The rugged mountains of western North Carolina slowed the settlement of the region, but by the late 1800s it was starting to bustle. The town of Glenville was actually the largest in Jackson County in 1891. Cashiers and Highlands were also growing as desirable escapes from the lowland heat. In fact at one point there was even a toll road between them.
The tiny, historic Grimshawes Post Office has a well travelled history. It was the smallest post office in the US for many years. It was moved several times, projects made easier by its small size. At one point, after it’s retirement from the postal service, it was a ticket booth for Whiteside Mountain. We will have to share more on that story another day.
The route to see this historic building is a nice drive from the cabins. Turn right on NC-107, and go through Cashiers. In about 1.5 miles past the four way in Cashiers, turn right on Whiteside Cove Road. This round winds down into the valley below Whiteside Mountain, affording several spectacular views of this granite monolith. The post office is 3.8 miles on the right side.
Whiteside Cove Road has several more interesting stops to offer. If you continue on 2.5 miles, the hike to Granite City is on your right. This short hike leads you through a hillside strewn with boulders the size of houses. Narrow alleys run between giving the sense of a rocky town for trolls.
At about 7.5 miles total length, Whiteside Cove Road ends at the intersection of Horse Cove Road, leading to Highlands, and Bull Pen Road which go back out to NC-107. You can get to the Secret Falls hike from Horse Cove. And you can see the Old Iron Bridge and river from Bull Pen Road.
Here is a map to the Grimshawes Historic Post Office.
https://goo.gl/maps/Lebd6Qpq4ip