September in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

In September, The High South offers a unique blend of early fall foliage, outdoor adventures, and charming small-town experiences. We just updated the Peak Fall Leaf Colors by elevation and added new web cams to view the colors [Leaf Lookers Guide]

1. Chase Waterfalls — Easy Access + Spectacular Views

Silver Run Falls (near Cashiers): A 25-foot waterfall with a sandy beach and a cooling pool—just a short walk from the road. Perfect for a quick, refreshing stop. 

Dry Falls & Bridal Veil Falls (along US-64, Highlands area): Drive right behind Bridal Veil Falls, or walk behind Dry Falls—great for dramatic photo ops. 

Upper Whitewater Falls (Jackson County): Among the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, with accessible overlooks and a longer trail if desired. [More Info]

2. Hike to Panoramic Summits & Ridge Trails

Whiteside Mountain Trail (Highlands area): A moderate 2-mile loop with expansive views of the continental divide and cliff edges. 

Gorges State Park (Sapphire area): Offers access to Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Upper Bearwallow Falls, plus multi-use trails for hiking and biking.  [Hiking Info]

3. Fall Foliage Viewing in Sapphire Valley

Early Autumn Color: The foliage transformation typically begins in late September at higher elevations, making it a fantastic time to catch early color bursts. [Autumn Leaf Color Guide]

4. Outdoor Action & Family Fun at Sapphire Valley Resort

Vordach Zip Line; A zip-canopy tour (with 12 zips and two bridges) —great for thrill-seekers and families. 

Golf, Tennis, Footgolf & More: Enjoy various resort activities like footgolf and the new high ropes course. [Sapphire Valley Resort]

5. Scenic Drives – Waterfall Byway

US-64 Waterfall Byway: A 98-mile stretch along Blue Ridge Mountain highways, dotted with roadside waterfalls and charming towns—ideal for a leisurely September drive. 

6. Craft Beer & Local Eats in Cashiers

Ugly Dog Pub: Tucked away in Cashiers, this local favorite serves gourmet burgers, craft beer, and a cozy mountain patio atmosphere. (828) 743-3000

Breweries & Boutiques: Whiteside Brewing Co. (Cashiers), plus plenty of boutiques, 

7. Dillsboro & Bryson City — Outdoor Adventures & Train Excursions

Water Activities: Enjoy rafting, tubing (Tuckasegee or Deep Creek), kayaking, or horseback riding near Bryson City in the milder September weather. 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Scenic train rides between Dillsboro and Bryson City—charming excursions through river gorges and forested valleys. Includes the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City. 

8. Antique & Historic Shopping in Highlands

Boutiques & Treasures: Browse Highlands' elegant mix of antique shops, elegant inns, and art galleries if you want a break from the outdoors. 

Featured High South Vacation Rental:

Peaceful, dog-friendly cabin with fireplace & decks - walk to downtown Helen

Use our custom events calendars to get details on these featured events! 

Events:

WNC Events: 
[ https://tinyurl.com/2znjetdy]

Northeast Ga Events:
[ https://tinyurl.com/3cv3pcd2 ]

Area Vacation Rentals by High South Rentals:
[ https://tinyurl.com/p89wtjbz ]

My Blue Ridge Mountains August Fun List

Special August Event: The Perseid Meteor Shower [Learn More!]

1. Chase Majestic Waterfalls around Highlands & Cashiers

Dry Falls – Walk behind the 75-ft cascade on a short trail so visitors get drenched in views without the spray 

Whitewater Falls – One of the highest east of the Mississippi (~411 ft), easily accessed via paved trails south of Cashiers 

[Waterfalls Info]

2. Hike Whiteside Mountain

This moderate 2-mile loop offers cliff-edge views from over 4,900 ft elevation. On clear days you may spot raptors soaring over the valley [Top Area Hikes]

3. Explore Panthertown Valley

Known as the “Yosemite of the East,” it delivers pristine hiking, waterfalls, granite boulders, and wildflower meadows. Ideal for full-day adventure from Cashiers [More Info]

4. Fly Fishing & River Recreation

Combine scenic fly-fishing on the Chattooga, Cullasaja, or Nantahala, with tubing or rafting—especially from Dillsboro or Bryson City [Fly Fishing Trail]

5. Nantahala Outdoor Center Rafting (Bryson City)

The NOC offers premier paddling — from guided rafting adventures to kayak and SUP excursions on the Nantahala River  [The NOC]

6. Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Travel from Dillsboro to Bryson City aboard a historic train excursion through mountain scenery. Stop by the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson to see an impressive Lionel layout [The GSMR]

7. Walk Charming Downtowns & Art Villages

Highlands: Fantastic boutique shopping, galleries, and live music events at Founders Park during summer [Highlands]

Dillsboro: Quaint storefronts filled with chocolates, handicrafts, and gifts along riverfront trails [Dillsboro]

Bryson City: Local shops, murals, and the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium are fun stops when walking downtown [Bryson City]

8. Highlands Aerial Park (Highlands)

Zip lines, treetop challenge courses, and the mountain coaster at Highlands Aerial Park are thrilling for families and outdoor lovers alike [Aerial Park]

9. Visit Highlands Nature Center & Botanical Gardens

Perfect for families—daily summer nature programs, trails, and local wildlife exhibits make this a refreshing, educational stop in Highlands [Nature Center]

Highlands Featured Vacation Rental:

Highlands incredible mountain views

Please use our custom events calendars to get details on these featured events! 

Events:

WNC Events: 
[ https://tinyurl.com/2znjetdy]

Area Vacation Rentals by High South Rentals:

[ https://tinyurl.com/p89wtjbz ]

My Blue Ridge Mountains To Do List!

Highlands & Cashiers Area

Upcoming August Events [Learn More]

Hike Whiteside Mountain

– A  2‑mile loop with sheer cliff overlooks and falcon sightings  [Whiteside Mountain]

Chase Waterfalls via the Waterfall Byway

– Iconic falls include Dry Falls (walk‑behind), Bridal Veil Falls (drive‑under), Glen Falls, Secret Falls, and Quarry “Bust‑Your‑Butt” Falls [Waterfalls]

Nature Stroll at Highlands Botanical Gardens & Plateau Greenway

– Easy trails, wildflowers, birding, and scenic forest walks 

Fly Fishing on Highland Streams

– Guided trips for brook trout and smallmouth bass via Brookings Anglers [Fly Fishing]

Mountain Coaster at Highlands Outpost

– Long gravity‑powered ride through forest terrain—fun for families 

Dillsboro & Bryson City Area

Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

– Scenic excursions between Dillsboro & Bryson City, with open-air gondolas and gorge layovers [Bryson City] [Dillsboro]

Whitewater Rafting on Nantahala River

– Drop into Class II–III rapids via Nantahala Outdoor Center’s guided trips 

Fontana Lake & Road to Nowhere Hike

– Paddle, swim, fish on the vast Fontana Lake, and hike/drift along the eerie “Road to Nowhere” & tunnel trail 

Quick Planning Tips

Pack layers: July mornings (esp. high elevation) can be cool.

Water safety: Bring water shoes for waterfall access/swimming.

Reservations: Whitewater rafting, gem mining, and mountain coaster are popular—book ahead.

Park fees: GSMNP charges a daily entrance fee.

Featured WNC Vacation Rental

Lovely efficiency cabin on river Bryson City

Please use our custom events calendars to get details on these featured events! 

Events:

WNC Events: 
[ https://tinyurl.com/2znjetdy]

Northeast Ga Events:
[ https://tinyurl.com/3cv3pcd2 ]

Area Vacation Rentals by High South Rentals:
[ https://tinyurl.com/p89wtjbz ]