There’s no denying it – Mother Nature is a show-off, and nowhere is her flair more dazzling than on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in October. As autumn unfurls its tapestry, the mountains are cloaked in a kaleidoscope of yellows, reds, and oranges, a breathtaking quilt tossed across the landscape with wild abandon.
This seasonal spectacle is more than just visual poetry – it’s rooted in plant biology. As days shorten and temperatures cool, trees slow their chlorophyll production, revealing hidden pigments: carotenoids for golden yellows and oranges, and anthocyanins for fiery reds and purples. Trees like Eastern Red Maple, Silky Dogwood, and Northern Wild Raisin lead the crimson parade, while Yellow Birch and Downy Serviceberry contribute their golden glow.
But the leaf show is just the beginning. The Plateau offers a full sensory banquet. The scent of decaying leaves mingles with the musk of compost and the smoky perfume of autumn bonfires. For flavor, seek out the crimson-leaved Staghorn Sumac. Its berries, steeped and mashed into a sweet-tart tonic, offer a taste of Cherokee tradition – especially when served with mint on a sunny October afternoon.
To immerse yourself in this seasonal magic, explore the Highlands Biological Station, Cliffside Lake, or the Cashiers Greenway Ramble. Whether you’re hiking Panthertown Valley with the Friends of Panthertown (October 1–22) or strolling the Bartram Trail, there’s a path for every pace. And if walking’s not your thing, the leaf show is just as stunning from the car window.
The Plateau also sings in October Venues all over the Plateau host live music throughout the month. Again, our Events Calendar is your best bet to stay updated on the when and where.
Want to join the fun? Become a leaf keeper from October 18–November 11 by hiding and finding painted wooden leaves across Cashiers. And don’t miss the Halloween Trick or Treat Street in Cashiers (October 25) or Highlands’ Downtown Trick or Treat (October 31). These community-wide celebrations promise laughter, music, and memories – no matter your age.
So yes, come for the leaves. But stay for the full spectrum of life on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. It’s a season, a celebration, and a story you’ll want to be part of.
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