Experience the finest among North Carolina Vacation Rentals in Highlands NC at The Lakehouse on Lake Glenville in Cashiers

No need to travel to the tropics to fly through the treetops. The first canopy zip line tour in the North Carolina Smokies is located on the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Nantahala National Forest northwest of our mountain retreat. No experience is needed. Canopy Rangers provide all the necessary instruction and assistance and use state-of-the-art equipment, including helmets, full body harnesses, trolley, gloves, and tether safety lines. There are two canopy Rangers per group.

The 3-hour zip line flight is powered by gravity and a gradual 3 percent elevation change. The 1/2 mile air time Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods, and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants such as mountain laurel, dogwood, rhododendron, giant Frazier magnolia, rare umbrella magnolia, silver bells and many more. Your canopy Ranger will point out these natural features and will also share with you some of the cultural history of the gorge.

The zip line course is located 12 miles west of Bryson City, (approximately 48 miles from our mountain lake home) at the Falling Waters Adventure Resort in the Nantahala River Gorge. Age and weight minimum is 10 years and 70 pounds with a weight maximum of 250 pounds. $69 per person. Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours, 866-319-8870.

Laurel Knob

At 4,014 feet, Laurel Knob in Jackson County is the tallest cliff in the Eastern U.S. Big and wild, Laurel is home to fantastic slab and water grove climbing. Laurel’s remote location and height make for a truly unique experience and it’s likely you will be the only party on the cliff, or at least it may feel that way.

The approach through Panthertown is long, but well worth the walk. If you like classic traditional North Carolina climbing and haven’t yet been to Laurel, you need to try it at least once.

The Carolina Climber’s Coalition (CCC) was established January 16, 1995 with the purposes of preserving the natural environment, promoting safe climbing practices and preserving climber’s access to climbing areas in North and South Carolina. Laurel Knob was the first acquisition in the Carolina Climber’s Coalition history.

The purchase of Laurel Knob transformed the CCC from grassroots organization to landowners, land managers and advocates. This change allowed the organization to be part of a growing movement of organizations that are truly preserving and expanding climbing opportunities. The CCC continues to work with local, state and federal organizations to help preserve and protect climbing privileges in North and South Carolina. Dedicated climbing enthusiasts will find that our luxurious mountain getaway on Lake Glenville is the perfect place to relax after a day on the mountain.

Season:  Spring, Fall, Winter
Type Climb:  Traditional Multi-pitch