Cashiers Fall Color Guide
Peak Foliage Window by Elevation and Town, Key Area Breakdown and Recommended Drives
Peak Foliage Window by Elevation and Town, Key Area Breakdown and Recommended Drives
| Elevation Tier | Key Communities & Landmarks | Peak Foliage Window | Dominant Tree Species & Color Tones |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Peaks & Ridges 4,500 – 5,000+ ft | Scaly Mountain (upper peaks), Whiteside Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Toxaway Mountain summit | Late Sept – Early Oct | Mountain ash, yellow birch, red maple, pin cherry (Deep crimsons, bright yellows) |
| Upper Plateau 3,800 – 4,400 ft | Highlands, Scaly Mountain (town/base), Highlands Biological Station, Cullasaja Gorge rim | Mid-October (Oct 10 – Oct 20) | Red maple, dogwood, sourwood, black gum, sassafras (Vibrant scarlet, glowing orange, plum) |
| Mid-Plateau & Valleys 3,200 – 3,700 ft | Cashiers, Sapphire, Lake Glenville, Burlingame, Silver Run Valley | Mid-to-Late October (Oct 18 – Oct 28) | Sugar maple, tulip poplar, hickory, sourwood (Golden yellow, bright amber, blazing orange) |
| Escarpment & Lower Foothills 1,500 – 3,000 ft | Lake Toxaway (valley), Gorges State Park, Horsepasture River Gorge, Whitewater Falls | Late Oct – Early Nov (Oct 26 – Nov 5) | Red oak, chestnut oak, hickory, beech (Rich russet, copper, golden brown, deep scarlet) |