Highlands / Cashiers

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Water Fall in Gorges State Park

976 Grassy Ridge Road
Sapphire, NC 28874
(828) 966-9099


Gorges State Park has plunging waterfalls and rugged river gorges andone of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species of plants in the eastern United States.

An elevation gain of 2,000 feet in only four miles and rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year combine to supply a number of waterfall with plenty of water.

Located withinGorges State Park is the new 7,100 square-foot Visitor Center which opened in late 2012. At the visitor center are picnic shelters and restrooms.& There is also a large exhibit hall and a>large covered wrap around deck offering outstanding southern views of the escarpment and park.

There is fishing, boating, camping, hiking and mountain biking in the park. There are also picnic tables for a meal or a snack after a long hike.

The Bearwallow Falls and Bearwallow Valley trails are accessed from the Grassey Ridge entrance.The Grassy Ridge Access off North Carolina Highway 281 in Sapphire is the park's primary access. This area is well known for providing the principle access to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls on the Horsepasture River.

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Downtown Highlands, NC

Some of the waterfalls near Highlands that you can visit are:

  • Bridal Veil Falls - Easy
  • Dry Falls
  • Glen Falls - Moderate

Waterfalls located near Cashiers.

  • Drift Falls - Moderate
  • Frolictown Falls - Moderate
  • Panthertown Falls - Moderate
  • Rainbow Falls - Difficult
  • Schoolhouse Falls - Moderate
  • Silver Run Falls - Easy
  • Whitewater Falls - Easy

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Whiteside Mountain


Whiteside Mountain has an elevation of 4,930 ft and is located between Cashiers and Highlands. The mountain offers magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont of South Carolina. The 1000 foot vertical cliff along the south side of Whiteside Mountain is a favorite amongst southeast rock climbers. Whiteside Mountain is about 390 to 460 million years old.

The 2-mile loop trail climbs above sheer 750-foot high cliffs offering great views of the surrounding area. The first mile of the hike consist of the initial climb up the back north side of the mountain via the steps, stairs and board walks.  Once you get to the top there are plenty of beautiful views. Coming back down the mountain will be much easily because you will be coming down an old jeep trail which will take you back to the parking lot.

Because Whiteside Mountain is home to peregrine falcons, mountain climbing may be prohibited from January until summer because the falcons return annually to nest on the rock ledges.

Spring and Fall temperatures range from the 40's-60's. Summer temperatures range from the 50's-80's. Winter temperatures range in the 20's-40's.