Nestled in the heart of the stunning Appalachian Mountains, Lake Glenville offers more than just a serene escape for boaters and anglers—it’s a dream destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or a family looking to create lasting memories in the great outdoors, Lake Glenville boasts a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
Winding through lush forests, these trails offer breathtaking vistas and paths that lead to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Western North Carolina. From panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks to peaceful forest paths, every step on these trails brings new opportunities for awe and adventure
But Lake Glenville is only part of the story. The Sapphire, Cashiers, and Highlands areas—collectively known as the Land of Waterfalls—are home to over 200 mesmerizing waterfalls. This region is famous not just for its waterfalls but also for its extraordinary hiking opportunities, which range from easy strolls to expert-level challenges. Whether you’re looking to explore hidden cascades or enjoy a relaxing day in cool, shaded forests, the trails here offer something for everyone.
As we continue to uncover new waterfalls and hiking opportunities in the area, this page is always evolving. So be sure to check back often and stay updated on the latest discoveries!
For the most up-to-date information on hikes and waterfalls, don’t forget to download the AllTrails App—available for free on your phone. It provides comprehensive details about each trail, including difficulty levels, distance, and current trail conditions, ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and memorable adventure.
Start your journey today, and let Lake Glenville and the Land of Waterfalls captivate your heart and soul.
Bridal Veil Falls is a fun walk to the 120-foot waterfall, which is located about 2.5 miles west of Highlands on Hwy 64. It is on a tributary of the Cullasaja River. There is a little loop off the highway so you can drive right under the falls, but will sneak up on you. If you miss it, pull off after the waterfall in the wide area on the right and park or circle back around.
Bull Pen is as much rapid as waterfall. While not the most dramatic falls in the area, this is a great place to hang out for a while and explore the Chattooga River Trail. (Credit GoCashiers) However, white water rafting, canoeing, and kayaking is prohibited in this section of the Chattooga. The falls can be easily viewed at the bridge or you can take a short trail just past the west side of the bridge to the top of the cascade. At the bottom of the cascade, the powerful Chattooga has carved deep swirl-holes in the rock. Over thousands of years, small pebbles and grains of sand were swirled around by the water to create these holes. Several hiking trails are in the area, including a new loop trail that follows the river upstream. Plus, this is a popular spot for fly fishing.
A popular swimming and sliding area along U.S. Highway 64 is "Bust Your Butt Falls" (also known as Quarry Falls or Bust-Yer-Butt Falls). For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters. It's six miles west of Highlands on U.S. 64 (about 3 miles from Dry Falls). (Courtesy Romantic Asheville)
Big falls at 250ft and considered to be one of the most picturesque falls in western North Carolina. This fall is the first seen from U.S. 64/28. The falls are spectacular and this wavy strip of U.S. 64/28 is a paved marvel of highway. A real hang onto your hat kind of road but well worth the drive. Directions: Located on U.S. 64/28 between Highlands and Franklin
The lower portion of Cullasaja Falls is a cascade of water which flows about 250 ft down. It is located on the Cullasaja River at the lower part of the Cullasaja Gorge. It is part of the Mountain Water Scenic Byway. Cullasaja Falls is only visible from your car; there is no adequate pull-off from the road. Directions: Cullasaja is located off U.S. 64, 11 miles east of Franklin, 9 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge.
This waterfall is somewhere around 80 feet long. It doesn't drop straight down like a traditional waterfall, but instead slides at close to a 45-degree grade. This waterfall can be used as a water slide by the brave and hard-headed. From Cashiers follow US-64 10 miles east to Sapphire. Turn right on the 'Whitewater' Road and then south about 3 miles to the Horsepasture River.
Dry Falls is in the Nantahala National Forest. You can see it from the road and no, it's not dry! There is an old log shelter at the trail-head. A lot of water pours over this wide waterfall. There is a well maintained path that leads a short distance down from the parking area. The path doesn't end at the falls but travels under the falls. It's a breath taking experience to stand under the falls and watch millions of gallons of clear mountain water pour over your head and before your eyes at a height of 75 ft. Directions: On U.S. 64/28 four miles from Highlands.
Glen Falls is a must see. This is a favorite and probably one of the most beautiful waterfall setting in the Highlands area! It's a great hike and I always like to take a back pack with sandwiches and snacks! Glen Falls is on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the scenic Blue Valley area in Nantahala National Forest. The hike is down hill from the parking lot, so it's quite a climb
to return. There are quite a few switchbacks, so the climb is not too steep. As you descend, you will reach a beautiful view from the top of Glen Falls .Continue down hill to the upper section of the waterfall, dropping about 70 feet. There is plenty of room to rest and relax on the rocks at the base of the falls and maybe have a picnic. Continue about 1/3 mile to the middle section of the falls that drop 60 feet, with water stair-stepping down a wide rock face.
Frolictown Falls is a small but nice waterfall in Panthertown Valley. Hiking in this area, you really get the feel of being in the woods. There are no panoramas from this thickly vegetated valley floor. Be sure to get a map of Panthertown Valley or find someone to lead you, as the trails can be tricky.
A beautiful waterfall along an incredible forest drive in Pisgah. This is an easy waterfall to get to without any hiking needed. Just pull over along the street (plenty of easy parking) and walk up to the huge mountain face that bears a cascading waterfall, Lookingglass.
The beautiful Narrows waterfall is located on the Horsepasture River in Sapphire Valley.
Enjoy the scenic trails that lead you to different sections of the river!
Rainbow Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This 150-foot tall waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that swells the Horsepasture River, its source. The best feature of Rainbow Falls is the ability for visitors to experience the falls from the front, bottom, side, and top! (courtesy Romantic Asheville)
Among the many hikes and waterfalls in Panthertown, Schoolhouse Falls is one of our favorites. This moderately easy hike takes you to a beautiful waterfall cascading into a swimming cove. This is a great spot to bring a picnic and relax in the sun.
Just moments from Sapphire, a few miles South on 107. A short and enjoyable hike, where you even get to cross a tree fallen across the creek. Very easy walk with a picturesque finale.
Sliding Rock is a natural water slide, created by the Chattooga River gliding over a 10-foot high rock face with a few large potholes. It's a popular local spot during the summer because the water is quite cool. You can slide down the rock, cannonball into one of the potholes or just wade in the pool below the rock.
These falls offer a 20-foot drop over a curved rock face into a pool that can have strong currents. At lower water levels, it's a popular spot to go sliding and swimming. You should be a good swimmer, since there are no lifeguards. The rocks and currents can make it dangerous if inexperienced. Do not attempt to slide when water is high, since the rushing water can take you down river over Rainbow Falls (150 ft drop so do not get too close!). There are several great vantage points to enjoy the falls - and the people sliding. (courtesy Romantic Asheville)
A landmark in the Nantahala National Forest, the Whiteside hike rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet, located between Cashiers and Highlands. A loop trail takes you on top of sheer 750-foot high cliffs with incredible views (from the safety of railings of course). This hike is a favorite of ours.
These falls are awesome! This is the highest set of falls east of the Rocky Mountains having a total drop of almost 700 feet. Upper Whitewater Falls plunge an amazing 411 feet! South Carolina's Lower Whitewater Falls drops another 400 feet. In the cool, moist shade of steep slopes and rock cliffs, wildflowers and salamanders are plentiful. Also enjoy the beauty of berries and blooms throughout the seasons.
This is the tale of two waterfalls. High Falls (or Cullowhee Falls) is located just below the dam for Lake Glenville on the West Fork Tuckasegee River near Cashiers in Jackson County. It becomes the most powerful waterfall in the North Carolina mountains for several days each year when extra water is released from the dam for whitewater kayakers. At other times, the water flow increases after heavy rain.
Near Cashiers is another "Sliding Rock", created by the Chattooga River gliding over a 10-foot high rock face. It's a popular local spot during the summer because the water is quite cool. You can slide down the rock, cannonball into one of the potholes or just wade in the pool below the rock.
Savor the Flavors: Explore the Best Dining Experiences Around Lake Glenville
The stunning views of Lake Glenville aren’t the only thing that will delight your senses in this picturesque mountain retreat. Nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, the Lake Glenville area offers a wide range of culinary treasures. Whether you’ve spent the day kayaking on the serene waters or hiked to the top of Sunset Rock to take in the breathtaking sights, nothing beats the satisfaction of a great meal to end your adventure. Here’s your guide to the top dining spots in this flavorful paradise.
Cork and Barrel
An Americanized sports tapas bar, connected to Table 64. Great for a light dinner.
3093 Highway 64 East, Sapphire Valley
828-743-7889
Slopeside Tavern
A great place for lunch and dinner right in the thick of the Sapphire Valley Resort. Full bar. Great for lunch and dinner right off the ski slope.
217 Sapphire Valley Rd., Sapphire, NC.
828-743-8655
Chili Loco
The best, most authentic Mexican in town. Great for lunch and dinner.
45 Slab Town Rd., Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-1160
Crossroads Custard & Cold Brew
Really good coffee, ice cream, and breakfast
45 Slab Town Rd. A6, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-2888
Mica's Restaurant & Pub
Restaurant and sports pub right in the thick of Sapphire Valley Resort. Full bar. Great dinner spot and very centralized. When Sapphire was a "dry town", Mica's was the only place that served alcohol!
25 Logan Creek Trail, Sapphire, NC. 28774
828-743-5740
Osteria del monte Ristorante
Very good, but seasonal - in Tampa, FL. during the winter
19131 Rosman Highway, Sapphire, NC. 28774
828-883-2551
The Library Kitchen & Bar
All organic, delicious food. A little more expensive. Dinner only.
184 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC. 28774
828-743-5512
Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company
Casual dining connected to the Sapphire Valley Golf Course with a full bar.
50 Slicers Drive, Sapphire Valley
828-743-0220
Canyon Kitchen @ Lonesome Valley
Fine dining with exceptional food and a backdrop of mountains that is second to none
Sapphire, NC. 28747
Casa Amigos Bar & Grill
Newly opened and very good, nice ambience too!
3638 U.S. Highway 64, Sapphire, NC. 28747
828-743-9997
Slab Town Pizza
Hand-tossed, New York-style. Our favorite pizza in town! Also serving calzones and subs.
45 Slab Town Rd. D-1, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-0020
Hotel Cashiers Kitchen & Bar
Very nice atmosphere. A little pricey, but worth it.
45 Slab Town Rd., Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-1160
Whiteside Brewing Company
Great sandwiches, salads, and entrees. Perfect lunch spot with a full bar.
128 NC-107, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-6000
Elevated Kitchen @ Whiteside Brewing Company
Food truck with delicious eats
128 NC-107, Cashiers, NC. 28717
Buck's Coffee
Great coffee spot right in the center of Cashiers with excellent breakfast sandwiches.
6 Highway 107, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-9997
Subway
For those that miss the city life, we have the fast food chain that managed to blend into its surroundings!
Highway 64 East, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-1300
Carolina Smokehouse BBQ
Our favorite BBQ spot in town! Get the pulled pork.
Highway 64 West, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-3200
Cornucopia
Casual dining in Cashiers for lunch & dinner with a joining cheese shop. Great for dinner. Brunch on Sundays!
16 Cashiers School Rd., Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-3750
On the Side BBQ
Great take-out BBQ within the Cashiers Farmers Market. Use the walk-up window and sit at the umbrella tables with some of the best pulled pork and Cuban sandwiches in town.
78 U.S. Highway 64 East, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-4334
Village Pantry
Homemade delicious food for eat-in or take-out
32 Village Walk Way, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-9997
The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage
Fine dining featuring fish, steaks, and chicken. Reservations suggested. Dinner only.
905 Highway 107 S, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-7614
Zookeeper Bistro
Another good option for breakfast!
45 Slab Town Road, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-7711
Las Margaritas
Good food!
127 U.S. Highway 64, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-745-6900
Ingles
Believe it or not, our grocery store has a good breakfast you can take to-go!
U.S. Highway 64 East, Cashiers
828-743-3801
El Manzanillo Mexican Restaurant
In the Ingles shopping center. Always good and fast.
64 Cashiers Shopping Center, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-5522
Ugly Dog Pub
Great lunch and dinner spot with full bar and good music
25 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC. 28717
828-743-3000
Happ's Place Restaurant & Bar
A family favorite of ours. Great food, drinks, and music.
5914 SR 107, Glenville, NC.
828-743-5700
The Local
Great food, not expensive, fabulous Cuban fare too. A great dive bar.
Glenville, NC. 28717
Panthertown Cafe
Drop in for a quick breakfast or lunch
16614 Rosman Hwy, Lake Toxaway, NC. 28747
828-862-3663
Grand Olde Station Restaurant
Great food and service, right across from the lake.
502 Blue Ridge Rd. Lake Toxaway, NC. 28747
828-966-4242
The Greystone Inn
Country club fine dining
220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway, NC. 28747
828-743-9997
Los Vaqueros
Great and affordable Mexican cuisine
69 Toxaway Falls Dr. Lake Toxaway, NC. 28747
Villa Amato
Good pizza place
15887 Rosman Hwy, Lake Toxaway, NC. 28747
828-885-7700
If you're heading to the Cashiers, NC area for an outdoor adventure, you've chosen the perfect destination. Lake Glenville offers a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and fishing to swimming and kayaking.
As the highest-elevation lake east of the Mississippi River, Lake Glenville is a stunning 1,470-acre reservoir located on the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River. Perched at an elevation of 3,494 feet and surrounded by the towering, wooded peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this pristine lake is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With 26 miles of shoreline, the lake is ideal for exploration and relaxation. And the best part? It's just a short drive from Cashiers and Highlands, making it easily accessible for your next outdoor getaway.
Lake Glenville is just a few miles north of Cashiers along NC Highway 107. With 26 miles of shoreline, Lake Glenville is the highest in elevation east of the Mississippi (mean sea level is 3,500 feet). It's a great place for fishing and boating, as well as tubing and skiing. Find a beach across from the High Falls trailhead. Boat rentals on Lake Glenville are either at Lakeshore Marina or Signal Ridge Marina, and their contact info is as follows:
Signal Ridge Marina
4769 NC-107, Glenville, NC 28736
828-743-2143
If you're looking for kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boating, stand-up paddle-boarding, or sailing, Lake Fairfield is a gorgeous secluded lake in Sapphire where no motorized boats are permitted in order to keep the tranquil feel of the area. With your amenities while staying in our home, you have access to these services.
Their contact info is as follows:
828-743-1182
Two official National Wild and Scenic Rivers: the Horsepasture and Chattooga on the Fly Fishing Trail. Otherwise, you can fish anywhere around Cashiers and Sapphire!
There are so many golf courses in the Cashiers area, many of them private. For public courses, we recommend Red Bird Golf in Sapphire Valley, or High Hampton in Cashiers.
Nothing but the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad! Take a steam engine train on a tour of the North Carolina Mountains for an afternoon and experience beautiful views of our surrounding areas. Their contact info is as follows:
www.gsmr.com
800-872-4681
Discover a charming selection of shops in Cashiers, where you’ll find everything from antiques and rustic home furnishings to fine art, fly fishing gear, resort wear, and unique birdhouses. Many of the owner-operated shops on the Plateau offer a personalized shopping experience, making each visit truly special. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind treasure or simply browsing, Cashiers has something to suit every taste.
This is the center of town in Cashiers, which holds a lot of the Cashiers shops. If you're up for browsing, just go to the cross section of N.C. Highway 107 and U.S. Highway 64, and enjoy! You can find Zoller Hardware and Kitchen, antique shops, consignment shops, Highland Hiker for sporting goods, plant nurseries, and various restaurants. You can spend an afternoon exploring and enjoying these shops and also take a walk in our 12-acre park, Village Green.
Ingles is our local grocery store for everything you might need! Other than Ingles, in that shopping center you also have Dollar General, a beauty salon, and other miscellaneous shops. Located at U.S. Highway 64 East.
Take a short trip to the center of Highlands, another picturesque mountain town, for great shopping and restaurant life. To see a list of shops and their addresses, visit their website. Most of these shops can be found on Main Street in Highlands.
This town is just 30 minutes down the mountains where you can find more interesting shops and delicious eats (we recommend Mayberry's for lunch and Square Root for dinner!). Most of these shops can be found on Main Street.
For a more modern flair with a feel for city life, head an hour over to Asheville! This city, which has our closest airport, contains an incredible amount of shopping and is also a great "foodie" destination!
For a true small town experience with beautiful sights, visit Sylva! Home of the filming site of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, you can visit the filming locations just walking down Main Street, which is also the home to old government buildings and several cool shops and restaurants.h our extensive database of rental properties to find the perfect one for you. Filter by location, price, and amenities to narrow down your options.
Beyond its natural beauty, Lake Glenville and the surrounding area offer a vibrant cultural scene, perfect for those seeking enriching experiences alongside outdoor adventures. Throughout the year, the region hosts a variety of cultural events that celebrate local heritage, art, and music.
From outdoor concerts and festivals to art exhibits and craft fairs, there’s always something happening near Lake Glenville to inspire creativity and connect with the community. The nearby towns of Cashiers, Highlands, and the surrounding plateau host performances by local musicians, theatrical productions, and galleries showcasing the works of talented artists.
Whether you're attending a summer concert by the lake, exploring an art show, or enjoying a seasonal festival, you'll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the cultural heartbeat of the area. For an experience that blends both scenic beauty and artistic expression, don’t miss out on the many cultural outings and events that make Lake Glenville and its surrounding communities so unique.
Live bands play on evenings in the Crossroads Area of Cashiers, NC. Very casual and a lot of fun for the whole family. *Mostly a summer or springtime endeavor.*
If you'd like to see some of the local theatre talent, Mountain Theatre Company in Highlands, NC. (just a 20-30 minute drive). Check out their current season and check for tickets here!
A family-friendly concert series right in the heart of Sapphire Valley! Featuring both local and national talents, concerts continue throughout the summer and early fall! Check the schedule here!
For nearly 20 years, people have flocked to Highlands to visit artisans of all mediums to admire and shop pieces of art from paintings, to pottery, to vases in the shape of your dog's face! There's sure to be something for everyone at this outdoor wonderland. Check the schedule here!
More summer outdoor concerts with a day by day schedule which can be viewed here!
For obvious reasons, this festival occurs only during the autumn. It's an outdoor arts show perched among the changing leaves of the Western North Carolina mountains. It's a free event that welcomes over 100 artists to share their work for purchase. There's also food, drink, and live music! Check dates here.
Another great arts festival in the heart of Sapphire Valley! A great family-friendly outdoor event with a "Bark Park" for the pups adjacent to the vendor tents. A great event to keep children entertained with corn hole, buckets of bubbles, and kerplunk! Check the dates here.
With over 40 years of boating experience, the amazing Mark Wise will give you a guided tour of some of the sweet spots of our corner of the world. At 28 feet long, Mark's luxury pontoon yacht on Lake Glenville could be the perfect way to relax, get to know Lake Glenville, and of course, feast your eyes with gorgeous waterfalls! Check reservations here.
There are countless Independence Day celebrations in our area. Please check our local websites for the most up to date information. Feel free to use these individual calendar for events taking place throughout the year!
Highlands has some of the BEST shopping in our corner of the world! Visit the Highlands Chamber website to learn more!