Highlands Hiking Trails Near Cashiers, NC: Your Guide to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Why Highlands Hiking Stands Out

Highlands, NC sits at roughly 4,118 feet in elevation, making it one of the highest towns in the eastern United States. That altitude means the trails around here feel nothing like hiking in the piedmont or the coast. The air is cooler, the forests are denser, and the views open up in ways that surprise even experienced hikers.

The Southern Appalachian mountains are also among the most biologically diverse places in North America. You will walk through old-growth hardwoods, past rhododendron tunnels, and alongside streams that never seem to run dry. That variety keeps every hike feeling fresh, even if you have been on the same trail before.

Cashiers, just a short drive from Highlands, shares that same high-altitude magic. The two towns together create a hiking destination that punches well above its weight. Trails here range from flat lakeside loops to steep climbs with summit rewards that are worth every step.

Best Hiking Trails Near Highlands and Cashiers

You do not have to search hard to find a great trail in this area. The Nantahala National Forest and several state parks surround both towns, putting hundreds of miles of maintained trail within easy reach. Here are some of the most popular and well-regarded options.

Whiteside Mountain Trail

Whiteside Mountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks near Highlands. The Whiteside Mountain Trail is a 2-mile loop that circles the summit and rewards hikers with sheer cliffs dropping hundreds of feet and long views into several states on a clear day. It is rated moderate, but some sections near the cliff edges require attention. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Bearwallow Trail

Bearwallow is a lesser-known gem that locals tend to keep close. The out-and-back trail winds through hardwood forest before opening onto a grassy bald with sweeping views. It sits close enough to Cashiers that it makes a perfect morning hike before you head back to enjoy the amenities at Burlingame Country Club.

Scaly Mountain

For a quiet hike with almost no crowds, Scaly Mountain delivers. The trail is short but steep in spots, and the summit gives you a clear look at the surrounding ridgelines. It is a great option when you want something quick but still rewarding.

Yellow Mountain Trail

Yellow Mountain sits in the Highlands area and offers a moderate hike to an open summit. The trail passes through varied terrain and wildflower meadows in spring and early summer. It is one of those trails that earns a place on any repeat visitor’s list.

Waterfall Hikes You Should Not Miss

Few things make a hike more satisfying than arriving at a waterfall. The Cashiers and Highlands area has an extraordinary concentration of them, fed by some of the highest annual rainfall in the eastern United States. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the Nantahala National Forest together protect many of these falls and the trails leading to them.

Dry Falls

Dry Falls, located just outside Highlands on US-64, is one of the most accessible waterfall experiences in the region. A paved path takes you right behind the 75-foot cascade, where you can stand completely dry even while water pours in front of you. It is ideal for families or anyone who wants a big payoff with minimal trail effort.

Bridal Veil Falls

Just up the road from Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls spills gently over a wide rock face. You can actually drive a car beneath the overhang, but the short walk to the base gives you a much better feel for the falls. It is a quick stop that is absolutely worth making.

Whitewater Falls

Whitewater Falls is often called the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, with a drop of over 400 feet. The main viewing area is a short walk from the parking lot, but the longer trail down to the base adds real drama to the visit. This one is worth setting aside a half day.

Silver Run Falls

Silver Run is a local favorite near Cashiers. It is a short hike to a beautiful swimming hole at the base of the falls. On a warm summer day, the cold mountain water here is absolutely refreshing after a morning on the trail.

Bald Summits and Long Views

One of the defining features of the Southern Appalachians is the grassy bald. Unlike most eastern mountains where the summit is forested, balds are open meadows that sit at elevation with no trees blocking the sky. No one fully agrees on why they exist, but every hiker agrees they are spectacular.

The balds near Highlands and Cashiers give you 360-degree views that let you see ridgeline after ridgeline receding into the distance. On a clear fall day, the colors stretch as far as you can see. Standing on a bald in early morning with the mist still in the valleys below is one of those experiences that stays with you.

Several trails in the area lead to these open summits. Many of them are also part of longer routes that connect to the Appalachian Trail, so serious hikers can string together multi-day routes from the same starting point.

Hiking by Season in the Southern Appalachians

One of the best things about this area is that every season offers something different on the trail. You do not have to wait for one perfect window to get out and hike.

Spring

Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls running at full force from snowmelt and spring rains. Trails can be muddy, especially at higher elevations, but the blooms of trillium, bloodroot, and flame azalea make the mud worth it. Rhododendron peaks in late May and early June at higher elevations.

Summer

Summer is the most popular season for highland hiking, and for good reason. Temperatures in Cashiers and Highlands often stay in the 70s even when the lowlands bake in the 90s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so starting your hike early and heading down by midday is smart practice.

Fall

Fall color in the Southern Appalachians is world-class. The higher elevations turn first, usually in early to mid-October, with colors moving down the slopes through the month. Trails are busy during peak color weeks, so weekday hiking gives you a much more peaceful experience.

Winter

Winter hiking here is genuinely rewarding. Bare trees open up views that are impossible to see in summer, and trail traffic drops sharply. Ice can form on exposed rocks and north-facing slopes, so microspikes and trekking poles are smart additions to your pack from December through March.

Trail Tips for Hiking the Highlands Area

Being prepared makes every hike more enjoyable. A few simple habits go a long way in this terrain.

• Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from May through September. Getting on the trail by 8 AM and finishing by early afternoon keeps you ahead of the weather.
• Bring layers. Temperatures at elevation can drop quickly when clouds roll in. A light insulating layer and a rain shell weigh almost nothing but make a real difference.
• Carry water. Even short hikes in cool weather lead to dehydration faster than most people expect at altitude. Carry more than you think you need.
• Download offline maps. Cell service is spotty on many trails in the Nantahala National Forest. Apps like AllTrails allow you to download trail maps before you leave.
• Check for parking fees. Several trailheads require America the Beautiful passes or day-use fees. Confirm before you arrive to avoid surprises.
• Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in. The trails here are beautiful because people who hike them treat them with respect.
• Let someone know your plan. Tell a friend or the front desk at your lodging where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Why Burlingame Makes the Perfect Base Camp

Finding the right place to stay sets the tone for your whole hiking trip. You want somewhere close to the trailheads, comfortable after a long day on the trails, and worth coming back to year after year. Burlingame Country Club in Cashiers, NC checks all of those boxes.

Burlingame sits in the Cashiers valley, surrounded by the same mountains and forests you will be hiking through. After a morning on the trail, you can come back to a community that offers real comfort and genuine mountain character. The elevation keeps the afternoons cool, and the setting makes every day feel like a retreat.

Members and guests at Burlingame have quick access to trails in every direction. Whether you want to drive 15 minutes to Whiteside Mountain, walk to a nearby waterfall, or plan a longer day trip to Panthertown Valley, the location puts you at the center of it all.

Beyond hiking, Burlingame offers a full range of activities and amenities that make this more than just a place to sleep. It is the kind of place where a hiking trip turns into a full mountain experience that you start planning to repeat before you even leave.

Key Takeaways

• Altitude advantage: Highlands and Cashiers sit above 3,500 feet, keeping temperatures cool and trail conditions pleasant even in summer.
• Trail variety: From easy waterfall walks to challenging summit hikes, the area has trails for every fitness level and age group.
• Waterfall concentration: Few places in the eastern US pack as many waterfalls into a small area as the Highlands-Cashiers plateau.
• Year-round hiking: Every season offers its own rewards on these trails, with fall color and spring wildflowers as the standout highlights.
• Smart preparation matters: Starting early, carrying layers, and downloading offline maps makes every hike safer and more enjoyable.
• Burlingame Country Club puts you at the center of the best hiking in Western North Carolina with comfort, community, and mountain character.

Frequently Asked Questions About Highlands Hiking

What is the best time of year to hike near Highlands, NC?

Fall is the most visually spectacular time, with peak color usually arriving in October. Summer is the most popular season because of the cool temperatures. Spring is excellent for wildflowers and waterfalls. Each season has genuine advantages, and winter hikers who don’t mind the cold often have trails almost entirely to themselves.

Are there easy hikes near Highlands suitable for kids or older adults?

Yes. Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are both very accessible with short, mostly paved paths. Silver Run Falls near Cashiers is also a short, manageable walk. For a bit more distance without serious elevation gain, the Lake Glenville area offers gentle lakeside routes that work well for mixed groups.

Do I need a permit or pass to hike in the Nantahala National Forest?

Most trailheads in the Nantahala National Forest are free to access. Some popular spots like Whiteside Mountain and Whitewater Falls require a parking fee or an America the Beautiful annual pass. It is worth checking the specific trailhead before you go to avoid any surprises.

Is hiking near Highlands safe for beginners?

Absolutely. The area has trails across the full difficulty spectrum. Beginners should stick to well-marked trails with modest elevation gain and always tell someone where they are headed. Starting early to avoid afternoon storms and carrying water and a light layer covers most of the safety basics.

What wildlife might I see on trails near Cashiers and Highlands?

The Southern Appalachians are home to black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, timber rattlesnakes, and hundreds of bird species. Black bear sightings are not uncommon but rarely lead to conflict if you give them space. Stay on marked trails, make noise on the trail, and do not approach or feed any wildlife.

How far are hiking trails from Burlingame Country Club?

Many of the most popular trailheads are within a 10-to-25-minute drive of Burlingame in Cashiers. Whiteside Mountain, Silver Run Falls, and Panthertown Valley are all close. The location in Cashiers puts you at a central point between the Highlands trailheads to the west and the Gorges State Park trails to the south.

Can I hike year-round at higher elevations near Highlands?

Yes, but winter hikes at elevation require more preparation. Ice forms on shaded north-facing slopes from December through March, and temperatures can drop well below freezing on exposed summits. Microspikes, trekking poles, and wind-resistant layers make winter hiking here very manageable and genuinely rewarding.

Ready to Make the Mountains Your Backyard?

The trails near Highlands and Cashiers are waiting. Cool temperatures, stunning views, waterfalls around every bend, and a home base at Burlingame Country Club make this one of the best hiking destinations in the Southeast. Whether you are planning your first visit or looking for a place to put down roots in the mountains, Burlingame is worth a serious look.

Contact Burlingame Country Club today to learn more about membership, visits, and what life in Cashiers, NC really looks like. The mountains are calling, and the trails are ready when you are.