HIGHWAY 64 rises on the one-hour drive from Asheville, N.C., to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As it climbs, the cool mountain air and the wide expanse of sky offer a sense of refuge for those arriving from hot, sticky cities like Atlanta and Charleston.  That sense of refuge has drawn Southerners to homes in the twin towns of Highlands and Cashiers for well over a century. But now, with more and more part-time residents staying beyond the summer and a younger, more active set of homeowners over all, it may no longer be true to say that Highlands-Cashiers is one of the best-kept second-home secrets in the nation.

Highlands and Cashiers (pronounced CASH-ers) are equally affluent fraternal twins, nestled in the midst of the Nantahala National Forest. The area has been used as a summer retreat since the mid-1800’s, when wealthy families from the Low Country of South Carolina began putting up summer cottages and modest Greek Revival houses there. The town of Highlands was founded in 1875 by Kansas developers who, the story goes, drew two lines on a map, one from Chicago to Savannah, the other from New York City to New Orleans, believing that the intersection would be ideal for trade.  Today, if there is a difference between the two towns, it is that Cashiers is a little bit country, Highlands a little bit country club. Highlands, fittingly, is also higher, at an elevation of 4,113 feet to Cashiers’ 3,500 feet. New homes in both towns tend to be large houses located either in gated communities or on estate lots of five acres or more. Highlands has a proper Main Street, which draws strolling day-trippers in khakis and polo shirts. But both towns offer plenty of boutique shopping and local crafts. For activities, there’s a lot to do, from pampering to playing in the rugged outdoors. You can indulge in a massage at the spa of the Old Edwards Inn on Main Street in Highlands or play croquet on the lawn of the Chattooga Club in Cashiers. Or you can climb the sheer face of Whiteside Mountain, hike to the 411-foot-tall Whitewater Falls or fish on Lake Glenville.

HAVENS | Highlands and Cashiers, N.C.; On the Blue Ridge, Twin Towns Draw a Younger Crowd – New York Times

By Denise Kiernan, Published: September 30, 2005

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STONEFLY (st?n’fl?’) NOUN:

*1 Any of numerous winged insects whose flat, elongated nymphs live under rocks in clear mountain streams.

*2 Category of fishing lure used in fly fishing

*3 Streamside mountain community in Cashiers, North Carolina

Some of the finest fly fishing in the country can be found along the Chattooga River in the area around Stonefly in the Cashiers Highlands Plateau. One of the most popular spots for access to the Chattooga River for those in the Cashiers area is located at the Iron Bridge over Bull Pen Road. There are easily accessible trails upstream and down from the main access points. Be aware that the Chattooga River below the Iron Bridge is classified as wild trout waters and certain restrictions apply.

In fly fishing, the bait is your partner. Knowing the habits of particular insects that provide food for fish in your area and choosing the right lures that will entice a fish to strike will improve your chances of landing the prize catch. The other important consideration, of course, is the cycle of feeding and food preferences of the fish you’re after. For instance, the predominant trout in the Chattooga is the brown trout. Brown trout are aggressive and they like to gulp down big brown bugs.

STONEFLY NYMPHS

Stoneflies nymphs are slow moving flies which are often found under stones in the clear mountain streams around Cashiers and Stonefly. Obviously, this is where the name of the insect came from. After hatching from the eggs laid by adult stoneflies, the stonefly nymphs remain in the water up three years, then go up to land to become an adult. The young stonefly or nymph is between 5 and 50mm long, has 2 antennae and three pair of crablike legs with terminal tarsi with 2 tarsal claws. Since the gills are poorly developed, the nymphs are confined to well-aerated waters, like the fast streams around Cashiers and Stonefly, where they form one of the most important food supplies for fresh-water fishes.

A stonefly nymph lure mimics the insect that often washes off the rocks and tumbles into bottom current. This is a Trout’s easiest meal. To fish the stonefly nymph lure effectively a fisherman must get the fly as close to the bottom as possible. This requires wet fly fishing and, by casting upstream or up and across and letting your fly sink and tumble with the current along the stream bottom, one can fool the fish into going after the bait. Since the bait is submerged in the water, the angler must distinguish if the target has caught the hook through the pressure that reverberates in the fly line and the bait.

ADULT STONEFLY

Adult stoneflies look much the same as the nymphs but their wings are folded flat over the back and extend 10 to 20% past the tip of the abdomen. They also have short tails or cerci. Most female stoneflies skim the surface of a stream, dipping their abdomens in the water and releasing the eggs. Others will crawl to the bottom of the stream and release their eggs on submerged rocks. Stoneflies are clumsy fliers and during the egg releasing procedure will cause quite a fluttering and splashing on the water surface which immediately attracts the attention of hungry fish.

To imitate the adult stonefly female highly prized by trout, the angler needs to use the lure to create a fluttering, splashing movement on the water surface that will provoke a violent response from the trout. This requires a dry fly fishing technique and involves floating the fly as bait. The fish jumps out of the water to take the fly instead of remaining unseen by the fly fisherman. The angler should make sure that he has a tight grip on the rod as game fish are stronger when they are out of the water.

If you have never tried fly fishing you can hire guides through local outfitters. Even if you don’t catch a fish you are sure to have a rewarding day enjoying the beauty and serenity surrounding the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River.

No one is quite sure how they got here. One legend has it that the first white squirrels arrived in this area over 50 years ago via a circus truck. In 1949 H.H. Mull, was given two white squirrels by a Mr. Black of Madison, Florida. The pair of squirrels had been hanging around in Mr. Black’s pecan grove ever since a circus truck had overturned near his home. Mull later gave the two to his niece, Barbara Mull up in Brevard, North Carolina.

In 1951, Barbara Mull got married and went her way and in her absence, one of the white squirrels escaped outdoors. Not long afterwards, Barbara’s father let the other white squirrel go free.  It wasn’t long before little white squirrels began appearing in various parts of town.

Now they are frequently spotted in the areas around Stonefly.  That is about 23 miles away from Brevard. The white squirrels in Stonefly are not albino squirrels; they have black eyes, and are a variant of the Eastern Grey Squirrel.

If you are driving through Stonefly, take it slowly and be alert. You may be lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful and rare little creatures that live right here in this lush mountain paradise.

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Cashiers, NC is centered around the busy intersection of Highways 64 and 107, know to the locals as Cashiers Crossroads. All up and down the roads leading to the crossroads are bustling antique shops, clothing stores, mountain interior design shops, crafts stores and eateries.

As you drive along the winding roads leading to Cashiers there are many places to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the surroundings. Yellow Mountain is the highest peak in the area at 5,127 feet and boasts a spectacular 360 degree view of the Cashiers Highlands Plateau. Hiking trails abound throughout Yellow Mountain and other mountains in the area.

Whiteside Mountain possesses the highest vertical drop east of the Mississippi and is a gorgeous and popular hiking destination. Whiteside can be seen from many different points around Cashiers. It is distinctive for the rock formation called Devil’s Courthouse near the top.

Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall this side of the Rocky Mountains borders Jackson and Transylvania counties. An easy walking trail leads to an overlook of the Falls. There are many other waterfalls in the area too; Turtle Back, Rainbow, Silver Slip and Sliding Rock, to name just a few. Maps with hiking trails to many of the local waterfalls can be purchased at the local hiking shop next to the crossroads or at one of the bookstores or gift shops.

Cashiers was the property of the Cherokee Nation until 1819, when a treaty was signed that made it the last section of the state open to settlers. One of the biggest local mysteries is how Cashiers got named. One version attributes the name to a horse named Cash that got loose in the valley. Another gives credit to a bull named Cassius that belonged to Civil War Confederacy General Wade Hampton. Maybe it was because the crossroads was a place where miners cashed out after a long work day. No one knows for sure where the name originated.

The area grew slowly and in 1850 there were few families living in the area because it was so remote. Soon after the Civil War, however, people from South Carolina began to flock to Cashiers to escape the summer heat. Word spread and people from all over the southeast began investing in summer homes that transformed a sleepy little village into a favorite mountain retreat.

Today, people come to Cashiers for many reasons; amazingly beautiful scenery, interesting historic sites, eclectic shops and boutiques, boating, golf (there are 300 holes within 15 minutes of Stonefly), hiking, rafting, fishing and antiquing. No wonder so many people are leaving the hustle and bustle of the cities behind them and finding their way to Cashiers to vacation or build their dream home in this secluded mountain wonderland.

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The Chattooga originates at the base of Whiteside Mountain, a massive, 4,800 foot tall granite  monolith on the escarpment known to the Cherokee as the “Great Blue Wall”. The Chattooga River from its origin flows unimpeded by any manmade stucture for 60 miles, making it one of the longest free flowing rivers in the United States. The multiple creeks and streams that flow through Stonefly are the headwaters of the Chattooga River. The terrain is abrupt and deeply dissected with many spectacular gorges, with the river descending 2,469 feet from the headwaters to Lake Tugaloo. Waterfalls dot the landscape throughout this area and hiking trails are plentiful.

If you want to spend time fishing, you have your pick from many lakes, ponds, streams and creeks. The Chattooga is home to more than a hundred types of fish, including three species of trout. The Walhalla State Fish Hatchery regularly releases trout into the local rivers, creeks and streams.

The forests around the Chattooga River are home to a multitude of flowers, plants, trees, and animals. The banks are dotted with native Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalea and many species of fern. In early spring it is possible to see otter, bear, beaver and later, the migrating songbirds passing through during their trip north.

In 1970, James Dickey published his novel Deliverance which became a popular bestseller.  The movie version in 1972 popularized the Chattooga even more and in 1974 the Congress of the United States designated the Chattooga River as a Wild and Scenic River.

Learn more about the Chattooga River at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chattooga_River

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Through the endangered species program, the peregrine falcon was reintroduced in1985 to Whiteside Mountain, part of the birds native range. These birds return annually to nest on the exposed rock faces. If you are hiking near Stonefly during the spring and summer, you may see peregrine falcons flying above or sitting on rock outcrops. During falcon nesting season however, normally February 15 to July 15, the rock face is closed to rappelling and climbing. Consider yourself most fortunate if you see a peregrine falcon, one of natures fastest and most beautiful birds. Whiteside Mountain is located near Cashiers, North Carolina and overlooks Stonefly.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STONEFLY VISIT: www.stoneflync.com

Named for its stark grayish-white sheer cliffs, Whiteside Mountain is located between Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina and can be seen from many of the home sites in Stonefly. Whiteside Mountain is claimed to have the highest cliffs and the highest vertical drop east of the Mississippi. It rises more than 2,100 feet from the valley floor to the summit at 4,930 feet. The south face contains magnificent cliffs ranging from 400 feet to 750 feet in height. From the mountain top, if it is a clear day, you can see the Piedmont region of South Carolina and Georgia. On the ridge leading away from the main cliffs it is possible to get a sense of how steep and sheer the rock faces on Whiteside really are and see the rock formation known as Devil’s Courthouse.

Whiteside Mountain can be accessed from trails leading from Stonefly through the Nantahala National Forest. You can also gain access by taking Whiteside Mountain Trail Road off U.S. Highway 64, halfway between Cashiers and Highlands.  The 2 mile loop trail – designated a National Recreation Trail – will take you by several vista points on the way to the summit and provide spectacular views to the east, south and west.  From the view to the south and east you can see Stonefly, where the headwaters of the wild and scenic Chattooga River begin.  Birding enthusiasts may have an opportunity to view the endangered Peregrine Falcon.

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Silver Slip Falls is located 1.2 miles from the village of Cashiers, North Carolina and is fed by the headwaters of the Chattooga River that begin in Stonefly. Silver Slip is actually two separate waterfalls that come together when the water cascades over smooth rock face and plunges into a beautiful pool surrounded by native vegetation and rimmed with a sandy beach.  If you are reasonably fit, it is a fairly easy ½ mile walk from the Inn at Millstone. The Inn has cut a path down the mountain to the base of the falls, so check with them before you visit the waterfall and thank them for allowing you to view this natural wonder.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STONEFLY VISIT: www.stoneflync.com

In an article in the 2008-2009 edition of ELEVATIONS magazine, author Mark Brown notes that the local MLS system for the Cashiers Highlands Plateau show brisk sales activity volume for the area where Stonefly is located. He notes that in the past year, 2007, 376 homes sold with a total market value of $256M, averaging $681K per home. 453 homes sold in 2006, totaling $314M or an average of $694K each. This was a drop in the number of sales of 17% with the average price down just 1.8%.  The average days on the market of 243 was up slightly from 230 days a year earlier, with sold prices going for just of 90% of list prices, compared to 93% in 2006. Home sale prices for the 3 year period from 2004/2005 to 2006/2007 were up 28.9%. Residential home listings at 1,083 have just topped the $1B mark in market value. That is up from 992 home sales last year at $891M. The median price has increased to $675K from $659K with the average price increasing to $933K from $891K, a 4.7% increase in the asking price.

Land sales were off somewhat with 245 units sold compared to 414 the year prior. The average price had increased, however, to $286K from $268K, up 6.7%. The total value of those sales was $70M. Sales prices went for 87% of list, about the same as the previous period. The average days on market for those units sold was 212. Land listings total 1,694 with a market value of $645M, averaging $381K per listing. This is up from the previous period with 1,333 listings, a market value of $500M, and an average of $375K each. The average days on the market are now 330 compared to last years 300.

When you look at the entire real estate market in the Cashiers Highlands Plateau, especially when compared to other areas of the country and more specifically other vacation home areas, Stonefly and the surrounding area is doing pretty well. The total amount of product for sale here is around $1.8B; the total amount sold in the past year is about $350M. There is probably over 5 years worth of inventory here and, although sales have slowed, and inventory is on the rise, prices are holding. Disparity between the asking and selling prices indicates owners are not typically in a hurry to sell. Deals can be had, but not without some effort. We are seeing the beginnings of an absorption phase, probably at least a solid three years worth. Prices will most likely remain stable, perhaps continuing to climb somewhat during this period. There just aren’t a lot of places left to easily develop and, since the demand for this beautiful area remains strong, the supply is only likely to increase slightly and values should remain solid. Because Stonefly borders the Nantahala National Forest and is just 1.2 miles from the Cashiers Crossroads, it will continue to appeal to buyers.

Source: Just the Numbers Please, Sales Facts & Figures by Mark Brown ELEVATIONS, Published by Lifestyle Publications, Inc, Cashiers, NC 28717 2008-2009.

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Cashiers North Carolina, which is 1.2 miles from Stonefly, is on the brink of a development explosion. The Lawrence Group, led by director of town planning, Craig Lewis, is working with the community and developers to help achieve this goal. They have developed a conceptual architectural plan that was recently presented to the members of the Cashiers community and area developers who have a desire to work together to bring smart growth to the downtown area.

The Lawrence Group summarized the elements they believe to be most important.

1. Start with a clear plan of how Cashiers should look in the future.
2. Implement a trail or sidewalk system for visitors and locals alike to navigate their way through the village.
3. Find a way to provide affordable housing for the community.
4. Work on the road network at the crossroads and consider installing anywhere from one to five roundabouts while better connecting the existing roads.
5. Work with utility departments to address smart water and sewer growth issues.
6. Implement a form-based code and architectural pattern to maintain character.
7. Complete a storm water management plan.
8. Establish a village council to coordinate steps and generate community dialog.

Developers are poised and ready to implement these visions as they develop their holdings. They have a desire to work together with the community to make downtown Cashiers a village with charm and character. If the attendance at the planning meetings were any indication, it is clear the community is wholeheartedly behind their efforts.

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