Have you ever visited a place and, although it’s the first time you have ever seen it, you immediately feel that comfortable and cozy sense of “this is so right”? I’ve been fortunate to experience this feeling with a few locations and, whenever I travel to Highlands North Carolina, the warmth and welcome was like coming home.
Sitting high in the clouds of the southern Appalachia Mountains and scenically nestled within the breathtaking peaks and gorges of the Nantahala National Forest is Highlands, NC. These seven reasons to travel to Highlands, North Carolina are certainly not the only ones but, it’ll do for a start. Once you visit this charming mountain town, you will quickly run up a list of your own favorite highlights that will make you want to come back.
Where do I even start? Let’s begin with what Highlands is super popular for and what really astounded my family and me: Waterfalls.
THE WATERFALLS
Highlands has an abundance of incredible waterfalls and rivers. Most of the waterfalls are fairly easy to get to as several are directly off of US-64 going into downtown Highlands.
First of all, let me say that US-64 is spectacular as well as a bit nail-biting worrisome. The road is narrow, the bends sharp and tight but the views and the scenery are pure mountain splendor. Enjoy the amazing natural beauty of the Nantahala National Forest as you glide around the turns but be very cautious on this windy mountain road.
If you decide to rent a car, make sure it’s one that you feel comfortable navigating narrow mountain roads and taking sharp turns along steep cliffs.
DRY FALLS
Dry Falls was the first falls we visited and what a wowzer to start with. Located off to the right of US-64 just short of entering Highlands, Dry Falls is a jaw-dropping 65-foot falls that offers spectacular views.
It is a short walk down an easily constructed path and extremely worth it. The walkway will take you down into the gulley and directly behind the falls (a very “Last of the Mohicans” moment). You will get wet, but this is an excellent trail for getting up close and personal with a powerful waterfall.
The parking is small for such a popular locale. There is typically a parking fee of around $3.00 (varies). Be sure to get there early or later in the evening to ensure getting a spot because weekends especially are super busy. Be extremely careful navigating this part of 64 because drop-offs are severe, there are no rails and people are pulling into and out of the parking lot.
GLEN FALLS
Another spectacular waterfall with enormous panoramic views is GLEN FALLS.
GLEN FALLS is a hop, skip and jump from cozy downtown Highlands going south on the east fork of Overflow Creek. Once you get off NC Highway 106 (you’ll see a sign), you will drive along a scenic gravel road to a fairly car friendly parking lot. No fee. From this point, you will enter the trailhead which will guide you to four breathtaking observation points offering dizzying waterfall and mountain views.
The trail is downhill and a bit of a workout coming back but so worth it. I highly recommend placing Glen Falls high on your list of planned activities. The forest is a vision of enchanted nature and when you see the huge trees open up to breathtaking majestic views, you will think of nothing else outside of how fortunate you are to be there.
SEQUOYAH DAM FALLS
Sequoyah Dam Falls is also on the right side of US-64 heading towards Highlands and is a stunning man-made falls that serves to create the incredibly picturesque lake, Lake Sequoyah. You can easily pull over into a small parking lot right off of 64 to view this absolutely stunning waterfall and lake. There is no trail to this waterfall as it is directly off the road.
It is here that you will be entering the beautiful town of Highlands and what a splendid entrance Sequoyah Falls and Lake Sequoyah provide.
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Less than a mile up from Dry Falls is Bridal Veil Falls and it will be on your left going into town with limited parking. There is no trail as these falls are directly on US-64 and you will see it as you drive by.
Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful 45-foot cascading waterfall where you can also walk behind the roaring waters. This waterfall has a wide enough berth between the cascades and the rocks that vehicles used to drive under it however, this was stopped, and it is now pedestrian only.
BUST YOUR BUTT FALLS
Bust Your Butt Falls is another awesome falls right off US 64 and offers not only a great swimming hole but a real bust your butt natural slide. Or, if you are not in the mood to get your butt busted, there are sunbathing rocks to stretch out on or to sit back and observe as others bounce down the falls.
THE OUTDOOR RECREATION
I found Highlands to be an outdoor lovers paradise. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a woodsy stroll or if you’re a high thrills seeker, there are so many options for us all.
Let me take a moment to focus on the incredible hiking trails. The trails around Highlands wind you through some of the most magical forests, gorges and scenic lookouts I have encountered since exploring the Black Forest in Germany.
A warning: Bears are abundant in Highlands and the surrounding area so please keep a lookout while you hike and whatever you do, please do not have food with you. I was even told to be very watchful just taking groceries from my car to the house.
Fly fishing is super popular and can be done alone or with professional guides. Wade the waters and cast out for Rainbow, Brown and Wild Brook Trout from several river choices such as the Nantahala, Chattooga, White Water, Tuskasegee and more.
There’s always a perfect fishing spot. Even if they aren’t biting that day, you surely have beautiful scenery surrounding you, so the day is always a success.
Rafting offers several rivers in the area to ride with the Chattooga River being the most popular, and also the steepest in sections. For people like me who like smoother and more leisurely waters, the Nantahala and Ocoee are your best choices.
Highlands Aerial Park has been rated in the top 10% by Traveler’s Choice as the best in worldwide fun attractions. Featuring ziplining, trails, challenge courses, tree climbing and, my personal favorite, a giant mountain swing, Highlands Aerial Park is a must for outdoor adventurers both young and old. Just a 20-minute drive from Highlands via NC-106 E/Dillard Road, this beautiful adventure park makes for a wild and fantastic family excursion.
THE TOWN
Founded in 1875 and residing at a cool elevation of over 4000 ft., the town of Highlands welcomes her visitors with a surprisingly large variety of quaint little shops, unique inns and delish restaurants. Sitting atop a plateau in the Appalachian Mountains, Highlands is simply a delight to the senses.
One of my favorite things about the area, I never saw a Walmart. And really, you don’t need one. The small downtown area has pretty much all you need to survive Walmart-less with a hardware shop (so cute), pet needs, a Christmas shop, eateries and many quaint Mom & Pops to patron.
The grocery stores are cozy and well stocked hosting yummy delis, mouthwatering baked goods and an impressive wine selection. We actually put together several delicious lunches and evening meals via these charming groceries.
Our favorite groceries were Mountain Fresh Grocery & Wine Market offering a large wine shop, butcher, bakery, deli and pizza as well as the well-stocked Bryson’s Food Store for all your basic staples.
Another charm to the town is that it is small, compact and totally walkable. A twilight stroll through downtown after a lovely dinner can be a perfect ending to a day. Be sure to grab delicious coffee from Calders Coffee Cafe and expect to be greeted with warm hellos as you amble down Main Street.
Window shopping is a treat as are the shops which are loaded with small mountain town charm and hominess. No need to be in a hurry for time is irrelevant and a laid-back attitude is the norm, no hustle and bustle here which I found to be glorious.
THE PEOPLE
The quintessential of charming mountain towns, Highlands shares endearing qualities associated with quaint small-town America but with the added perk of harboring a tight knit comradery that derives from being remote.
With a population of just a little over 1000, it is a true case of the popular sitcom “Cheers” in that “everyone knows your name”. I found Highlands to be one of the most welcoming towns I have had the pleasure of visiting.
The people here are warm, easily approachable and always ready to help. I felt completely safe while alone or walking around the town at night with my daughters.
To give you an example, the lady whose beautiful cottage we rented went out of her way to make us feel welcome and to provide all the comforts and feels of home. We enjoyed many lovely conversations over the phone (she reminded me so much of my grandmother), and I was impressed at her efforts to make our stay perfection.
She was so worried we wouldn’t figure out the TV. It was so sweet.
The kindness of this town will warm your heart and will remain with you until you can return. The people that make up this unique town are definitely a reason to travel to Highlands.
THE RESTAURANTS
For a small town, Highlands has an impressive selection of fantastic restaurants and eateries. The cuisine in this little mountain town is definitely a great reason to travel to Highlands.
Just to name a few and to give you some links to check out:
The Ugly Dog Public House is one we visited, and we found this restaurant lively, fun and cozy. The food was great at an affordable price for four and the service wonderfully friendly and accommodating.
Highlands Smokehouse is another restaurant we visited and again, great food for affordable prices and very convenient in that you can choose between full dining, counter service or to go.
On The Verandah is one I wanted to patron and will definitely do so when I go back. This restaurant offers international cuisine and seafood along with an incredible view and lakefront seating.
Wild Thyme Gourmet is located on Main Street and is known for vegan dishes, ambience and local cuisine.
Midpoint Highlands is located on Main Street.
Ristorante Paoletti offers delicious Italian wine and dishes.
Four65 Woodfire Bistro & Bar is located along Main Street and specializes in wood-fired pizzas.
THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND SCENERY
The town of Highlands sits at an official elevation of over 4000 ft and is the highest incorporated district east of the Mississippi. At such an impressive perch, the views are staggeringly spectacular.
You are surrounded by the most vivid natural colors and sights a temperate rainforest retreat can offer. And the air…oh, so fresh and invigorating. All the seasons explode with their own designated colors and aromas however, I found the months of fall to be striking.
While in Highlands, you really don’t have to put forth a lot of effort to find panoramic views. They are all around you for the taking in and enjoyment. This area of the world is truly a magnificent treasure and deserves to be loved, protected and embraced.
THE UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS
Highlands is filled with unique and quaint accommodations ranging from Charming Cottages to Comfortable Cabins.
The adorable comfy cottage we stayed in, Marie’s Place, was right outside town and situated in a gorgeously wooded neighborhood that my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed strolling. The owners were the best ever and really made us feel right at home. I did not want to leave this cottage.
Make sure you spend time on her festively decorated screened-in porch! Plus, she provides a well-stocked library, so you don’t need to bring a book with you.
HIGHLANDER MOUNTAIN HOUSE is located on Main Street and is as cute as it can be. You get a real mountain feel in this quaint little vacation stay. Plus, they have an excellent onsite restaurant, The Ruffed Grouse Tavern where you can enjoy heavily stuffed furniture and a woodburning fireplace.
HIGHLANDS INN is also located on Main Street. Dating back 130 years, you will enjoy historic mountain charm while staying at this inn. Listed on the National Registry for Historic Places, Highlands Inn was the first hotel in downtown.
J. Stephen Conn
The Park on Main is a luxury pet friendly stay where your four-legged friend can make his/her own special vacation memories along with you. Geared towards making all guests feel comfortable and special, The Park on Main is a cool place to lay your dog leash.
I highly recommend their doggie Halloween costume contest. We were fortunate to have just happened to be in town during this event and it is definitely a fun experience. (I was super impressed by the costumes!)
For more search options on Highlands property rentals, try VRBO and EXPEDIA.
You can fly into Asheville Regional Airport which is located roughly an hour and a half drive from Highlands NC. Pick from flights via Cheap0air Flights or QATAR AIRWAYS.
Your travels to Highlands NC will be an enriching experience that will rejuvenate, refresh and restore as only fresh mountain air, sunshine and good folk can. The connections you will make to nature and to the people will remain with you until you can return to this paradise in the clouds.
I am an affiliate for most of the listed companies and I receive a small commission for any bookings or sales from this site. Thank you so very much and enjoy your travels.