Highlands and Cashiers
Highlands and Cashiers Hikes on the Plateau
The Highlands and Cashiers plateau in Nantahala National Forest combines short waterfall walks with cliff-top views and a large network of trails in Panthertown Valley. Distances are short on the waterfall side and add up quickly in Panthertown.
This page follows the U.S. Forest Service's own trail pages for the area. The Forest Service lists distance for most trails but a difficulty rating for only a few, so difficulty is shown only where the source gives one.
Compare the Routes
Each trail below is listed by distance and its main draw, with difficulty only where the Forest Service provides it.
Trail
Distance
Difficulty
Highlight
0.11 mi
Not rated by the Forest Service
75-ft waterfall; the trail passes behind the falls
0.60 mi
Not rated by the Forest Service
Three waterfalls; a family-friendly pool at the third
See the Forest Service page
Not rated by the Forest Service
Upper Whitewater Falls, 411 ft, the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains
0.50 mi
Not rated by the Forest Service
Connects Blackrock Trail and Carlton's Way
0.94 mi
Not rated by the Forest Service
Connects Panthertown and Mac's Gap Trail
1.7 mi
Not rated by the Forest Service
Connects Panthertown Valley Trail and Overlook Trail
Panthertown Valley Trail (TR474)
2.0 mi
Not rated by the Forest Service
Connects the east and west parking areas at Panthertown
5.52 mi
Not rated by the Forest Service
Connects Rattlesnake Knob, Riding Ford, and Panthertown
Bartram Trail (North Carolina section)
About 80 mi in NC, of 112 mi total
Not rated by the Forest Service
Long-distance route following William Bartram's 1773 to 1777 journey
Top Picks by What You Want
Grouping the same trails by intent makes the choice faster if you already know what kind of outing you want.
Best for a quick waterfall
Dry Falls Trail (0.11 mi) and Glen Falls Trail (0.60 mi) are the shortest waterfall walks, with Dry Falls passing behind the falls.
Best for a cliff-top view
Whiteside Mountain Trail (2.0 mi loop) follows the top of 750-foot cliffs with views from 4,930 feet.
Best for exploring Panthertown
Panthertown Valley Trail (2.0 mi), Blackrock Trail (1.7 mi), and Powerline Road Trail (5.52 mi) link together across the valley.
Route Details
Dry Falls Trail Dry Falls Trail is only 0.11 miles and leads to a 75-foot waterfall. The trail passes behind the falling water.
Glen Falls Trail (TR8) Glen Falls Trail is 0.60 miles and visits three waterfalls. The Forest Service describes the pool at the third as family-friendly.
Whitewater Falls Trail (TR7) The Whitewater Falls trail leads to Upper Whitewater Falls, which the Forest Service lists at 411 feet, the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
Whiteside Mountain Trail (TR70) Whiteside Mountain Trail is a 2-mile loop rated more difficult. It follows the top of 750-foot cliffs, with views from 4,930 feet.
Overlook Trail (TR491) Overlook Trail is a 0.5-mile connector between Blackrock Trail and Carlton's Way in Panthertown.
Little Green Trail (TR485) Little Green Trail is 0.94 miles and connects Panthertown with Mac's Gap Trail.
Deep Gap Trail (TR449) Deep Gap Trail is 1.36 miles. The access road, FS 71, closes seasonally from April 1 to January 1.
Rattlesnake Knob Trail (TR452) Rattlesnake Knob Trail is 1.56 miles and connects with Powerline Road Trail.
Blackrock Trail (TR447) Blackrock Trail is 1.7 miles and connects Panthertown Valley Trail with Overlook Trail.
Panthertown Valley Trail (TR474) Panthertown Valley Trail is 2 miles and connects the east and west parking areas at Panthertown.
Powerline Road Trail (TR451) Powerline Road Trail is 5.52 miles and links Rattlesnake Knob, Riding Ford, and Panthertown.
Bartram Trail (North Carolina section) The Bartram Trail is a long-distance route that follows William Bartram's 1773 to 1777 travels, with about 80 of its 112 miles in North Carolina.
Parking, Fees, and What to Know Before You Go
Check the U.S. Forest Service's pages for Nantahala National Forest for current closures and access changes before you drive. Deep Gap Trail's access road, FS 71, is closed seasonally from April 1 to January 1.
Panthertown Valley has many connected trails and two main parking areas, so confirm which trailhead you are starting from and how the connecting trails link before you set out.
Best Season
Deep Gap Trail's access road (FS 71) is closed each year from April 1 to January 1. The Forest Service's other trail pages do not tie routes to a season, so check current conditions on the day you go. At this elevation, temperatures and weather can differ from the valleys below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Upper Whitewater Falls? The U.S. Forest Service lists Upper Whitewater Falls at 411 feet, the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
Can I walk behind a waterfall here? Yes. The trail at Dry Falls passes behind the 75-foot falling water, and the trail is only 0.11 miles.
What is the hardest hike on this list? Whiteside Mountain Trail is the only trail here with a difficulty rating, listed as more difficult, on a 2-mile loop along 750-foot cliffs.
When is the Deep Gap Trail road closed? The access road, FS 71, closes seasonally from April 1 to January 1.
Explore Full Write-Ups
Each trail above has its own detailed guide with directions and trip notes.
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