Escape to the “Yosemite of the East”

Experience the Best NC Fall Colors in Cashiers, North Carolina

Hear about the hyperactive thermal explosions at Yosemite National Park? Best head in the opposite direction to Cashiers, North Carolina’s own “Yosemite of the East” and the best place to view NC fall colors. A picturesque village towering above Panthertown Valley at 3,500 feet, Cashiers offers some of the best NC fall colors leaf-peeping spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

View of the Cashiers Valley fall foliage from Whiteside Mountain

The 360-degree panoramic views atop a historic fire lookout tower on the Yellow Mountain Trail are worth the strenuous eight-mile round trip hike. A two-mile loop leads hikers to a cliffside summit on Whiteside Mountain with breathtaking views of NC fall colors and foliage. The mountain rock is estimated to be 390 to 460 million years old!

Attend the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival on the Village Green from October 11-13. Immersed in beautiful gardens and art installations, it’s the best free event for enjoying NC fall colors and flavors. For the adventurous at heart, rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat from Signal Ridge Marina (open April through October) and go hunting for three of Lake Glenville’s famed waterfalls.

Our favorite Cashiers culinary gems promise a memorable meal for all audiences. What beats seasonal brews surrounded by a forest of flaming colors and live music to complete the vibes? We’re opting for the Pickin’ Wildflowers farmhouse saison, the Cursive Letters amber, and the Panthertown porter at Whiteside Brewing.

For a romantic date night, reserve a table on the outdoor patio at The Orchard, which overlooks the blossoming apple trees, gardens, and striking NC fall colors. Start with the char-grilled, bacon-swaddled Mac’s Gap Quail served atop a bed of creamy risotto and finished with a molasses glaze before moving on to the fresh filet of the day. 

Hand-tossed flatbread with house-made romesco sauce at Slab Town Pizza

In town with family? Slab Town Pizza is a local favorite serving hand-tossed pizzas with the freshest ingredients. Repeat customers rave over the Schrute Farms Beet Salad and The Duke Pizza, topped with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ricotta. If you want to eat in, pick up locally-famous BBQ pork sandwiches, cornbread (made daily!) and mini key lime pies from the Cashiers Farmers Market. Don’t leave this NC fall colors destination without claiming a few take-home provisions, including homemade jams, pastries, and hostess gifts.

For the classic mountain resort experience, all signs point to High Hampton Resort. Choose from seven accommodation types (including your very own log cabin). Play the par-71 championship course surrounded by epic autumn colors. Join the beverage team for a wine tasting or world of whiskey tour. You can save your camping for another western NC mountains fall trip.