At an altitude of 4,118 feet, this is among the highest towns located east of the Mississippi River. It is a serene mountain getaway that has been attracting tourists for over a hundred years.
Here, you can unwind while being treated to the finest amenities, which include exquisite restaurants, fabulous shopping, manicured golf courses, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
The postcard-perfect downtown area is home to numerous art galleries, antique shops, and specialty stores.
The Highlands Heritage Trail is the best way to explore the town, which takes visitors on a walk past 51 historic sites.
Of course, there are also plenty of hiking trails featuring waterfalls, forests, and breathtaking mountain views.
Fly-fishing is another popular activity here, especially from the months of May to October.
If this sounds like the kind of place you’d like to spend a vacation, check out our list of recommendations below to make the most out of your trip
The 25 Most Popular Things To Do In Highlands, North Carolina
25. Satulah Mountain Summit – Highlands Cashiers Land Trust
5.0 (1 review)
Location: 2RP5+C4 Highlands NC
Tel: 828 526 1111
Web Address: http://hicashlt.org/
24. Ammons Creek Falls
4.0 (1 review)
23. Holcomb Creek Falls
4.8 (4 reviews)
Credit: Christine Kong, Google Maps
22. Harris Lake
4.6 (5 reviews)
Credit: EvanS, License, Wikimedia commons
21. Quarry Falls
5.0 (5 reviews)
Credit: Jim Liestman, License, Flickr
20. Satulah Falls
3.5 (8 reviews)
Credit: Jason Williams, Google Maps
19. Cliffside Lake
4.3 (8 reviews)
Credit: Brian Wehner, Google Maps
18. Mirror Lake
4.7 (18 reviews)
17. Pinky Falls
4.7 (24 reviews)
Credit: Sharon Kilzer, Google Maps
Location: 1138 Flat Mountain Road Highlands NC
Tel: 828 526 3556
Web Address: http://hicashlt.org/
16. Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge
4.7 (30 reviews)
Credit: Kevin Trotman, License, Flickr
Location: 323 Franklin Road Highlands NC
15. Holcomb Creek Falls Trail Head
4.6 (42 reviews)
Credit: Warren Brown, Google Maps
Location: Hale Ridge Road Clayton GA
Web Address: http://theblueridgehighlander.com/waterfalls_rabun_county_georgia.php
14. Ranger Falls Loop Trail
4.3 (44 reviews)
Location: 14014 Highlands Road Highlands NC
Web Address: https://alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/north-carolina/ranger-falls-loop-trail
13. Cliffside Lake Recreation Area
4.4 (95 reviews)
Credit: Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, Google Maps
Location: 13908 Highlands Road Highlands NC
Tel: 828 526 5912
Web Address: http://cfaia.org/cliffside-lake-recreation-area-van-hook-glade-campgrounds-in-north-carolina/
12. Cullasaja Falls
4.7 (106 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
11. Sequoyah Falls
4.7 (150 reviews)
Location: 1896 Franklin Road Highlands NC
10. Dry Falls
4.9 (1,288 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: US 64 Highlands NC
Tel: 828 524 6441
Web Address: http://fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/
Our Top picks
9. Highlands Historical Society
5.0 (4 reviews)
Credit: Warren LeMay, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 520 N 4th Street Highlands NC
Tel: 828 787 1050
Web Address: https://highlandshistory.com/
8. Lake Sequoyah
4.8 (6 reviews)
Credit: Samuel Castillo, Google Maps
7. The Spa at Old Edwards Inn
4.5 (27 reviews)
Credit: The Spa at Old Edwards Inn, Google Maps
Location: 16 Church Street Box 2130 Highlands NC
Tel: 828 526 9887
Web Address: https://oldedwardshospitality.com/old-edwards-inn-spa/experiences/spa-wellness
6. Highlands Biological Station
4.8 (63 reviews)
Credit: Matthew Timothy Bradley, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 265 N 6th Street Highlands NC
Tel: 828 526 2623
Web Address: https://highlandsbiological.org/
5. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
4.7 (94 reviews)
Credit: Joseph Harris, Google Maps
Location: 411 499 Pine Street Highlands NC
Web Address: http://foundersparkhighlands.org/
4. The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts
4.8 (156 reviews)
Credit: The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts, Google Maps
3. Highlands Nature Center
4.7 (168 reviews)
Credit: Jacob Ian Wall, License, Flickr
Location: 930 Horse Cove Road Highlands NC
Tel: 828 526 2623
Web Address: https://highlandsbiological.org/nature-center/
2. Bridal Veil Falls
4.7 (258 reviews)
Credit: The High Fin, License, Wikimedia commons
1. Dry Falls
4.9 (638 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Highlands, North Carolina! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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