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Highlands

Attractions and Places To See around Highlands - Top 7

Best attractions and places to see around Highlands features a landscape characterized by natural features such as waterfalls, summits, and trails. This region provides opportunities to explore various natural monuments and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can discover a range of outdoor experiences, from accessible waterfalls to mountain trails offering expansive views.

Best attractions and places to see around Highlands

  • The most popular attractions is Dry Falls, a waterfall that is easily accessible next to Highway 64. It is notable for…

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Glen Falls

Highlight (Segment) • Waterfall

This trail leads you along Glen Falls, which is known for being a triple waterfall. The upper and middle falls offer the most stunning views, but it's worth it to see all three.

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Whiteside Mountain Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Whiteside Mountain, a landmark of the Nantahala National Forest, rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet. Its cliffs look like layers of ice that have settled over the mountain. The trail is popular because of the great views.

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Holcomb Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Waterfall

The Holcomb Creek Trail is a secluded singletrack loop that passes by three wild waterfalls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Lower Holcomb Creek Falls, Upper Holcomb Creek Falls, and Ammons …

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Dry Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Nice Waterfalls next to the Highway 64. Definitely worth the stop.
There are only paid parking places ($3).

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Yellow Mountain

Highlight • Summit

Gorgeous views. Beware of the switchbacks during rainy season, they are pretty muddy, but if you take the old route (the straight route) up to the peak you'll stay out of the mud.

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Popular around Highlands

Hiking around Highlands

Running Trails around Highlands

Road Cycling Routes around Highlands

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Christoph
July 26, 2025, Whiteside Mountain Trail

Beautiful views. The hike is not strenuous.

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The Holcomb Creek Trail is a secluded singletrack loop that passes by three wild waterfalls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Lower Holcomb Creek Falls, Upper Holcomb Creek Falls, and Ammons Falls. There are also a bunch of small cascades along Holcomb Creek, which the trail follows the entire time.

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Tyler Sanders
August 2, 2023, Glen Falls

This trail leads you along Glen Falls, which is known for being a triple waterfall. The upper and middle falls offer the most stunning views, but it's worth it to see all three.

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SFX-3289
March 15, 2023, Dry Falls

Nice Waterfalls next to the Highway 64. Definitely worth the stop. There are only paid parking places ($3).

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Whiteside Mountain, a landmark of the Nantahala National Forest, rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet. Its cliffs look like layers of ice that have settled over the mountain. The trail is popular because of the great views.

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Gorgeous views. Beware of the switchbacks during rainy season, they are pretty muddy, but if you take the old route (the straight route) up to the peak you'll stay out of the mud.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some notable natural attractions to visit around Highlands?

The Highlands area is rich in natural beauty. You can explore stunning waterfalls like Dry Falls, where you can walk behind the cascade, and Glen Falls, a triple waterfall offering spectacular views. For panoramic vistas, consider hiking Whiteside Mountain Trail or reaching the summit of Yellow Mountain.

Are there any waterfalls I can visit in the Highlands area?

Yes, the Highlands are known for their beautiful waterfalls. Dry Falls is easily accessible from Highway 64 and uniquely allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall. Another must-see is Glen Falls, a triple waterfall where the upper and middle sections provide the most stunning views.

Where can I find trails with great views around Highlands?

For trails offering great views, Whiteside Mountain Trail is highly recommended. It's known for its panoramic vistas from Whiteside Mountain and is not overly strenuous. Another option is Yellow Mountain, which also provides gorgeous views, though some sections can be muddy during the rainy season.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Highlands?

Yes, Dry Falls is a family-friendly attraction. Its easy accessibility and the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall make it enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The Highlands area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like Satulah Mountain Trail and Sunset Rock Trail. For road cycling, routes like the Holt Knob – Dry Falls loop are popular. Running enthusiasts can explore trails such as Rabun Bald via Bartram Trail. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for hiking, road cycling, and running around Highlands.

Are there specific hiking trails recommended around Highlands?

Absolutely. For an intermediate hike with great views, try the Whiteside Mountain Trail. If you're looking for easier options, the Satulah Mountain Trail, Sunset Rock Trail, Kelsey Trail, Ranger Falls Loop Trail, and Lindenwood Lake Loop are all considered easy hikes. You can explore more hiking routes in the Hiking around Highlands guide.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in Highlands?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the rewarding views. For instance, the Whiteside Mountain Trail is loved for its 'great views' and being 'not strenuous.' Dry Falls is highlighted as 'definitely worth the stop' due to its unique walk-behind feature. The overall appeal lies in the accessible natural monuments and scenic viewpoints.

Are there any challenging summits to explore in Highlands?

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Yellow Mountain offers rewarding views from its summit. Another notable peak is Whiterock Mountain, a 4469 ft summit along the Bartram Trail, known for its monolithic rock offering excellent views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Is there parking available at the attractions?

For popular spots like Dry Falls, there are paid parking places available, typically costing around $3. For other trails and summits, parking availability can vary, so it's advisable to check specific trailheads beforehand.

What are some popular running trails in the Highlands area?

If you enjoy running, you can find several trails around Highlands. Popular options include Rabun Bald via Bartram Trail, Holcomb Creek Trail, Cashiers Lake loop from Cashiers, and Harris Lake loop from Highlands. More details on these and other routes can be found in the Running Trails around Highlands guide.

Can I find road cycling routes near the attractions?

Yes, the area offers several road cycling routes. You can explore loops such as Holt Knob – Dry Falls from Highlands, Little Bearpen Mountain – Dry Falls from Black Rock Mountain, and Highlands Reservoir – Cowee Gap from Whiteside Mountain. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Highlands guide.

Most popular routes around Highlands

Hiking around Highlands

Most popular attractions around Highlands

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