Attractions and Places To See around Town of Highlands - Top 20

The Town of Highlands, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. You absolutely must visit some of the spectacular waterfalls like Dry Falls, where you can walk safely behind the cascade, or the unique Bridal Veil Falls. For a more immersive experience, hike to Glen Falls, a three-tiered waterfall, or explore the trails around Whiteside Mountain for dramatic cliff views. Don't miss Sunset Rock for panoramic vistas, especially at dusk.

Yes, Highlands offers a rich cultural and historical experience. The Highlands Historical Society & Historic Village provides a glimpse into the past with sites like The Prince House, the oldest existing home, and the Highlands Sanatorium Tent. You can also visit The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts for rotating exhibits and workshops, or enjoy the charm of downtown Highlands with its historic architecture, boutiques, and galleries.

Families visiting Highlands have several exciting options. For outdoor thrills, consider the Highlands Aerial Park with its zipline tours and Giant Mountain Swing, or the Highlands Outpost Mountain Coaster. Nature lovers will enjoy the interactive exhibits and nature trails at the Highlands Nature Center. Many of the accessible waterfalls, like Dry Falls, also make for great family outings.

The Nantahala National Forest surrounding Highlands offers extensive hiking opportunities for all skill levels. You can find short, scenic walks to viewpoints like Sunset Rock, or more challenging trails such as the 1.9-mile loop on Whiteside Mountain. The Highlands Biological Station also features interpretive nature trails within its botanical garden. For more detailed trail information, you can explore running trails around Town of Highlands.

Highlands, NC, offers distinct experiences throughout the year. Due to its elevation, summers are cooler and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and escaping the heat. Fall is particularly popular for its stunning autumn foliage. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while winter offers a quiet charm, though some higher elevation trails might be less accessible. The best time depends on your preferred activities and scenery.

While many natural attractions in mountainous regions can be challenging, some sites in Highlands offer better accessibility. Dry Falls is notably accessible, allowing visitors to walk behind the waterfall with relative ease. The downtown area of Highlands is also quite walkable, with many shops and galleries on level ground. It's always recommended to check specific venue accessibility before visiting.

The area around Town of Highlands provides excellent opportunities for various outdoor sports. Cyclists can find numerous routes through the scenic mountain roads. For those interested in gravel biking, there are several options available, including routes like the 'Indian Brook Road - gravel loop from Nelson Corners'. You can find more details and routes for gravel biking and cycling around Town of Highlands.

Yes, the Highlands region is a prime spot for fly fishing. Its pristine mountain streams and rivers, such as the Chattooga, Cullasaja, and Nantahala Rivers, are teeming with trout. For wild swimming, Bust Your Butt Falls / Quarry Falls on the Cullasaja River is a popular spot known for its natural slide and pool, offering a refreshing experience on a warm day.

For breathtaking views, a short hike to Sunset Rock offers panoramic vistas, especially beautiful during sunset. Whiteside Mountain provides dramatic cliff views after a moderate hike. For scenic drives, the Mountain Waters Scenic Highway offers views of waterfalls like Cullasaja Falls. Additionally, the summit of Satulah Mountain provides remarkable views of Blue Valley and South Carolina.

Beyond its natural beauty, Highlands has a vibrant cultural scene. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is a hub for art enthusiasts, offering diverse exhibits and workshops. The Mountain Theatre Company provides professional summer stock theater performances. The town's historic downtown, with its charming architecture and upscale boutiques, also offers a unique cultural experience.

Yes, the Highlands Biological Station is home to the Highlands Botanical Garden, which showcases the region's diverse plant life, including unique pitcher plants in its bogs. It also features interpretive nature trails. Additionally, the Highlands Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, nature trails, and seasonal programs, often including live animals, making it a great educational stop.

Highlands is well-equipped with various accommodation and dining options. The compact and walkable downtown area features a range of choices from charming inns to luxurious hotels like the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, which also offers fine dining. You'll find numerous upscale boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining establishments catering to different tastes.