story writers, memoirists, novelists, poets, and journalists who gather each Tuesday at the Bascom A Center for the Visual Arts to engage in writing exercises, readings, and critiques. Highlands has always beckoned writers to visit the area — Walker Percy, Cassandra King, Pat Conroy, and Sandra Brown are examples — and the local literary culture even spawned a Writers Group anthology.
Even if you’re just a passionate reader, you can indulge in a bit of literary sightseeing in this part of the world. Start in Asheville at the Thomas Wolfe House, located in downtown Asheville. It was actually a boarding house, run by Wolfe’s mother and the setting for Look Homeward, Angel. Built in 1883 in the Queen Anne style, the 29-room home is now a National Historic Landmark and offers visitors an introductory film and guided tour. Meticulously curated, with many of the furnishings from Wolfe’s time there, the museum even displays each holiday season a copy of his original handwritten letter to Santa Claus.
The Grove Park Inn, also in Asheville, has been the backdrop for lots of literary action. F. Scott Fitzgerald spent summers there in the 1930s, and each year on a weekend near his September birthday, the inn hosts an “F. Scott Fitzgerald Weekend” whereby visitors are taken on a tour of the author’s favored suite and treated to insights of noted literary critics. Sadly, Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda, died in a tragic fire at a nearby psychiatric hospital.
NOVELS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE:
“ The gorges and waterfalls, the hidden streams, the fresh smell of cedar and hemlock, the way the earth and sky came alive after the rain, the ethereal sunsets that reminded me there would be light after the dark.”
Another literary road trip could be made to Carl Sandburg’s farm in Flat Rock, near Hendersonville. Sandburg spent the last 22 years of his life in the bucolic setting where his wife was known for the cows she raised. Visitors may tour the farmhouse, visit the dairy barn where some descendants of Mrs. Sandburg’s herd reside, and hike over 5 miles of trails. In the summertime, visitors may enjoy live performances of Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories and other adaptations of his work at the farm’s amphitheater.
But perhaps the best place to celebrate the literary culture of these mountains is from your favorite chair on your private porch with a book in hand. Let everyone else rush to make their tee times!
Which begs the question: Have you had a chance yet to pick up Charles Frazier’s latest novel? Varina is the story of Jefferson Davis’ wife, and the reviews, so far, are excellent.
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is a native plant arboretum and research center dedicated to sustaining the natural ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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"I FEEL THIS HUGE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND HONOR TO BE A STEWARD OF LAND LIKE THIS. AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S A BIG DEAL IN CONSERVATION."
Kelly Holdbrooks, executive director, Southern Highlands Reserve
When we think about traversing the Appalachian Mountains, the famously challenging Appalachian Trail — “the A.T.” — or the Blue Ridge Parkway with its expansive views might come to mind. For some plants and trees, the journey was a bit different. Their seeds traveled south on the spine of the Appalachians, courtesy of melting glaciers. Today, these species are thriving at the Southern
Perched atop Toxaway Mountain (also known as Hogback Mountain to locals), the flora and fauna of the Southern Highlands Reserve resemble those found in botanical gardens in
“It’s sort of mind-blowing,” says Executive Director Kelly Holdbrooks. “The Southern Appalachian Mountains are 480 million years old, and the most recent Ice Age ended about 12,000 years ago. The glaciers came down to Pennsylvania. Our area was not glaciated, so this was the last place the species could live without going extinct, and when the glaciers receded, some stayed here because they could survive.”
The pinkshell azalea, for example, is an endemic species that grows within the SHR but in few places outside of the area. Even mammals, such as the Carolina northern flying squirrel, migrated, survived, and stayed.
“I feel this huge sense of responsibility and honor to be a steward of land like this,” Holdbrooks says. “At the end of the day, it’s a big deal in conservation.”
A boreal forest set between 4,200 and 4,700 feet in elevation and bordering Panthertown Valley, the SHR is a native plant arboretum and research center dedicated to sustaining the natural ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 501(c)(3) organization preserves, cultivates, and displays plants native to the region and advocates for their value through education, restoration, and research. The topography within its 120 acres varies, allowing for a large and diverse collection of plants.
But let’s back up (though not to the Ice Age this time). In 2003, Atlanta philanthropists and lifelong outdoor enthusiasts Betty and Robert Balentine finalized their partnership with the North American Land Trust to form SHR. With a deep love and connection to nature, the Balentines secured land
VASEYI POND AT SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS RESERVE
adjacent to their mountain home and protected it through a conservation easement to prevent development. (The land had been sited for up to 22 homes.) Their vision was not only to preserve the land but to make it accessible to all. A master plan created by acclaimed American landscape architect W. Gary Smith, who designed the interactive family garden at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, guided its development.
“We are a private garden, and I think what makes us unique is we are open to tours from the public by reservation,” Holdbrooks explains. “We want people to experience nature, and so there has to be a level of access.”
Though the organization generates revenue from tours as well as an annual plant sale and a symposium series, the Balentines remain its primary source of funding. In 2019, it formalized its donor program, and it consistently applies for grants.
The Balentines literally get their hands dirty as part of their work with SHR. They regularly assist with planting and maintaining SHR’s garden rooms.
“It’s really this family atmosphere when we’re in the garden working together with Robert and Betty,” says Holdbrooks.
Such activity is not a departure for Robert Balentine, a successful wealth management entrepreneur and executive who grew up exploring the mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina. He learned conservation as an Eagle Scout and drew inspiration from his parents’ passion for gardening. A past president of Atlanta’s Peachtree Garden Club, Betty Balentine’s service leadership also includes the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the University of Georgia Press advisory council, through which she advocates for publications about the natural world. In 2017, the Library of American Landscape History recognized the couple with the Preservation Heroes Award for their founding of SHR and their many achievements in landscape stewardship, design, and horticulture research.
Because the survival of the unique forest ecotone is fragile, a key component of the work of the SHR team (composed of three full-time staff, including Holdbrooks, with plans to hire two more) is creating and sharing a digital catalog of its species. Additionally, SHR has collected more than a decade of data on weather patterns and phenology, the study of cyclic and seasonal change in plants and animals. But the project that may be closest to Holdbrooks’ heart is the restoration of red spruce forests.
Under significant threat and constant recovery from climate change, acid rain, logging, and development, spruce-fir forests are near the top of the list of the most endangered ecosystems in the U.S. Holdbrooks serves on the steering committee for the Southern Appalachian Restoration Initiative, an organization formed by several groups with the common goal of restoring spruce ecosystems across the high elevation landscapes of the Southern Blue Ridge.
“I don’t know of another organization like this, to be honest,” Holdbrooks says. “We work across state lines, and we all get the bigger picture. We’ve identified and created a restoration plan, and we’ve restored about 5,000 trees on public land since 2013. Our goal is to get to 10,000.”
While earning a master’s degree in landscape architecture (with honors) from the University of Georgia’s College of Environment + Design, Holdbrooks interned with SHR. Serendipity emerged when the previous director decided to move on, and Holdbrooks found herself “at the right place at the right time.” She accepted the job offer from the Balentines in 2012.
Using her “varied toolkit,” Holdbrooks’ day could involve designing a garden space, pruning and weeding, working with the horticulturalist, raising funds, speaking to a garden club, and — of course — managing the team. During the pandemic, tour demand dramatically increased, so she established a group of about a dozen volunteers to serve as docents.
“In 2021, we had more than 700 visitors in a sixmonth period. That’s a lot for a private garden.
But I really wanted to meet that need for people, especially during the pandemic when there was such a great need to get out into nature. Being able to walk around a garden with moderate hiking hit certain demographics that also needed access.”
SHR’s work extends far beyond the ridgeline of Toxaway Mountain. The organization has an ongoing partnership with T.C. Henderson Elementary School in Lake Toxaway to supplement its environmental education curriculum. Additionally, it is working with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, playing a role in the design of McKinney Meadow, the triangular field across from Cashiers’ iconic Cornucopia Restaurant that runs along N.C. 107 South. Holdbrooks would love to see the high-visibility space tout a beautiful photogenic meadow.
SHR’s gardens are designed to elicit an emotional response and connection to nature from visitors, and Holdbrooks never tires of witnessing these moments. She is ever-mindful of the role preservation plays in the area’s attractive lifestyle.
“I think it’s really important for people to check in and realize why they are self-selecting to be here,” she says. “There is an innate connection to the land — the air we breathe, the water we drink, the access to nature — and so the importance of maintaining its beauty and quality is unparalleled.”
For more information about Southern Highlands Reserve, visit southernhighlandsreserve.org or call 828-885-2050.
FITNESS CENTERS & STUDIOS
While outdoor spaces for exercise are abundant, public recreation centers and private studios offering yoga, wellness treatments, and fitness activities are readily available throughout our Plateau too.
CASH i ERS/GLENV i LLE RECREAT i ON CENTER
Jackson County has two recreation centers — one in Cashiers and another in Cullowhee. The Cashiers center boasts a 25,000-square-foot facility and offers a fitness room, aerobic room, indoor track, and basketball courts as well as softball and soccer fields and a community pool.
Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center is located at 355 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-631-2020.
FUS i ON YOGA & WELLNESS
Offering yoga, massage, and wellness therapies — including Reiki — this Cashiers studio offers
memberships and private instruction. Coming soon: salt therapy, a sauna, Pilates, herbal medicine, and nutrition counseling.
Fusion Yoga & Wellness is located at 21A Lance Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-9000.
H i GHLANDS RECREAT i ON AND C i V i C CENTER
With a fitness center, gym, pool, fields, courts, and a skate park, this recreation center offers something for everyone. Fitness classes include step aerobics, kickboxing, heart-healthy exercise, and personal training.
Highlands Recreation and Civic Center is located at 600 N. Fourth St. Highlands, NC For more information, call 828-526-3556.
MACON COUNTY PARKS & RECREAT i ON
With several locations to serve residents throughout the county, Macon County Parks and Recreation offers an outdoor pool, fields, courts for sports, playgrounds, trails, and more.
PILATES OF CASHIERS. CASHIERS, NC.
Macon County Parks & Recreation is located at 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-349-2090.
P i LATES OF CASH i ERS
Pilates of Cashiers’ teachings are based on the traditional Pilates Method, as taught by its creator, Joseph Pilates. Independent of your level of experience, these exercises will promote your entire well-being.
Pilates of Cashiers is located at 341 Highway 64, Suite 203, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-200-9467.
YOGA H i GHLANDS
Yoga Highlands, with its experienced and professional teachers and bodyworkers, excels in adapting the art and science of yoga to the individual. It offers classes, private sessions, and retreats.
Yoga Highlands is located at 460 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC. For more information 828-526-8880.
HOSPITALS
When you or your loved one needs medical attention, medical facilities are nearby. Below are the hospitals, public health departments, pharmacies, and urgent care centers around the Plateau. For all emergencies, please dial 911.
ANGEL MED i CAL CENTER
A Mission Health member hospital (owned by HCA Healthcare), Angel Medical Center is a full-service critical access hospital serving Macon and the surrounding counties. Located in Franklin, it offers emergency care and inpatient services — including intensive care, medical, and surgical units — as well as outpatient services, hospice, and palliative care. Angel Medical Center has been named an Acute Stroke Ready hospital by the Joint Commission, the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.
Angel Medical Center is located at 124 One Center Court, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-524-8411.
CASH
i ERS MED i CAL CENTER
Cashiers Medical Center is located at 57 White Owl Lane, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2491.
HARR i S REG i ONAL HOSP i TAL
A Duke LifePoint Hospital, Harris Regional Hospital is an 86-bed acute care facility located in Sylva. This fully accredited hospital has been providing care to Western North Carolina residents since 1929. Harris offers five major service lines, including orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery, women’s care, and emergency medicine, as well as sports medicine, physical therapy, imaging and laboratory services, and many other areas of subspecialty care.
Harris Regional Hospital is located at 68 Hospital Road, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-7000.
H i GHLANDS-CASH i ERS HOSP i TAL
A Mission Health member hospital (owned by HCA Healthcare), this community
hospital serves Macon, Jackson, and the surrounding counties. Highlands-Cashiers Hospital offers 24/7 emergency care, 24 beds for acute inpatient care services, rehabilitation, and longterm care, with 80 beds in the Eckerd Living Center.
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is located at 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-1200.
M i SS i ON CH i LDREN’S HOSP i TAL
Housed on the Mission Hospital campus, Mission Children’s Hospital is the only full-service children’s hospital in Western North Carolina. It includes
Mission Hospital is located at 509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC For more information, call 828-213-1111.
TRANSYLVAN i A REG i ONAL HOSP i TAL
A Mission Health member hospital (owned by HCA Healthcare), Transylvania Regional Hospital is a fully accredited 92-bed full-service community hospital. It offers comprehensive services and a full spectrum of specialties.
Transylvania Regional Hospital is located at 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-9111.
96 beds dedicated to infants and children and includes a pediatric emergency room.
Mission Children’s Hospital is located at 509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC. For more information, call 828-213-1111.
M i SS i ON HOSP i TAL
Mission Health’s flagship hospital (owned by HCA Healthcare), Mission Hospital is the second busiest surgical hospital in North Carolina. Licensed for 795 beds and offering emergency care, it is a Level II trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Mission Hospital provides the only open heart and interventional cardiology in the region.
PHARMACIES
CASH i ERS VALLEY PHARMACY
Cashiers Valley Pharmacy is located at 52 Cashiers Shopping Center, Highway 64 East, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3114.
H i GHLANDS PHARMACY
Highlands Pharmacy is located at 195 Main Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2366.
i NGLES PHARMACY
Ingles Pharmacy is located at 230 Highway 64 East, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-6312.
PUBLIC HEALTH
JACKSON COUNTY PUBL i C HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Jackson County Public Health Department’s main location is at 538 Scotts Creek Road, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-8994.
MACON COUNTY PUBL i C HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Macon County Public Health Department is located at 1830 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-349-2081.
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY PUBL i C HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Transylvania County Public Health Department is located at 106 E. Morgan Street, Suite 105, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3135.
URGENT CARE
HARR i S REG i ONAL HOSP i TAL URGENT CARE
Harris Regional Hospital Urgent Care is located at 176 Walmart Plaza, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-631-9462.
JACKSON MED i CAL ASSOC i ATES
Jackson Medical Associates is located at 1188 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-339-2273.
M i SS i ON MY CARE NOW — FRANKL i N
Mission My Care Now — Franklin, is located at 190 Riverview Street, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-213-4444.
MOUNTA i N PARK URGENT CARE & WALK- i N CL i N i C
Mountain Park Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinic is located at 90 E. Main Street, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-631-3181.
SMOKY MOUNTA i N URGENT CARE — FRANKL i N
Smoky Mountain Urgent Care — Franklin is located at 195 Franklin Plaza, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-634-7745.
SMOKY MOUNTA i N URGENT CARE — BRYSON C i TY
Smoky Mountain Urgent Care — Bryson City is located at 80 Veteran’s Blvd. Bryson City, NC. For more information, call 828-538-4546.
ANSWERING THE CALL
WITH LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS
word S by nc living S taff writer
by courtney S nyder
Residents and visitors love the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for its unique topography and tranquil lifestyle. But in a remote location, safety becomes of paramount importance. In addition to stunning landscapes and a wealth of entertainment and dining options, the Plateau is blessed with abundant resources to promote the security and well-being of its residents. Among those resources are the fire departments of Cashiers, Toxaway, and Highlands, whose stations and substations are strategically placed throughout the area to ensure rapid responses to fires and other emergencies.
The Village of Cashiers welcomed its primary fire station on Frank Allen Road in 1967. Prior to that, the town’s fire truck was housed in the Shell station in town. Throughout the years, five substations were added in Sapphire, Glenville, and Yellow Mountain, at Blue Ridge School and on Breedlove Road next to the Chinquapin development. This year, the completion of Station Seven near the Wade Hampton Golf Club will supply aid to the south side of town.
photography
WITH 11 FULL-TIME AND 16 PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS, PLUS A ROSTER OF 25 VOLUNTEERS, THE CASHIERS GLENVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT COVERS ONE OF THE LARGEST FIRE DISTRICTS IN NORTH CAROLINA AT 135 SQUARE MILES. EVEN STILL, PLANS FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT ARE IN THE WORKS. THE DEPARTMENT RECENTLY PURCHASED LAND ACROSS THE STREET FROM THEIR
CURRENT LOCATION IN THE HEART OF CASHIERS, WITH HOPES OF CONSTRUCTING A NEW STATION IN THE NEAR FUTURE. NEW BUDGETS ARE DETERMINED EVERY FOUR YEARS, AND THE NEXT, IN 2025, WILL DECIDE THE FATE OF A POSSIBLE NEW STATION ALONG WITH THE ADDITION OF A TWELFTH FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER.
The Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department works closely with the local emergency medical response team, the opposite-named Glenville Cashiers Rescue Squad. Each service supplies aid to one another as needed. The construction of a new Rescue Squad building on Highway 64 will soon allow increased EMS presence in Cashiers.
Fire Chief Randy Dillard, who has served in his current position for 38 years, shares a proud heritage with the town he calls home. His grandfather, Frank Allen, was once the sheriff of Jackson County and inspired the name of the
road where the primary station was built. Born and raised in Cashiers, Dillard plans to retire here too.
“I wouldn’t trade this town for anything in the world,” he says. Cashiers-area residents truly are protected by one of their own.
Although it lies in Transylvania County, the Lake Toxaway Fire Rescue offers automatic mutual aid to Cashiers as well as covering a substantial area of their own (over 70 square miles). The Toxaway fire district extends from the Jackson County line east to Silversteen Road on Highway 64, north on Highway 281 to the Jackson County line and south on Highway 281 to cover Gorges State Park.
The primary Toxaway station and one substation employ four full-time firefighters, with 37 parttimers and volunteers providing additional assistance. The Toxaway department responds to calls for Cashiers, and vice versa, allowing for a breadth of services to protect residents and visitors of both districts.
“Although Panthertown lies in Jackson County, there is one part of it that extends just slightly into Transylvania. So when a call comes in from Panthertown, we respond too,” Deputy Chief Bobby Cooper explains. “We also cover Gorges State Park, which encompasses 7700 acres, plus the U.S. property around Rainbow Falls.”
The department responds to all fires, but a portion of its work also focuses on incidents within the area’s numerous hiking trails and campgrounds. Ongoing training allows firefighters to develop the unique skills necessary for rescues within
both house fires and wilderness emergencies. In 2016, Transylvania County mourned a record six deaths due to accidents around waterfalls, and accidents occur near these landmarks annually.
WITH REGARD TO PERSONAL SAFETY IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, COOPER ADVISES, “LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING AND WHEN YOU’LL BE BACK AND STAY AWAY FROM THE TOPS OF WATERFALLS.”
To the west of Cashiers, the Highlands Fire Department serves a district roughly 70 square miles in size, including the township of Highlands and its surrounding rural communities. Eight full-time, two part-time, and 26 volunteer firefighters share a mix of training and specialties that allow the department to respond to medical emergencies, search and rescue operations, and, of course, structure fires. The department responded to 730 total calls in 2023.
“We even rescued a cat from a tree recently, just like on TV,” Chief Ryan Gearhart chuckles.
Like all other area fire departments, the primary Highlands station and its substation on Cashiers Road provide automatic aid to other nearby districts, including Cashiers, Scaly Mountain, Cullasaja, and Satulah, for structure fires, brush fires, and other major incidents.
In addition to securing the safety of Highlands’ citizens and visitors, Gearhart and his staff provide educational outreach to schools and daycares. Local children from preschool through third grade visited the brand-new fire station last year, demonstrating their fascination with the station’s six fire trucks and, of course, every child’s favorite — the fire pole. They learned fire prevention tips and what to do in the event of a fire, and many left with dreams of becoming firefighters someday.
GEARHART, WHO HAS SERVED IN HIS ROLE AS CHIEF FOR OVER TEN YEARS, SHARES HIS PASSION FOR THE JOB. “WHEN YOU NEED TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, IT’S NOT YOUR BEST DAY. WHETHER IT’S A HOUSE FIRE, A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR A CAR ACCIDENT, YOU’RE EXPERIENCING A RANGE
OF EMOTIONS, AND YOU’RE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE. MY GOAL IS TO HELP IN ANY WAY I CAN, FROM MAKING SURE YOU’RE SAFE TO HELPING PRESERVE AS MUCH OF YOUR PROPERTY AS POSSIBLE. I JUST WANT TO HELP MY COMMUNITY.”
Indeed, with three major fire departments providing mutual aid to one another, residents of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau can rest assured in the knowledge that they benefit from
thorough, expert protection. Diverse skill sets, ongoing training, and deep resources allow the firefighters of Cashiers, Toxaway, and Highlands to respond to any emergency promptly, while love for their community allows them to provide compassionate service at times the public needs it most.
CASH i ERS GLENV i LLE F i RE DEPARTMENT
579 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC 828-743-9544
LAKE TOXAWAY F i RE RESCUE
850 Blue Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 828-966-4900
H i GHLANDS F i RE DEPARTMENT
322 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-3645
If you’re experiencing an emergency, please dial 911.
PUBLIC SAFETY & SERVICES
COUNTY & MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
In North Carolina, citizens have elected the county sheriff, coroner, register of deeds, clerk of court, surveyor, and treasurer as well as the board of commissioners, since 1868. Contact county and local government for a wide range of services, including taxes, animal shelter and control, building permitting and codes, and veterans’ services.
H i GHLANDS C i V i C CENTER
The Town of Highlands is governed by an elected mayor and board of commissioners as well as other boards. Additionally, the town manages several departments, including fire, planning, police, and recreation.
The Town of Highlands is located at 210 N. Fourth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2118.
JACKSON COUNTY COMM i SS i ONERS
Serving more than 40,000 residents, the Jackson County government is based in the county seat of Sylva.
Jackson County Commissioners is located at 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-4055.
CASH i ERS AREA COMMUN i TY PLANN i NG COUNC i L
The Cashiers Area Community Planning Council meets on the fourth Monday of every month at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center on Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-631-2261.
CASH i ERS COMMERC i AL AREA
For more information, call 828-631-2261.
MACON COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFF i CE
One of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, the Macon County government serves more than 34,000 residents. Franklin is the county seat.
Macon County is located at 3030 W. Old Murphy Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-349-2000.
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
GOVERNMENT OFF i CE
Serving a population of more than 33,000, Transylvania County provides an array of government services in this Land of Waterfalls. Its county seat is Brevard.
Transylvania County is located at 101 S. Broad Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3100.
DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICES
BREVARD DR i VER L i CENSE OFF i CE
Brevard Driver License Office is located at 50 Commerce Street, Suite 4, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-883-2070.
SYLVA DR i VER L i CENSE OFF i CE
Department of Motor Vehicles — Sylva is located at 876 Skyland Drive, Suite 2, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-5413.
FRANKL i N DR i VER L i CENSE OFF i CE
Department of Motor Vehicles — Franklin is located at 16 Patton Avenue, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-524-3592.
LICENSE PLATE OFFICES
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
L i CENSE PLATE AGENCY
Transylvania County License Plate Agency is located at 20 East Morgan Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-883-3251.
FRANKL i N L i CENSE PLATE AGENCY
Franklin License Plate Agency is located at 353 Westgate Plaza, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-369-8165.
JACKSON COUNTY
L i CENSE PLATE AGENCY
Jackson County License Plate Agency is located at 876 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-339-1121.
U.S. POST OFFICES
CASH i ERS
U.S. Post Office — Cashiers is located at 230 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2565.
GLENV i LLE
U.S. Post Office — Glenville is located at 4907 N.C. 107, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2088.
H i GHLANDS
U.S. Post Office — Highlands is located at 43 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2667.
SAPPH i RE
U.S. Post Office — Sapphire is located at 17740 Rosman Highway, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-966-4787.
SCALY MOUNTA i N
U.S. Post Office — Scaly Mountain is located at 7312 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-5611.
TUCKASEGEE
U.S. Post Office — Tuckasegee is located at 26 Canada Road, Tuckasegee, NC. For more information, call 828-293-5074.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
More than 77 years ago, the Tennessee Valley Authority sponsored a regional bookmobile to visit the most remote areas of Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties. Today, Fontana Regional Library, funded in part by grants from The State Library of North Carolina, coordinates a wide range of public library services for its six-member libraries in these counties. In Transylvania County, the public library is a service and department within the county.
JACKSON COUNTY
ALBERT CARLTON-CASH i ERS
COMMUN i TY L i BRARY
This library in Cashiers serves the area’s full-time and seasonal residents with the latest bestsellers, movies, audiobooks, and CDs. It also features free computer and wireless internet access, a comfortable reading room with a fireplace, a
HUDSON LIBRARY IN HIGHLANDS, NC
fun children’s playroom and collections, an information center, magazines, and newspapers. Patrons can access a large community space, technology assistance, directions to local resources and attractions, weekly programs and events, local history and genealogical resources, and notary public services.
Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library is located at 249 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-586-0215.
JACKSON COUNTY PUBL i C L i BRARY
Open six days a week, this library in Sylva serves Jackson County’s full-time and seasonal residents with the latest bestsellers, movies, music, free internet access, and Wi-Fi. There are comfortable reading and study areas, a great children’s space, an information center, wireless internet, and magazines and newspapers. Through its parent organization, Fontana Regional Library, it also offers access to library collections across the state of North Carolina.
Jackson County Public Library is located at 310 Keener Street, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-2016.
MACON COUNTY
HUDSON L i BRARY
Open five days a week, Highlands’ Hudson Library serves the area’s full-time and seasonal residents with the latest bestsellers, audiobooks, DVDs, BluRays, CDs, current newspapers, and magazines. There is free wireless internet access, free notary services, a comfortable reading room with a fireplace, a large community space for private and nonprofit groups, public-use computers and printers, and technology assistance. For the kids, there is a fun Children’s Playroom and StoryTimes, educational computers, and tablets just for them. Patrons can also access e-books, digital magazines, streamed movies, a local history collection, and more. It is part of the Fontana Regional Library.
Hudson Library is located at 554 Main Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3031.
MACON COUNTY PUBL i C L i BRARY
This library serves the area’s full-time and seasonal residents with the latest bestsellers, movies, music, CDs and tapes, free internet
access, comfortable reading areas, a great children’s space, an information center, wireless internet, and magazines and newspapers. A member of Fontana Regional Library, the Macon County Public Library is in Franklin.
Macon County Public Library is located at 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-524-3600.
NANTAHALA COMMUN i TY L i BRARY
Located in Macon County, the Nantahala Community Library in Topton is open five days a week, serving the area’s full-time and seasonal residents with the latest bestsellers, movies, music, CDs and tapes, free internet access, a comfortable reading area, a great children’s space, an information center, wireless internet, and magazines and newspapers.
Nantahala Community Library is located at 36B White Oak Lane, Topton, Topton, NC. For more information, call 828-321-3020.
TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY L i BRARY
Open six days a week, the Transylvania County Library’s mission is to connect, empower, and cultivate a vibrant community. In addition to an array of programming, it offers meeting space, access to technology services, learning opportunities, and genealogy support. It is a service of Transylvania County.
Transylvania County Library is located at 212 S. Gaston Street, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3151.
FIRE & RESCUE
For all emergencies, dial 911.
CASH i ERS GLENV i LLE VOLUNTEER F i RE DEPARTMENT
Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department is located at 579 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC For more information, call 828-743-9544.
H i GHLANDS F i RE DEPARTMENT
Highlands Fire Department is located at 322 Oak Street, Highlands, NC For more information, call 828-526-3645.
LAKE TOXAWAY F i RE RESCUE
Lake Toxaway Fire Rescue is located at 850 Blue Ridge Road, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-966-4900.
SKY VALLEY — SCALY MOUNTA i N
VOLUNTEER F i RE RESCUE
Sky Valley — Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire Rescue is located at 169 Hale Ridge Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9032.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
H i GHLANDS POL i CE DEPARTMENT
Highlands Police Department is located at 310 Oak Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9431.
JACKSON COUNTY
SHER i FF’S OFF i CE
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is located at 399 Grindstaff Cove Road, Sylva, NC. For the administration desk, call 828-586-4355. For the patrol desk, call 828-586-8901.
MACON COUNTY SHER i FF’S OFF i CE
Macon County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center is located at 1820 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-349-2104.
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
SHER i FF’S OFF i CE
Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office is located at 153 Public Safety Way, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3169.
MEDICAL / RESCUE
GLENV i LLE-CASH i ERS RESCUE SQUAD
Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad is located at 79 N. Norton Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3655.
MACON COUNTY EMERGENCY
MED i CAL SERV i CES
Macon County Emergency Medical Services is located at 125 Hyatt Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-349-2000 or 828-349-2548.
MACON COUNTY EMERGENCY
MED i CAL SERV i CES — H i GHLANDS STAT i ON
Macon County Emergency Medical Services — Highlands Station is located at 312 Oak Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4400.
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY
EMERGENCY MED i CAL SERV i CES
Transylvania County Emergency Medical Services is located at 155 Public Safety Way, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3108.
WASTE & RECYCLING CENTERS
JACKSON COUNTY
JACKSON COUNTY SOL i D WASTE DEPARTMENT
Jackson County Solid Waste Department is located at 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-7577.
CASH i ERS STAFFED
RECYCL i NG CENTER
Cashiers Staffed Recycling Center is located at 4560 N.C. 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-0341.
GLENV i LLE STAFFED
RECYCL i NG CENTER
Glenville Staffed Recycling Center is located at 7355 N.C. 107 North, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 828-743-7886.
TUCKASEGEE STAFFED
RECYCL i NG CENTER
Tuckasegee Staffed Recycling Center is located at 997 Canada Road, Tuckasegee, NC. For more information, call 828-293-1007.
MACON COUNTY
MACON COUNTY SOL i D WASTE DEPARTMENT
Macon County Solid Waste Department is located at 109 Sierra Drive, Franklin, NC. For general information, call 828-349-2100. For landfill usage, call 828-349-2215. For recycling usage, call 828-349-2252.
BUCK CREEK CENTER
Buck Creek Center is located at 10333 Buck Creek Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-0393.
H i GHLANDS TRANSFER STAT i ON
Highlands Transfer Station is located at 1080 Rich Gap Road, Highlands, NC.
SCALY MOUNTA i N CENTER
Scaly Mountain Center is located at 717 Hale Ridge Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-0453.
TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY SOL i D WASTE/LANDF i LL
Transylvania County Solid Waste/Landfill is located at 500 Howell Road, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-6830.
VOTER REGISTRATION & ELECTIONS
JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECT i ONS
Jackson County Board of Elections is located at 876 Skyland Drive, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-7538.
MACON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECT i ONS
Macon County Board of Elections is located at 5 West Main Street, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-349-2034.
TRANSYLVAN i A COUNTY BOARD OF ELECT i ONS
Transylvania County Board of Elections is located at 150 S. Gaston Street, Suite A, Brevard, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3114.
COMMERCIAL AIRPORTS
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is surrounded by airports — all within a few hours’ drive — servicing commercial and private flights.
ASHEV i LLE REG i ONAL A i RPORT
Located on the Henderson County-Buncombe County line, Asheville Regional Airport is served by the following airlines: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
Asheville Regional Airport is located at 61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher, NC. For more information, call 828-209-3660.
CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS
i NTERNAT i ONAL
A i RPORT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is
ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in the world. It is served by the following airlines: Air Canada, American Airlines, Contour Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Swiftair, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Vacation Express, Viva, and Volaris.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is located at 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC. For more information, call 704-359-4013.
GREENV i LLE-SPARTANBURG
i NTERNAT i ONAL A i RPORT
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is served by six major airlines: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Contour Airlines, Delta Airlines, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is located at 2000 GSP Drive, Greer, SC. For more information, call 864-877-7426.
HARTSF i ELD-JACKSON ATLANTA
i NTERNAT i ONAL A i RPORT
The busiest airport in the world, HartsfieldJackson Internation Airport (ATL) is located on the south side of Atlanta. Passenger airlines that operate from ATL include: Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American, Airlines, Boutique Air, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Domestic Terminal is located at 6000 N. Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA and the International Terminal is located at 2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA. For more information, call 404-530-7300 or 800-897-1910.
MCGHEE TYSON A i RPORT
Located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, McGhee Tyson Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines.
McGhee Tyson Airport is located at 2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN. F or more information, call 865-342-3000.
REGIONAL AIRPORTS & FIXED BASE OPERATORS
ANDERSON REG i ONAL A i RPORT
Anderson Regional Airport serves the businesses and citizens of Anderson County and beyond.
Anderson Regional Airport is located at 5805 Airport Road, Anderson, SC. For more information, call 864-260-4163.
DONALDSON
JET CENTER (GREENV i LLE)
Located at Donaldson Jet Center Field Airport, which is owned by the City of Greenville, Donaldson serves the metropolitan area.
Donaldson Jet Center (Greenville) is located at 126 Club Loop, Greenville, SC. For more information, call 864-277-8184.
GREENV
i LLE JET CENTER
Located at Greenville Downtown Airport, South Carolina’s busiest general aviation airport, Greenville Jet Center is the largest fixed-base operator in the state.
Greenville Jet Center is located at 100 Tower Drive, Greenville, SC. For more information, call 864-232-7100.
JACKSON COUNTY A i RPORT
Located 3 miles southeast of Sylva, Jackson County Airport is a small airfield situated on a ridge. Open to the public during daylight hours, it is an unattended public facility owned by the Jackson County Airport Authority.
Jackson County Airport is located at 626 Airport Road, Sylva, NC. For more information, call 828-586-0321.
MACON COUNTY A i RPORT
Located in the Iotla Valley area, the publicuse Macon County Airport/Macon Air fixedbase operator is approximately 3 miles from downtown Franklin. It is operated by the Macon County Airport Authority.
Macon County Airport is located at 1241 Airport Road, Franklin, NC. For more information, call 828-524-5529.
AERIAL VIEW OF FAIRFIELD LAKE IN SAPPHIRE, NC
OCONEE COUNTY REG i ONAL
A i RPORT
Owned by Oconee County, Oconee County Regional Airport serves as the aviation gateway to Upstate South Carolina. The airport is less than 1 mile from Lake Hartwell and close to Clemson University.
Oconee County Regional Airport is located at 365 Airport Road, Seneca, SC. For more information, call 864-882-2959.
P i CKENS COUNTY A i RPORT
Operated by Pickens County and open to the public, Pickens County Airport is located 4 miles south of Pickens, South Carolina.
Pickens County Airport is located at 240 Airport Road, Liberty, SC. For more information, call 864-843-5803.
S i GNATURE FL i GHT SUPPORT
(ASHEV i LLE)
Located at Asheville Regional Airport, Signature Flight Support is one of more than 200 fixed-base operators managed by Signature Aviation.
Signature Aviation (Asheville) is located at 40 Lindbergh Lane, Fletcher, NC. For more information, call 828-687-7110.
SPARTANBURG DOWNTOWN
MEMOR i AL A i RPORT/S i MPSON F i ELD
Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport/ Simpson Field is a general aviation airport and public-use facility located in and owned/ operated by the City of Spartanburg. Users include corporate jets, emergency flights, cargo, and military aircraft.
Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport/Simpson Field is located at 500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg, SC. For more information, call 864-574-8552.
TRANSYLVAN i A COMMUN i TY
A i RPORT
A privately owned airport, access to Transylvania Community Airport is by permission only. Also referred to as Penrose Airport, this FBO is located four nautical miles from downtown Brevard. Onsite maintenance is provided by Smokey Mountain Flying Service.
Transylvania Community Airport is located at 5436 Old Henderson Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC. For more information, call 828-877-5801.
i NTERESTED i N ATTEND i NG A REL i G i OUS
SERV i CE? LOOK i NG TO JO i N A CHURCH? HERE ARE THE PLATEAU’S HOUSES OF WORSH i P
JACKSON COUNTY
CASH i ERS BAPT i ST CHURCH
Cashiers Baptist Church is located at 213 Highway 64 East, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3040.
CASH i ERS CHURCH OF GOD
Cashiers Church of God is located at 405 Highway 107 North, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2795.
CASH i ERS UN i TED METHOD i ST CHURCH
Cashiers United Methodist Church is located at 894 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5298.
CHR i ST ANGL i CAN CHURCH
Christ Anglican Church is located at 464 Highway 64 East, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-1701.
CHR i ST CHURCH OF THE VALLEY
Christ Church of the Valley is located at 118 Highway 64 West, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5470.
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Church of the Good Shepherd is located at 1448 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2359.
GLENV i LLE WESLEYAN CHURCH
Glenville Wesleyan Church is located at 5323 Highway 107 North, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2998.
GRACE COMMUN i TY CHURCH
Grace Community Church is located at 242 Highway 107 North, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-9814.
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD CHAPEL IN CASHIERS, NC
HAMBURG BAPT i ST CHURCH
Hamburg Baptist Church is located at 4673 Highway 107 North, Glenville, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2979.
HEADY MOUNTA i N
BAPT i ST CHURCH
Heady Mountain Baptist Church is located at 79 Heady Mountain Road, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-508-3027.
MOUNTA i N B i BLE CHURCH
Mountain Bible Church is located at 4536 Big Ridge Road, Glenville, NC.
P i NE CREEK BAPT i ST CHURCH
Pine Creek Baptist Church is located at 4338 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC. For more information, call 828-743-3041.
SEREN i TY CHAPEL AT TR i LL i UM
An amenity of Trillium Links & Lake Club, Serenity Chapel at Trillium is located at 214 New Trillium Way, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-6161.
ST. JUDE CATHOL i C CHURCH
St. Jude Catholic Church is located at 3011 Highway 64 East, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-743-5717.
WH i TES i DE PRESBYTER i AN CHURCH
Whiteside Presbyterian Church is located at 621 Highway 64 West, Cashiers, NC. For more information, call 828-743-2122.
YELLOW MOUNTA i N
BAPT i ST CHURCH
Yellow Mountain Baptist Church is located at 34 Mill Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC. For more information, call 828-506-8477.
MACON COUNTY
CHURCH OF GOD PARSONAGE
Church of God is located at 278 Buck Knob Road, Scaly Mountain, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3212.
CHR i ST i AN SC i ENCE SOC i ETY OF H i GHLANDS
Christian Science Society of Highlands is located at 283 Spring Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 404-790-3082.
COMMUN i TY B i BLE CHURCH
Community Bible Church is located at 3645 Cashiers Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4685.
CASHIERS BAPTIST CHURCH IN CASHIERS, NC
CHURCH OF THE i NCARNAT i ON
Church of the Incarnation is located at 520 Main Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2968.
F i RST BAPT i ST CHURCH H i GHLANDS
First Baptist Church Highlands is located at 220 Main Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-4153.
F i RST PRESBYTER i AN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church is located at 471 Main Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3175.
H i GHLANDS UN i TED METHOD i ST CHURCH
Highlands United Methodist Church is located at 315 Main Street, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-3376.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAM i LY
Lutheran Church of the Holy Family is located at 2152 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-9741.
OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTA i NS CATHOL i C CHURCH
Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church is located at 315 N. Fifth St. Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-526-2418.
WH i TES i DE COVE SUMMER CHAPEL
Whiteside Summer Chapel is located at 4601 Whiteside Cove Road, Highlands, NC. For more information, call 828-553-8912.
TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY
THE CHURCH AT SAPPH i RE
The Church at Sapphire is located at N.C. 281 South, Sapphire, NC. For more information, call 828-577-1232.
LAKE TOXAWAY UN i TED METHOD i ST CHURCH
Lake Toxaway United Methodist Church is located at 174 Cold Mountain Road, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-966-9017. CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION IN HIGHLANDS, NC
M i DDLE FORK BAPT i ST CHURCH
Middle Fork Baptist Church is located at 2824
Pickens Highway, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-862-4620.
OLD TOXAWAY BAPT i ST CHURCH
Old Toxaway Baptist Church is located at Old Toxaway Road, Lake Toxaway, NC.
OAK GROVE BAPT i ST CHURCH
Oak Grove Baptist Church is located at 649
Kim Miller Road, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3987.
PENTECOSTAL L i GHTHOUSE
Pentecostal Lighthouse is located at 2110 Old Rosman Highway, Rosman, NC.
ROSMAN BAPT i ST TABERNACLE
Rosman Baptist Tabernacle is located at 803 Ed Owens Road, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-884-3727.
ST. ANDREWS BY-THE-LAKE/ LAKE TOXAWAY CHAPEL
St. Andrews By-the-Lake/Lake Toxaway Chapel is located at Highway 281 North, Lake Toxaway, NC. For more information, call 828-506-1242.
V i CTORY B i BLE BAPT i ST CHURCH
Victory Bible Baptist Church is located at 9324, Rosman Highway, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-553-7710.
WOODS MEMOR i AL BAPT i ST CHURCH
Woods Memorial Baptist Church is located at Tanasee Gap Road, Balsam Grove, NC.
Z i ON BAPT i ST CHURCH
Zion Baptist Church is located at 423 Main Street, Rosman, NC. For more information, call 828-877-4554.
CHRIST ANGLICAN CHURCH IN CASHIERS, NC
