The Land of Waterfalls

Whisper Lake

Whisper Lake is in our neighborhood - about a 2 minute drive or a 8-10 minute walk from our house. There are picnic tables and we have two kayaks at the lake. There are no motorboats on this lake, so it is really peaceful and the perfect place to unwind. You can also fish from the dock (catch and release recommended) and we also have a fun time feeding the fish bread/crackers from the dock. The water is clear so you can easily see the fish! Our kayaks say "Simpson" on them and one is yellow and one is blue. The brand is "Prodigy 10". Paddles and life jackets (adult and kid sizes) are in the coat closet under the stairs in the house. Please return the kayaks to the racks (upside down) and the life jackets and paddles to the closet.

Lake Fairfield

Lake Fairfield is part of the Sapphire Valley Resort and is a few miles down Hwy 64 from our house. You will need to pay for an amenity pass to use this lake. There is a boat house where you can rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand up paddle boards. There is also a beach area that is great for kids and it also has a floating dock near the beach where kids love to swim and jump off into the lake. There is a relatively flat, four mile walking trail around the lake. The trail is maintained by Camp Merrie-Woode (which is on one end of the lake) and they close the portion of the trail that goes through camp when camp is in session (June/July/August). A beautiful rock face, locally known as "Old Bald" is on one end of the lake. This lake is bigger than Whisper Lake and smaller than Lake Glenville.

Lake Glenville

Lake Glenville is near Cashiers and is the biggest lake in the area. If you are looking for a large lake where you can rent fishing boats, speedboats and pontoons, Lake Glenville is the place to go. Boat rentals are available at Signal Ridge Marina. There are also several waterfalls near the lake with moderate to challenging trails.

Horsepasture River

We never get tired of looking at and listening to the Horsepasture River that runs directly behind our house. The house has two decks (one screened in) attached to the house that overlook the river. There are also stunning views of the river from almost every room in the house. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself staring at the river for long periods of time! Our house has private access to the river down stairs that run from the screened in porch directly to the river. There is a handrail and two benches along the stairs, but please take caution because they can be very slippery when wet. There is a third deck located at the bottom of the stairs. It is fun to walk out on the rocks in the river, but please beware that the current can be very strong, especially after strong rains. Please keep a close eye on small children. There are plenty of rainbow and brown trout in the river. The Horsepasture is a popular river for fly fishing, and there is a great outfitter in Cashiers called Brookings Anglers if you need expert info about fly fishing in the area.

Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park is the closest State Park to our house - and it is free to enter and hike. Rainbow and Turtleback Falls are popular destinations to hike to in the Park - and they a family favorite! They are on the same trail which starts in Gorges State Park and leads you into the Nantahala National Forest. It is a moderate to challenging 1.5 mile hike from the parking lot to Rainbow Falls and then an additional quarter mile hike to Turtleback Falls (3.5 miles round trip if you go all the way to Turtleback). Both waterfalls are beautiful and unique in their own ways. The trail can get busy during peak times, but it is well maintained. There is also a great nature center and gift shop that is worth a stop in the park.

Panthertown 

Panthertown is a beautiful area of native Cherokee land that boasts over 10,000 acres of public land containing outstanding geological formations, forests, streams and native plant life. Our favorite loop is the Panthertown Valley trail to Mac's Gap Trail that takes you by Schoolhouse Falls and Little Green Mountain (5.4 miles, moderate challenge.). School House Falls is our kids top recommendation for waterfalls. It is unique because you can walk behind the waterfall and there is a great swimming hole for all ages at the base of the waterfall. There is a shorter trail to get to School House Falls than the full Mac's Gap Trail, and it is certainly worth the hike!

Cashiers Sliding Rock

What can beat a natural waterslide right off the road? This popular watering hole can get busy in the summer, but it is always a fun stop for kids and adults alike. Located just outside Cashiers, save a bit of time to continue down the road to visit the Grimshawes Post Office - the smallest post office in the United States.