Highlands, NC Guidebook
Sightseeing
I recommend Glenn Falls - accessed on the left going south on Hwy 106 just outside of town. It’s a cascading waterfall hike. The path is well cleared with lots of steps - it’s downhill from the top and back uphill to get back to the gravel parking area.
58 locals recommend
Glen Falls
I recommend Glenn Falls - accessed on the left going south on Hwy 106 just outside of town. It’s a cascading waterfall hike. The path is well cleared with lots of steps - it’s downhill from the top and back uphill to get back to the gravel parking area.
Sunset rock is a beautiful spot right in highlands (there’s a less know sunrise side as well). It’s on the way out of town on Horsecove road on the right across from the Nature Center. It’s about a mile up a gravel road. You can also drive it if you have a vehicle that can make it over some of the dips in the road where the rain washes it out.
70 locals recommend
Sunset Rock
131 Highlands Gate DrSunset rock is a beautiful spot right in highlands (there’s a less know sunrise side as well). It’s on the way out of town on Horsecove road on the right across from the Nature Center. It’s about a mile up a gravel road. You can also drive it if you have a vehicle that can make it over some of the dips in the road where the rain washes it out.
Whiteside is a beautiful hike! It’s on the right on the way out of town on towards Cashiers on Hwy 64. It’s a loop trail so you can go a different way up than down. It’s a gorgeous rock face overlook.
139 locals recommend
Whiteside Mtn Trail
91-170 Deville DrWhiteside is a beautiful hike! It’s on the right on the way out of town on towards Cashiers on Hwy 64. It’s a loop trail so you can go a different way up than down. It’s a gorgeous rock face overlook.
The Cullasaja Gorge (64 towards Franklin) is a beautiful drive with 3 different waterfalls. In order on the way out of town: Bridal Veil (right - just off the road) Dry Falls (there’s a parking area on the left with a set of stairs down to walk under the falls), and Cullasaja Falls (left, huge waterfall visible from the road). This is a very narrow, windy road with lots of commuter use so just be careful if you pull off of the side!
109 locals recommend
Bridal Veil Falls
The Cullasaja Gorge (64 towards Franklin) is a beautiful drive with 3 different waterfalls. In order on the way out of town: Bridal Veil (right - just off the road) Dry Falls (there’s a parking area on the left with a set of stairs down to walk under the falls), and Cullasaja Falls (left, huge waterfall visible from the road). This is a very narrow, windy road with lots of commuter use so just be careful if you pull off of the side!
The Cullasaja Gorge (64 towards Franklin) is a beautiful drive with 3 different waterfalls. In order on the way out of town: Bridal Veil (right - just off the road) Dry Falls (there’s a parking area on the left with a set of stairs down to walk under the falls), and Cullasaja Falls (left, huge waterfall visible from the road). This is a very narrow, windy road with lots of commuter use so just be careful if you pull off of the side!
229 locals recommend
Dry Falls
U.S. 64The Cullasaja Gorge (64 towards Franklin) is a beautiful drive with 3 different waterfalls. In order on the way out of town: Bridal Veil (right - just off the road) Dry Falls (there’s a parking area on the left with a set of stairs down to walk under the falls), and Cullasaja Falls (left, huge waterfall visible from the road). This is a very narrow, windy road with lots of commuter use so just be careful if you pull off of the side!
Rainbow Falls
A challenging but rewarding hike! The falls are gorgeous!
Rabun Bald
Secret Falls Trail Head
Big Creek RoadShadow of the Bear
64 Cashiers RoadLake Glenville
Lake Sequoyah
Harris Lake
Shopping
Locally-owned, Beautiful Store with an ever-changing unique inventory, including locally made items.
Awesome furniture, cutting boards, art, leather goods, clothes, soaps, and jewelry.
The Molly Grace corp.
207 N 4th StAwesome furniture, cutting boards, art, leather goods, clothes, soaps, and jewelry.
Highlands Kids
114 N 4th StHighland Hiker
Bardo 49
460 Main StJ.McLaughlin
318 Main StTJ Bailey's
343C Main StFood scene
Lakeside Restaurant
531 Smallwood AveExcellent food!
Bryson's Food Store
103 Highlands PlazaTown of Highlands’ grocery store.
Highlands Wine Shoppe
269 Oak StWolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro
474 Main StThe Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
294 S 4th StMadison's Restaurant
445 Main St
on the Verandah
1536 Franklin RdKilwins Highlands
341 Main StThe Secret Garden
Blue Bike Cafe
423 N 4th StCalders Coffee Cafe
384 Main StRhodes Superette
493 Dillard RdHighlands Burritos
226 S 4th StThe Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek
Highlands Smokehouse
595 Franklin RdAugust Produce
636 Franklin RdLos Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant
Wild Thyme Gourmet
343-D Main StEdelweiss Highlands
Activities
Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine
9770 Highlands RdHighlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens
265 N 6th StThe Bascom
323 Franklin RdHighlands Playhouse
507 Oak StHighlands Aerial Park
9625 Dillard RdCanyon Spa at Lonesome Valley
121 Lonesome Valley RdCliffside Lake Recreation Area
13908 Highlands RoadScaly Mountain Outdoor Center
7420 Dillard RdKelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
411-499 Pine StHighlands Side x Side
Sky Valley Country Club
568 Sky Valley WayHighlands Performing Arts Center
507 Chestnut StPets
Posh Paws Pet Spa
411 N 4th St