Discover Cashiers, NC: Hidden Gem of the Blue Ridge Mountains

There are several stories about how the charming small town of Cashiers, North Carolina came to be known by the peculiar name of Cashiers. Some say that Cashiers was a star racehorse, a trusty mule, or even an eccentric hermit. Local historical records indicate that Colonel John Zachary—who helped establish the town in the 1830s—chose the name Cashiers to honor the accounting work that the Zachary family did for local gold miners. Located approximately 70 miles southwest of Asheville, Cashiers is a gold mine of beauty surrounded by towering mountains, sparkling rivers, and gushing waterfalls.

The lovely town of Cashiers is home to a quaint coffee shop, a farmer’s market, and a few rustic hotels that offer cozy accommodations such as the High Hampton Resort. Visitors can escape the crowds of Asheville and relax in a quiet town with a population of 657 people. Cashiers is a magnificent spot to bask in the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Silver Run Falls—which is located on the outskirts of Cashiers in the Nantahala National Forest—is a cascading waterfall surrounded by several smooth rocks that are ideal for picnicking and sunbathing. During the warmer months, it is not uncommon to see visitors cooling off in the natural pool at the base of Silver Run Falls. In the winter, Silver Run Falls transforms into a stunning ice sculpture that is worth braving the cold to see.

If you’re searching for more fun in the sun, Cashiers Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide created by the pristine waters of the Chattooga River. Visitors can slide down a slick 10-foot rock face into a wading pool. The uneven rocks make for an exhilarating ride that may result in a few bumps and bruises, but you’ll be having such a good time that the discomfort won’t even register.

Nearby Whiteside Mountain is a popular hiking destination which features a fairly moderate two-mile loop trail that ascends nearly 5,000 feet and offers a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can spot blooming wildflowers such as white snakeroot, dramatic 490 million-year-old cliffs, and swooping peregrine falcons.

Cashiers is the ideal spot for a restorative getaway where you can hike, swim, and enjoy the phenomenal beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visiting a small mountain town that is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Southeastern United States is a travel experience that you will forever cherish.