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Things to Do in Highlands, North Carolina: See Tripadvisor's 24,800 traveler reviews and photos of Highlands tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Highlands. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
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Admire Mountain Views
If it's views you're looking for, Nantahala National Forest is a gold mine. Beginner and expert hikers can make their way from gushing waterfalls and panoramic peaks on any given day. You also can take in the views on Whiteside Mountain, a landmark along the eastern continental divide. The moderate 2-mile loop will take you by cliff edges and sprawling views. Keep your eyes peeled for falcons flying above.
Explore The Waterfalls
Warm up with a trip to one of the closest waterfalls, Dry Falls. An easy start to the day, the short, half-mile stroll will take you to where the Cullasaja River projects over a cliff. A path lets you venture behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name. Keep things flowing with a trip to Glen Falls. The trailhead is 3 miles from downtown, and the trip to the multilevel, 640-foot splash and back is just over 2 miles total. Don't let the downhill start trick you. Be sure to conserve yo...
Spend The Day Fly Fishing
Highlands is a jumping off point for outdoor adventures, from zip-lining to golf. Brookings Anglerscan outfit you for a day of fly fishing for smallmouth bass or mountain trout. Or, book a tour with one of their friendly guides at the nearby Cashiers location—just make sure you reserve your spot a month or two out.
Fuel Up For Breakfast
Begin your day at Mountain Fresh Grocery where a homemade breakfast sandwich is sure to fuel the day's adventure. Their stollen bread is legendary, so be sure to grab one for the road. 4th Street Market, a small convenience store, will come in handy at the start of the day with to-go snacks for the trail. Much more than a convenience store, this market carries breakfast biscuits, warm cinnamon rolls, and barbecue fixings you can bring on a picnic.
Eat Lunch On A Patio
If you're not still in the mountains mid-day, stop by The Wine Garden at the Old Edwards Inn for its can't-miss patio. Sunshine and stonework mixes with great sips, dips, salads, and sandwiches for a lunch that feels like a destination in its own right. Another local favorite, Wild Thyme Gourmet, is often packed with patrons eating under its cheerful red umbrellas. The menu features American cuisine with an Asian flair. If you don't get back in time for lunch, both are open for dinner service...
Enjoy Fine Dining
If you like, never leave your hotel and stay for dinner at Madison's Restaurant. The indoor dining room serves farm-to-table fare where you can treat yourself to everything from pork saltimbocca to a crispy leg of duck confit. Or, take things up a notch at Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro, where a taste of Europe and New Orleans accompany a wine list more than 700 bottles long. Also on the main strip, Ristorante Paolettioffers excellent Italian fare from pastas to veal and fish. Reservatio...
Gear Up For Adventure
Stick around downtown at least one day to explore the many shops. Locally owned storefronts strike a balance between mountain treasures and high-end clothing boutiques on Main Street. Start by gearing up for your mountain adventures at Bear Mountain Outfitters. From outdoor appeal and equipment for the trail to casual wear you can sport around town, this local shop has something for everyone.
Check Out Clothing Boutiques
Pop into Rosenthals Boutique for an elevated look. A family store that's been passed down three generations, the shop prides itself on a selection of designer brands and high-end service. Wander into TJ Baily'sfor classic style. This once men's only store now carries women's clothing too.
Browse Home Decor
Find a little something for your home at Dutchmans Casual Living where you'll be delighted by colorful decor and handcrafted furnishings. The boutique has planted 700,000 trees since 2005, with the goal to plant one tree with every piece of furniture sold. On North Fourth, CK Swansells carefully selected home goods and furniture, jewelry, gifts, art, and even bouquets of flowers.
Splurge On The Old Edwards Inn
While plenty of rustic cabin rentals dot the woods, you can splurge on a stay at Old Edwards Inn and Spa for a taste of refined mountain charm. Spend your nights at the elegant inn or in one of their charming cottages. Located in the heart of downtown, this mountain refuge delights with crackling fireplaces, inviting porches, and dining options galore. You'd be remiss to checkout without experiencing the property's heated mineral pool or standout spa treatments.
Cozy Up At The Highlander Mountain House
Also downtown, you can stay at the 18-room Highlander Mountain House, a cozy establishment that was converted from a retired sea captain's sprawling home. The inn calls itself "equal parts Appalachian lodge and refined English country estate." An all-day tavern, The Ruffed Grouse, serves a menu featuring seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge farmers.
Discover the best activities, restaurants, and shops in Highlands, a mountain town near the Nantahala National Forest. Enjoy scenic views, waterfalls, fly fishing, coaster rides, and more in this relaxing retreat.
- Experience the Natural Side of Highlands. A great way to explore the natural side of Highlands is with a hike through the Highlands Plateau Greenway. This area is home to over five miles of trails that pass through beautiful nature areas with scenic views and opportunities to spot plant and animal life.
- Enjoy the Stunning Cullasaja Falls. Address: Highlands (GPS) Located 8.8 miles west of Highlands on US Highway 64 (also known as Mountain Waters Scenic Highway & Waterfall Byway), along a lovely cliff drive Cullasaja Falls can be seen from the side of the road as it winds through the Cullasaja River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest.
- Journey through Cullasaja River Gorge. One of the best things to do in Highlands is go for a road trip! There’s no shortage of scenic drives in North Carolina, and in the Highlands region, the Cullasaja River Gorge scenic drive, which travels between the towns of Highlands and Franklin, is one of the more popular ones.
- Visit Bridal Veil Falls. Address: Highlands Rd, Highlands (GPS) Although you can see Bridal Veil Falls from the roadway, nothing beats seeing this waterfall up close!
1. Hiking. Highlands is located in the Nantahala National Forest and this provides countless arresting places where you can get out for a day hike. But before you set out, we would strongly suggest you stop by Highland Hiker.
Discover the cultural and natural attractions of Highlands, NC, a town with a rich history and a creative spirit. Explore music, theatre, art, shopping, festivals and more in this scenic mountain destination.
Top Things to Do in Highlands, NC. Places to Visit in Highlands. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Sporting Events (1) Likely to Sell Out (1) Waterfalls (7) Antique Stores (5) Hiking Trails (4) Geologic Formations (3) Art Galleries (4) Tours in and around Highlands.
Top Things to Do in Highlands. Things to Do in Highlands. Popular things to do. Private & Custom Tours. Food, Wine & Nightlife. Waterfalls. Tours in and around Highlands. Book these experiences for a closer look at the region. See all. Waterfalls and Breweries Tour from Bryson City, NC. 20. 4WD Tours. from. $281.
