Highlands-Cashiers Outdoors Companion

from the introduction:
There are certain places that, once encountered, leave an indelible mark upon the mind - places that seem to transcend the normal, the ordinary. Such places seem to take on a personality - a spirit, if you will. People expect such accolades to apply only to remarkable feats of creation like Yosemite, Yellowstone, or the Grand Canyon, but the Southern Appalachians in and around Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina, certainly possess many of the characteristics that make these areas tremendously popular to visitors who appreciate the great outdoors. The area around both towns is a rich geological, botanical, and biological bonanza. The high elevation of the region produces one of the highest average rainfall rates in the U.S. - approaching 80 inches per year, depending on which exact place you're standing. The ultimate result is a series of incomparable creeks and streams leading to the Chattooga, Horsepasture, Cullasaja, and Whitewater Rivers. Literally hundreds of impressive waterfalls lace the region, many accessible along the scores of hiking trails for every level of expertise. The lists could go on and on, but you get the general drift. Nature has blessed this unique area, allowing for one of the best outdoor experiences imaginable. Come enjoy the splendor and majesty of the Southern Blue Ridge - in a way that only the Highlands/Cashiers region can offer!