Cashiers in a resort community in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, located just 10 miles from Highlands and about 63 miles from Asheville. Sitting at a high elevation of about 3,500 feet in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest, this cool, lush area has plenty of beautiful spots for outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountain peaks of more than 5,000 feet, Cashiers averages 75 inches of precipitation, so the area is filled with rivers and waterfalls.
Year-round population is 2,000. During peak season (May-October), the population goes to 10,000+. You'll find plenty of nice, resort communities and golf courses. It's a very popular area for a second home. For such a small community, it boasts a sophisticated arts and music scene. Winter averages just a dozen or so snowy covered days, so it's a great time to enjoy extra tranquility.
The center of the community is the intersection of NC Highway 107 and US Highway 64. Here you will find many quaint shops, nice restaurants and the Village Green, a 12-acre park in the middle of town. The park features great outdoor sculpture, walking paths, boardwalks over wetlands and beautiful gardens.
One of our favorite stops is the Farmers Market to pick up fresh local produce, jams, honey, and much more. The Cashiers Visitors Center is a located near the center of town on US Highway 64.
The Outdoors
Hiking: The best hike near Cashiers is Whiteside Mountain, a relatively easy 2-mile hike along a rock face with fabulous views. See our Whiteside Mountain Guide. A more challenging 10-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the top of Yellow Mountain. There are many hikes in the Nantahala National Forest. One of the gems there is Panthertown Valley, called the "Yosemite of the East," with a valley surrounded by bald rock mountains like Big and Little Green and Blackrock.
Waterfalls: There are many waterfalls to find in the area. See our Cashiers and Highlands Waterfall Guide. Also nearby are Whitewater Falls and Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park.
Fishing: Two officially National Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Horsepasture and Chattooga New for 2009 is the Fly Fishing Trail. See our Fishing Guide for more.
Golf: There are many private golf courses in the Cashiers area. For a great public course, check out High Hampton Inn.
Directions from Asheville: I-26 to exit 40/Highway 280/Airport exit to Brevard. Then follow U.S. 64 to Cashiers. Very scenic drive, but many curves b/w Brevard and Cashiers. Allow two hours to drive. 63 miles
Alternate Route: Take I-40 West to route 23/74 W towards Waynesville. Take 23/74W to 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. At Franklin stay on the by-pass and take U.S. Highway 64 East through Highlands to Cashiers. 95 miles - but faster highway!
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