Danielle Horn
Cashiers, North Carolina is the perfect mountain town for a day trip! This one-day itinerary shares exactly how to spend one day in Cashiers, NC: what to do, where to eat, and tips for making the most of your short stay.
Cashiers is a charming village located in western North Carolina. It’s nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the crossroads of two scenic highways: Highway 107 and Highway 64 (NC Waterfalls Byway).
You may have heard of Cashiers’ more well-known neighbor: Highlands, NC, a beautiful mountain town just 20 minutes away. Cashiers and Highlands often get lumped together, but Cashiers has its own special vibe!
TRAVEL TIP: For a perfect mountain weekend trip, spend one day in Cashiers and one day in Highlands!
Now, let’s dive into a full day of fun in Cashiers, North Carolina:
Morning: Breakfast + Hike
Breakfast at Buck’s Coffee Cafe
Start your day off with caffeine and a quick bite at Buck’s Coffee Cafe, located in the heart of Cashiers.
In addition to great coffee and tea, Buck’s serves a delicious array of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, oatmeal, and other light bites.
Perfect morning fuel for your Cashiers mountain adventure!
Hike Whiteside Mountain
After breakfast, take the easy 10-15 minute drive down Hwy 64 to Whiteside Mountain Trail, one of my absolute favorite hikes near Cashiers!
If you only have one day in Cashiers NC, Whiteside Mountain is THE hike I’d recommend!
This 2-mile loop takes about 1.5 hours to complete and offers breathtaking views all year-round. While there are a few steep spots, the hike is mostly moderate. And, the best part – the trail takes you along the cliffs at the top of Whiteside Mountain (elevation 4,930 feet!) with stunning overlooks.
Though the Whiteside trail takes you pretty high up, I never felt unsafe. Many sections have fences or cables, but of course always be cautious near the edges. Keep kids close and dogs leashed!
Plan to stop at several overlooks to soak in the scenery – there are plenty of rocks and boulders to sit on, as well as interpretative signs to read along the way.
The parking fee is $3 (self-serve kiosk), and well worth it!
Early Afternoon: Lunch + Explore Town
Lunch at On the Side
Looking for a great lunch spot near the Whiteside Mountain Trail? Head back into central Cashiers to visit On the Side Barbeque.
Located at the Cashiers Farmers Market, this is an affordable, quick-service restaurant serving delicious sandwiches with your choice of side, chips, and a drink.
I’m a BIG fan of their BBQ pork sandwich (don’t skip the sauces!) and mac n’ cheese. Don’t forget to check out their board for the daily specials as well!
Order at the window and enjoy your meal at the Farmers Market picnic tables.
Not feeling BBQ? There are plenty of other great restaurants in downtown Cashiers to choose from!
Explore Cashiers’ Town Center
Take some time to explore Cashiers’ charming town center!
Since you’re already at the Cashiers Farmers Market, start there. They offer locally-made baked goods, jams, cheeses, gifts, and other specialty items! They also sell a variety of local fresh produce.
And you’ll find their store mascots roaming around for pets – their beautiful golden retrievers! (Cashiers is super dog-friendly.)
Next, walk across the street to The Village Green, a lovely 13-acre park with gardens, a playground, walking paths, and a wetlands boardwalk. They also host a variety of events throughout the year – check the Village Green’s website to see what’s on!
Then, browse the shops and boutiques that are located around the town center. Some of my favorites:
- Josephine’s Emporium (amazing local art + antique finds)
- Highland Hiker (outdoor gear + apparel)
You’ll also find a candy shop, toy store, jewelry shop, and home goods stores!
Late Afternoon: Waterfall Adventure
No trip to Cashiers is complete without visiting at least one of the many waterfalls in this area! Here are some easy-to-reach waterfalls near Cashiers:
Upper Whitewater Falls
Just 20 minutes from downtown Cashiers, Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. You can view the upper part of the falls here (the lower falls can be accessed from a nearby spot in South Carolina – worth a visit if you’re on a longer trip).
The Upper Whitewater Falls trail is really just a short ¼-mile walk down a paved road to the upper lookout point of the falls. For an even better view, take the 150 stairs down to a lower platform closer to the falls!
BONUS TIP: If you paid for parking at the Whiteside Mountain trailhead earlier in the day, that pass should cover the Whitewater Falls parking lot too – so don’t throw away your ticket!
Silver Run Falls
Another beautiful and easily accessible waterfall near Cashiers is Silver Run Falls!
Just a few miles south of Cashiers, there’s a roadside parking area for Silver Run Falls. Follow the short ¼-mile trail, cross the bridge over Whitewater River, and there you’ll find the falls!
In summer, this is an ideal swimming spot! The falls empty right into a little swimming hole with a small beach area.
Cashiers Sliding Rock
Speaking of swimming spots, Cashiers Sliding Rock is another fun place to stop by, especially if you’re visiting on a warm day and would like to enjoy the Chattooga River!
This natural water slide is a real memory-making spot to visit with kids, too.
Evening: Dinner
After a full day of exploring Cashiers, NC, it’s time for a delicious, relaxing meal. Here are some great dinner options in and near Cashiers:
Whiteside Brewing Company
Whiteside Brewing Company is located right in town, and it’s a popular spot for a reason!
They serve delicious pub-style comfort food. I’m talking burgers, wings, scrumptious salads, and chicken tenders.
Whiteside Brewing has a great variety of local and house-brewed beers – ask the bartender if you can sample a few!
While they do have nice indoor seating, their outdoor patio and lawn is really the place to be, with yard games, live music, and plenty of space for kids and dogs.
Grand Olde Station
While a little bit of a drive (20 mins from Cashiers), Grand Olde Station might just be my favorite restaurant in the area!
Located right on Lake Toxaway, this historic restaurant used to be the site of the town’s train depot.
Now, they serve high-quality eats in a rustic, cabin-like setting. Their Station Burger is to die for, and they have an amazing selection of Southern entrees like Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, and Trout.
Their dessert selection is amazing as well – everything we ate here was delicious!
Grand Olde Station also has a lovely outdoor area where they often host fun events and gatherings. If you’re looking for lakeside dining near Cashiers, this is the place!
Las Margaritas Mexican
Cashiers has several Mexican restaurants, and Las Margaritas is a standout!
Located right near the town center, Las Margaritas offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu covers all the classics – including tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more!
Places to Stay in Cashiers, NC
If you decide to make it an overnight trip, here are some budget-friendly places to stay in Cashiers:
- Sapphire Valley Resort | Spacious condos, private lake, access to rec facilities, and multiple onsite restaurants (a little dated but we got a great deal on our stay here!)
- Hampton Inn & Suites – Cashiers/Sapphire Valley | Reliable, affordable, with free breakfast and a good location right off Hwy 64
- The Wells Hotel – Cashiers | Highly-rated, rustic-chic rooms right in town, with Whiteside Brewing right next door
That wraps up my travel guide for one perfect day in Cashiers, NC!
Whether you’re planning a quick mountain getaway, a scenic road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, or simply looking for fun things to do in a charming small town, Cashiers delivers.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan an easy, affordable adventure! Be sure to save this guide on Pinterest, Flipboard, or on your socials, so you can find it again when planning your NC mountain travels.
