My Blue Ridge Mountains To Do List!

Highlands & Cashiers Area

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 ]

My Blue Ridge Mountains Update

Here’s a curated list of the top things to do this week around Highlands, Cashiers, and Bryson City, NC:

Highlands & Cashiers Area

Hike Whiteside Mountain – A moderate 2‑mile loop with sheer cliff overlooks that reveal sweeping Blue Ridge vistas  [Whiteside Mountain]

Explore Dry Falls & Bridal Veil Falls – Walk behind the 75‑ft Dry Falls and drive under the photogenic Bridal Veil Falls along Highway 64  [Waterfalls]

Sunset Rock Stroll – Just 0.5 mi from downtown Highlands, this easy trail offers breathtaking sunset views [Sunset Rock]

Fly Fishing Adventure – Guided trips for trout and smallmouth bass via Brookings Anglers in Highlands or Cashiers [Fly Fishing]

Cashiers Hot Spots 

Locally Grown Farmers Market (Wednesdays) – Fresh local produce and community vibes at The Village Green [Village Green]

“Groovin’ on the Green” Summer Music Series – Outdoor concerts featuring local talent throughout June–August -- [Groovin']

Bryson City and Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion – Scenic train rides through the Nantahala Gorge and Smokies — a regional favorite [Railroad]

Outdoor Adventure Day – Choose from whitewater rafting, mountain biking the Tsali trails, elk viewing, zip‑lining, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, or SUP at Fontana Lake [Bryson City]

Featured Rental: Bryson City

Awesome Views at High Elevations

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 ]