Things to do Near Cashiers, North Carolina

Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail

Cashiers is a beautiful, high-mountain village in southwest North Carolina. It’s long been a summer destination of choice, especially for those from the flat lands wishing to escape steamy summers for a cool respite in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The geography is punctuated with waterfalls, stone mountains, quiet lakes, verdant golf courses and secluded retreats. These mountains are among the oldest in the world and are full of hiking trails, legends, and some of the most beautiful forests ever seen.

Whiteside Mountain boasts the highest rock face of any peak east of the Mississippi, while Lake Glenville is among the highest lakes east of the Mississippi.

Outdoor recreation abounds with numerous hiking trails, easily-accessible waterfalls, fly fishing, mountain biking, snow skiing, and a waterslide created by Mother Nature – Cashiers Sliding Rock on the Chattooga River. The Panthertown Valley Wilderness Area is a high-mountain valley that’s often called the “Yosemite of the East.”

The historic High Hampton Inn and Country Club is a throwback family retreat with golf, tennis, hiking, boating, swimming and fabulous flower gardens. It was once the estate of South Carolina governor Wade Hampton. Meanwhile, a variety of other hotels, bed and breakfast inns, resorts, cabins and campgrounds await your stay.

In the village, visitors find great restaurants and shopping, coupled with a good dose of mountain friendliness and charm. Come up for a weekend or a week. Bring your family for a reunion. Find that second home you have always dreamed of, or kick back in one of the best places to retire. Once you visit, you won't want to leave.
 

Dillsboro
Dillsboro has been a tourist town since the late 1800s when the railroad first brought visitors to the “Land of the Sky” to escape the summer heat. More than a century later, Dillsboro retains that unique atmosphere — a small country village with pristine white houses, rustic shops, galleries, restaurants and quaint country inns. As you stroll from shop to shop, you may wander into an artisan’s studio to watch the creation of one-of-a-kind, handmade items of clay, fiber, glass or metal.

A visit to Dillsboro is a step back in time. Its five square blocks of century-old stores, restaurants, galleries and inns are a nostalgic reminder of small town America, the way our grandparents knew it.

The Tuckasegee River flows through town, providing fishing, rafting, tubing and kayaking fun. The town serves as a hub of the popular Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail – guests can even fish off the back deck of the Dillsboro Inn.

Mom-approved rafting is available via Dillsboro River Company and Tuckasegee Outfitters on the gentle Class II whitewater of the Tuckasegee.

Dillsboro is also conveniently located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee Indian Reservation, and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

Sylva
Sylva, the seat of Jackson County, takes great pride in its refurbished Main Street, which bustles with activity. Downtown Sylva has a nice mix of traditional businesses for locals and specialty shops for visitors. Some of the more popular places are: City Lights Bookstore, Heinzelmannchen Brewery, Motion Makers Bicycle Shop and It’s By Nature. LuLu’s on Main is a great restaurant with an eclectic menu that has been recognized by Southern Living magazine.

The historic county courthouse, which sits high on a hill overlooking Main Street, was recently converted to the county library and is a must-see attraction. It is believed to be the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina. The local garden club has established a Sylva Tree Walk in downtown that showcases 44 species in a 1.2 mile loop. Maps and guides are available at the Hooper House, a restored home from the 1800s that serves as the county’s visitors center.

On Friday evenings in the summer, free live concerts take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion in downtown. The concert series features well-known local and regional bands, with an emphasis on bluegrass, newgrass, country, and traditional mountain genres.

Scott Creek runs through the Bridge Park and offers the chance to catch trout on your own, or walk up the street to Hooker’s Fly Shop for licensed guide service and expert instruction.