My Blue Ridge Mountains August Fun List

Special August Event: The Perseid Meteor Shower [Learn More!]

1. Chase Majestic Waterfalls around Highlands & Cashiers

Dry Falls – Walk behind the 75-ft cascade on a short trail so visitors get drenched in views without the spray 

Whitewater Falls – One of the highest east of the Mississippi (~411 ft), easily accessed via paved trails south of Cashiers 

[Waterfalls Info]

2. Hike Whiteside Mountain

This moderate 2-mile loop offers cliff-edge views from over 4,900 ft elevation. On clear days you may spot raptors soaring over the valley [Top Area Hikes]

3. Explore Panthertown Valley

Known as the “Yosemite of the East,” it delivers pristine hiking, waterfalls, granite boulders, and wildflower meadows. Ideal for full-day adventure from Cashiers [More Info]

4. Fly Fishing & River Recreation

Combine scenic fly-fishing on the Chattooga, Cullasaja, or Nantahala, with tubing or rafting—especially from Dillsboro or Bryson City [Fly Fishing Trail]

5. Nantahala Outdoor Center Rafting (Bryson City)

The NOC offers premier paddling — from guided rafting adventures to kayak and SUP excursions on the Nantahala River  [The NOC]

6. Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Travel from Dillsboro to Bryson City aboard a historic train excursion through mountain scenery. Stop by the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson to see an impressive Lionel layout [The GSMR]

7. Walk Charming Downtowns & Art Villages

Highlands: Fantastic boutique shopping, galleries, and live music events at Founders Park during summer [Highlands]

Dillsboro: Quaint storefronts filled with chocolates, handicrafts, and gifts along riverfront trails [Dillsboro]

Bryson City: Local shops, murals, and the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium are fun stops when walking downtown [Bryson City]

8. Highlands Aerial Park (Highlands)

Zip lines, treetop challenge courses, and the mountain coaster at Highlands Aerial Park are thrilling for families and outdoor lovers alike [Aerial Park]

9. Visit Highlands Nature Center & Botanical Gardens

Perfect for families—daily summer nature programs, trails, and local wildlife exhibits make this a refreshing, educational stop in Highlands [Nature Center]

Highlands Featured Vacation Rental:

Highlands incredible mountain views

Please use our custom events calendars to get details on these featured events! 

Events:

WNC Events: 
[ https://tinyurl.com/2znjetdy]

Area Vacation Rentals by High South Rentals:

[ https://tinyurl.com/p89wtjbz ]

My Blue Ridge Mountains To Do List!

Highlands & Cashiers Area

Upcoming August Events [Learn More]

Hike Whiteside Mountain

– A  2‑mile loop with sheer cliff overlooks and falcon sightings  [Whiteside Mountain]

Chase Waterfalls via the Waterfall Byway

– Iconic falls include Dry Falls (walk‑behind), Bridal Veil Falls (drive‑under), Glen Falls, Secret Falls, and Quarry “Bust‑Your‑Butt” Falls [Waterfalls]

Nature Stroll at Highlands Botanical Gardens & Plateau Greenway

– Easy trails, wildflowers, birding, and scenic forest walks 

Fly Fishing on Highland Streams

– Guided trips for brook trout and smallmouth bass via Brookings Anglers [Fly Fishing]

Mountain Coaster at Highlands Outpost

– Long gravity‑powered ride through forest terrain—fun for families 

Dillsboro & Bryson City Area

Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

– Scenic excursions between Dillsboro & Bryson City, with open-air gondolas and gorge layovers [Bryson City] [Dillsboro]

Whitewater Rafting on Nantahala River

– Drop into Class II–III rapids via Nantahala Outdoor Center’s guided trips 

Fontana Lake & Road to Nowhere Hike

– Paddle, swim, fish on the vast Fontana Lake, and hike/drift along the eerie “Road to Nowhere” & tunnel trail 

Quick Planning Tips

Pack layers: July mornings (esp. high elevation) can be cool.

Water safety: Bring water shoes for waterfall access/swimming.

Reservations: Whitewater rafting, gem mining, and mountain coaster are popular—book ahead.

Park fees: GSMNP charges a daily entrance fee.

Featured WNC Vacation Rental

Lovely efficiency cabin on river Bryson City

Please use our custom events calendars to get details on these featured events! 

Events:

WNC Events: 
[ https://tinyurl.com/2znjetdy]

Northeast Ga Events:
[ https://tinyurl.com/3cv3pcd2 ]

Area Vacation Rentals by High South Rentals:
[ https://tinyurl.com/p89wtjbz ]

My Blue Ridge Mountains - July 4th!

Sapphire Valley – Yankee Doodle Dandy Day

What: All‑day, family-focused celebration — bounce houses, gem mining, pony rides, zipline, food, music, racquet/foot golf & more

When: July 4, 2025, from 10 AM–4 PM; Free and open to the public 

Cashiers – Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green & Lake Glenville Show

Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green

Where: Cashiers Village Green (160 Frank Allen Rd)

When: July 3, 2025, ~6:30 PM; live music (Caribbean Cowboys), food vendors, fireworks at dusk

Details: Free (donations welcome), bring chairs/blankets, no pets or tents 

Fireworks Over Lake Glenville

Where: Launched from The Pointe, Lake Glenville

When: July 5, 2025, around 9:30 PM; boat parade begins ~8 PM

Details: Free, great to watch from boats or lake shores 

Highlands – Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks

Where: Kelsey‑Hutchinson Founders Park (downtown Highlands)

When: July 4, 2025; festivities from late afternoon into evening, fireworks at ~9 PM

Activities: Outdoor concert (Fish Out of Water), field games (tug‑of‑war, water balloons, etc.), piping & singing, then fireworks 

Dillsboro / Sylva – Sylva July 4th Concert & Fireworks

Where: Bridge Park, downtown Sylva

When: July 4, 2025; live music from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, fireworks start at ~9:30 PM

Details: Free, food trucks, kids’ activities from 4–7:30 PM, band Gotcha Groove 

Bryson City – Freedom Fest + Fireworks

Where: Downtown including Everett Street & Railroad Square

When: July 4, 2025; festival opens at 10 AM, fireworks at 10 PM from Airport Hill

Activities: Arts & crafts, kids’ zones, live music (four bands), Rotary Firecracker 5K at 8 AM, food vendors

Tip: Great viewing from downtown and the bridge over the river 

[More July 4th Info]

Featured Blue Ridge Mountains Rental:

Cashiers Cottage 35

Please use our custom events calendars to get details on these featured events! 

Events:

WNC Events: 
[ https://tinyurl.com/2znjetdy]

Northeast Ga Events:
[ https://tinyurl.com/3cv3pcd2 ]

Area Vacation Rentals by High South Rentals:
[ https://tinyurl.com/p89wtjbz ]