It’s getting to be that time of year yet again.
Residents of Highlands and Cashiers know it all too well.
With more visitors coming to town, the traffic headaches have begun at locations all across Macon and Jackson counties, with Highlands and Cashiers topping the lists of high-traffic areas. Last weekend, there were backups around the Plateau as visitors and day-trippers flocked to area waterfalls, overlooks, businesses, and the Bear Shadow music festival.
The traffic tie-ups were a sign of things to come as tourism season gets ready for its unofficial kickoff over Memorial Day weekend. While being stuck in traffic can be frustrating for anyone trying to get to or from work, it’s important to remain patient.
Here are some tips for drivers on the Plateau – both resident and visitor alike.
• Leave early – Getting anywhere during the summer, especially on the weekend, can pose a problem. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Drive the speed limit – This tip is a two-fold issue. While people who live and work in the area may be used to driving the curvy mountain roads, and thus willing to eclipse the speed limit on their daily commute, sightseers and “Sunday” drivers going 10-15 miles per hour under the speed limit also cause issues. Obey the speed limit, but don’t meander.
• Avoid peak times at points of interest – Having cars sitting still on US64, in both directions, is not safe. But that exact scenario plays out almost every weekend at places like Bridal Veil falls and Dry Falls. If the parking areas are full, drive past and try it again later in the day.
• Be willing to walk – Parking in high-traffic areas like Main Street in Highlands, or anywhere near the crossroads in Cashiers, can be hard to come by during the summer. Driving laps up and down the road looking for a perfect parking space only adds to the congestion. Find a spot a little further away and enjoy a little exercise.
With a full array of events scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, there’s bound to be issues on our roadways. Hopefully, everyone makes it through as calmly and efficiently as possible.