• Excursions

    Cashiers ExcursionsSometimes you want to take a trip and see something nearby. Here are some ideas.

  • Fishing

    Cashiers FishingYou'll find there are plenty of spots to go fishing in and around Cashiers.

  • Hiking

    Cashiers HikingLike to hike? Or just a walk in the woods? Then you're in luck!

  • Mountain Biking

    Cashiers Mountain BikingSome of the best mountain biking in the country is within an hour's drive of Cashiers.

  • Swimming

    Cashiers SwimmingThere are many natural swimming holes for cooling off in the summer!

  • Waterfalls

    Cashiers WaterfallsThe waterfalls around Cashiers range from breathtaking to peaceful to exciting to mammoth.

Rainbow Falls is one of the most dramatic falls in the Cashiers area. Silver Run Falls While it certainly isn't easy to reach, Bull Pen slices right underneath a road bridge. Middle Glen Falls during a rain. Lower Glen Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the most dramatic falls in the Cashiers area. The 200' fall is located on the Horsepasture River near Sapphire. Get more information about Rainbow Falls »
Silver Run Falls is located just a short hike off of Hwy. 107 south of Cashiers. The 35' waterfall keeps a rather large plunge pool full of water for swimming. Get directions to Silver Run Falls »
While it certainly isn't easy to reach, Bull Pen slices right underneath a road bridge. It's a bit of a drive, but you won't have to go far once you park. More information on Bull Pen and directions »
Upper Glen Falls during a rain. Hiking down from Highlands, the second tier of Glen Falls cascades quite a way. Read more about Glen Falls »
Middle Glen Falls looks like a dream in this time-lapse shot. Find out how to visit Glen Falls »

From the guide

Hiking: Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain

moderate
appx. 2 mi.
The most popular hike in the Cashiers area is definitely Whiteside Mountain, a moderate hike for those in decent shape. Located just off of Hwy. 64 West between Cashiers and Highlands, Whiteside is part of the vast Nantahala National Forest, which operates and maintains the trails and parking area.

Parking at the Whiteside lot, be sure to pay the day-use fee, which helps fund national forest projects, such as the rest rooms at the parking area and interpretive signs on the trail.

Whiteside is a loop trail that has one short, steep way and one long, gradual way. The steeper half, which leads up and right when you reach the fork (shortly after the parking lot), is the preferred way up.

After about 15 minutes of hiking up, you will reach Whiteside’s nose, which is visible from the first overlook. Whiteside’s nose is a tall cliff that resembles, well, a nose. Watch your footing, though. The dramatic cliffs that make for such great views are precarious, and great care should be taken anywhere near the cliff edges.

From any of Whiteside’s overlooks—and there are many—you can peer deep into the South Carolina foothills. Lake Jocassee is visible on a clear day. The view is breathtaking any day of the year, but looking out over Cashiers’ fall patchwork from this perch is a dream.

After following Whiteside’s ridge, the trail will pass an old covered overlook and loop around and down an old roadbed. At the turn, notice the smaller peak to the west. This is Devil’s Courthouse. If you’re up to it, trails make there way here, as well.

The roadbed makes a gradual descent back to the parking area.

Getting there: Take Hwy. 64 West from the Cashiers crossroads towards Highlands. Just after the dramatic roadside overlook, take a left and follow the brown signs to the parking area.

Go to desination page »