Latest update on March 14, 2021.
Southern Mountains
Many members of the Deerfoot community know the Adirondacks well, but may know little about western North Carolina.
The purpose of this presentation is to peel back some of the mystery and introduce you to the unique area that is the home to Deerfoot Blue Ridge.
Focus on Jackson County
- Deerfoot Blue Ridge - the 340 acre property includes Trout Lake. It is located just east of Lake Glenville, the highest large lake in the Appalachian Mountain Range.
- Glenville, NC - the closest hamlet to Deerfoot Blue Ridge, on the shores of Lake Glenville.
- Cashiers, NC - the nearest significant community to Deerfoot Blue Ridge.
- Highlands, NC - located in neighboring Macon County, this is the largest community on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Some History
- This area was part of the Cherokee Nation until 1819.
- In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto became the first European known to pass through the region.
- Settlers started populating the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the 1830's.
- Early economic activities included agriculture (notably cabbage), gold mining, and eventually hospitality as a vacation destination.
Statistics
- Average Annual Rainfall: 90.5 inches. The area is a temperate rain forest with occasional heavy rains that clear quickly.
- Average July Temperatures: High of 78 degrees, low of 59 degrees. The highs are often 10-15 degrees cooler than in Southeastern urban areas.
- Average January Temperatures: High of 42 degrees and a low of 23 degrees.
- Elevations: 3,500 feet on the shore of Trout Lake, with many local mountains around 5,000 feet. The highest peak along the eastern seaboard is North Carolina's Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet.
- Jackson County has about 40,000 permanent residents, of which about 2,000 reside in the Cashiers area.
What to Expect
We would like to introduce you to Cashiers, Highlands, and the hamlet of Glenville...
Cashiers
The Four Corners of Cashiers
More on Cashiers
Although the name of the town is spelled the same way as the check-out clerks in a store, it is pronounced "cashers" (rhymes with "mashers").
Highlands
Situated at over 4,000 feet, Highlands was founded in the late 1800's as a tourist destination. It is the largest town in the area with several blocks of shops and restaurants, and numerous places to stay.
Glenville
The hamlet of Glenville is at the initial turn-off to Deerfoot Blue Ridge from State Highway 107. It has a post office, some businesses, and a population of about 200.
Some Scenes from Deerfoot Blue Ridge
Area Attractions for Visitors
For those able to spend some time in the Highlands-Cashiers area, the mountains and lakes provide numerous recreational opportunities. Some of these are highlighted below.
Latest Developments
Click on the following link to learn about the progress being made in developing Deerfoot Blue Ridge:
More Information
Click on the links below for the back story behind the new Deerfoot camp in North Carolina. We are eagerly seeking the Lord for the day when He will work in the hearts of boys and young men at this new site.
Contact Information:
Chief Ron Mackey, Executive Director of Deerfoot Lodge
phone (855) 447-2267 X 700 | chiefron@deerfoot.org
Credits:
Created with images by Government & Heritage Library, State Library of NC - "North Carolina today, page 31 (1930s)" • Texas State Library and Archives Commission - "Mural: "Texas Moves Toward Statehood" - section 1 of 5" • Chillsoffear - "thermometer temperature measurement"