Highlands Guidebook
Parks & Nature
Hikes I've enjoyed during my time in Highlands, NC.
Sunset Rock is an easy 1.2 round trip hike that’s a stones-throw from downtown Highlands. At its summits, it offers breathtaking views of the sunset over Highlands and Brushy Face and the pastoral grandeur of Horse Cove.
To locate the trail, take Main Street east from the intersection of Highways 28 and 64 a half-mile to the Highlands Nature Center. Park here and follow the sign indicating a gravel road to Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park.
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Sunset Rock
131 Highlands Gate DrSunset Rock is an easy 1.2 round trip hike that’s a stones-throw from downtown Highlands. At its summits, it offers breathtaking views of the sunset over Highlands and Brushy Face and the pastoral grandeur of Horse Cove.
To locate the trail, take Main Street east from the intersection of Highways 28 and 64 a half-mile to the Highlands Nature Center. Park here and follow the sign indicating a gravel road to Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park.
Bridal Veil Falls is the first of many beautiful waterfalls in the Cullasaja Gorge near Highlands, North Carolina. A short loop of pavement runs off the highway and behind the falls, allowing you to enjoy the waterfall without blocking traffic.
Bridal Veil Falls is a gentle cascade that, more than anything, resembles a delicate sheet of lace. But this little charmer’s name has a further allusion – according to Cherokee lore, a young woman passing behind its gentle shower in the spring would be married before the first snowfall of winter.
Bridal Veil Falls is located on US 64 west just 2.45 miles from downtown Highlands. You can park and stroll behind the gentle cascade (even if you’re not a young Cherokee woman) for an experience that’s transcendent and deeply romantic.
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Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is the first of many beautiful waterfalls in the Cullasaja Gorge near Highlands, North Carolina. A short loop of pavement runs off the highway and behind the falls, allowing you to enjoy the waterfall without blocking traffic.
Bridal Veil Falls is a gentle cascade that, more than anything, resembles a delicate sheet of lace. But this little charmer’s name has a further allusion – according to Cherokee lore, a young woman passing behind its gentle shower in the spring would be married before the first snowfall of winter.
Bridal Veil Falls is located on US 64 west just 2.45 miles from downtown Highlands. You can park and stroll behind the gentle cascade (even if you’re not a young Cherokee woman) for an experience that’s transcendent and deeply romantic.
A mile past Bridal Veil is the strangely named Dry Falls. Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing even remotely arid about this roaring 75-foot deluge. It gets its name from the fact that you can walk behind its thundering cataract and remain dry (although “dry” is a relative term, you’ll almost certainly get damp from the unceasing spray). You may be able to see a rainbow if you and the sun are in the right position.
Dry Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the state and offers an accessible walkway with a spectacular view. You can also venture down the steps to get a closer look at the waterfall and even walk behind it!
If you miss the first turn into the parking area, you can take the next one on the left. The steps down to the falls are at the west end of the parking area at the entrance to the wheelchair-accessible area. The steps down to the falls are at the west end of the parking area at the entrance to the wheelchair-accessible area. The walkway needs help, so watch your step.
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Cascadele Uscate
U.S. 64A mile past Bridal Veil is the strangely named Dry Falls. Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing even remotely arid about this roaring 75-foot deluge. It gets its name from the fact that you can walk behind its thundering cataract and remain dry (although “dry” is a relative term, you’ll almost certainly get damp from the unceasing spray). You may be able to see a rainbow if you and the sun are in the right position.
Dry Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the state and offers an accessible walkway with a spectacular view. You can also venture down the steps to get a closer look at the waterfall and even walk behind it!
If you miss the first turn into the parking area, you can take the next one on the left. The steps down to the falls are at the west end of the parking area at the entrance to the wheelchair-accessible area. The steps down to the falls are at the west end of the parking area at the entrance to the wheelchair-accessible area. The walkway needs help, so watch your step.
Glen Falls is located off a dirt road three miles south of Highlands off NC 106 south. The turn-off is marked by a U.S. Forest Service sign. Glen Falls is composed of three large falls dropping approximately 640 feet on the east fork of Overflow Creek in Blue Valley. The one-mile foot trail down to the falls is steep (and feels a lot steeper going back up).
Glen Falls trail offers panoramic views of the Blue Valley as well as spectacular views of a series of waterfalls known collectively as Glen Falls. The trail zigzags down a series of switchbacks, losing about seven hundred vertical feet in 1 mile as it follows the creek down the mountain's side.
Drive 1.7 miles on NC 106 to the sign for the falls. Turn left, then immediately right onto a dirt road. Proceed 1.1 miles to where the road dead-ends at a parking area.
This is probably the most beautiful waterfall settings in the Highlands area - and one of the least visited since it's not on the main highway and it requires a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike.
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Glen Falls
Glen Falls is located off a dirt road three miles south of Highlands off NC 106 south. The turn-off is marked by a U.S. Forest Service sign. Glen Falls is composed of three large falls dropping approximately 640 feet on the east fork of Overflow Creek in Blue Valley. The one-mile foot trail down to the falls is steep (and feels a lot steeper going back up).
Glen Falls trail offers panoramic views of the Blue Valley as well as spectacular views of a series of waterfalls known collectively as Glen Falls. The trail zigzags down a series of switchbacks, losing about seven hundred vertical feet in 1 mile as it follows the creek down the mountain's side.
Drive 1.7 miles on NC 106 to the sign for the falls. Turn left, then immediately right onto a dirt road. Proceed 1.1 miles to where the road dead-ends at a parking area.
This is probably the most beautiful waterfall settings in the Highlands area - and one of the least visited since it's not on the main highway and it requires a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike.
Big Shoals Falls is a powerful sixty-foot waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest south of Highlands, NC. The deep plunge pool makes a great swimming hole. This is typically a secret, locals spot! I take an inner tube, inflator, sunscreen, towel and water/beer in my backpack to float in the lagoon area.
Directions:
From the main stop light in downtown Highlands (along US Highway 64), take Main Street, which turns into Horse Cove Road (toward the Nature Center). If you are driving east on US 64 (from Franklin), go straight at the light to stay on Main Street. If you are driving west on US 64 (from Cashiers), turn left onto Main Street. From the stoplight, drive down the ridge on a very curvy paved road for 3.7 miles.
Turn right onto Walking Stick Rd (SR1608), an unpaved one-lane road with two-way traffic! Watch for the occasional oncoming car, but this is not a busy road at all.
Drive 2.5 miles to a fork in the road and veer right, crossing a bridge.
Go another quarter of a mile and turn right on FR4567 (sign is hidden in trees).
Drive another quarter of a mile to a small, dirt parking area on the left. Look for the stake that says "Secret Falls." Sometimes (especially winter), this last road is gated. But, you can park and walk the extra quarter-mile.
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Secret Falls Trail Head
Big Creek RoadBig Shoals Falls is a powerful sixty-foot waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest south of Highlands, NC. The deep plunge pool makes a great swimming hole. This is typically a secret, locals spot! I take an inner tube, inflator, sunscreen, towel and water/beer in my backpack to float in the lagoon area.
Directions:
From the main stop light in downtown Highlands (along US Highway 64), take Main Street, which turns into Horse Cove Road (toward the Nature Center). If you are driving east on US 64 (from Franklin), go straight at the light to stay on Main Street. If you are driving west on US 64 (from Cashiers), turn left onto Main Street. From the stoplight, drive down the ridge on a very curvy paved road for 3.7 miles.
Turn right onto Walking Stick Rd (SR1608), an unpaved one-lane road with two-way traffic! Watch for the occasional oncoming car, but this is not a busy road at all.
Drive 2.5 miles to a fork in the road and veer right, crossing a bridge.
Go another quarter of a mile and turn right on FR4567 (sign is hidden in trees).
Drive another quarter of a mile to a small, dirt parking area on the left. Look for the stake that says "Secret Falls." Sometimes (especially winter), this last road is gated. But, you can park and walk the extra quarter-mile.
If I only had time for one hike... Whiteside Mountain Trail would be my hike of choice. This excellent loop, designated a National Recreation Trail, climbs to the top of Whiteside Mountain, with its spectacular 700' high cliff walls lofting the hiker for amazing views. Take a camera, as the cliff-top views are lined with beautiful mountain laurel which blooms in mid-june. See relics from the past, when Whiteside Mountain was a tourist attraction. You'll pass through some pleasant woods along the way.
From the corner of Main Street and NC 106 in Highlands, follow US 64 East for 5.4 miles. Turn right onto Whiteside Mt. Rd. (SR 1600). There is a sign for Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area. Follow for 1 mile to the signed parking area on the left. There is a $2.00/day area use fee at Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area.
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Whiteside Mtn Trail
91-170 Deville DrIf I only had time for one hike... Whiteside Mountain Trail would be my hike of choice. This excellent loop, designated a National Recreation Trail, climbs to the top of Whiteside Mountain, with its spectacular 700' high cliff walls lofting the hiker for amazing views. Take a camera, as the cliff-top views are lined with beautiful mountain laurel which blooms in mid-june. See relics from the past, when Whiteside Mountain was a tourist attraction. You'll pass through some pleasant woods along the way.
From the corner of Main Street and NC 106 in Highlands, follow US 64 East for 5.4 miles. Turn right onto Whiteside Mt. Rd. (SR 1600). There is a sign for Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area. Follow for 1 mile to the signed parking area on the left. There is a $2.00/day area use fee at Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area.
Nature Center offers exhibits that include live animals and reptiles plus interactive exhibits such as microscope stations, the Touchy-Feely Box, and the Touch and Learn Table, Programming also focuses on the biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region.
At the nearby Botanical Garden, nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks. Several unique demonstration gardens display collections of native azaleas, plants of the Cherokee, mosses and liverworts, wildflower meadow, butterfly-pollinated and rock outcrop species.
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Highlands Nature Center
930 Horse Cove RdNature Center offers exhibits that include live animals and reptiles plus interactive exhibits such as microscope stations, the Touchy-Feely Box, and the Touch and Learn Table, Programming also focuses on the biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region.
At the nearby Botanical Garden, nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks. Several unique demonstration gardens display collections of native azaleas, plants of the Cherokee, mosses and liverworts, wildflower meadow, butterfly-pollinated and rock outcrop species.
Drinks & Nightlife
Typically they have live music on Friday nights. Trivia is Tuesday evening. Great place for sporting games on TV.
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The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
294 S 4th StTypically they have live music on Friday nights. Trivia is Tuesday evening. Great place for sporting games on TV.
Great selection of craft beers & the new High Dive Lounge is right next door, with pool tables and live music many nights. I enjoy taking a beer flight!
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Satulah Mountain Brewing Company
454 Carolina WayGreat selection of craft beers & the new High Dive Lounge is right next door, with pool tables and live music many nights. I enjoy taking a beer flight!
I love to go and enjoy the wine flights, order a cheese tray and sit at the fire-pit. Ensure you ask them to turn on the gas fire-pit.
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Highlands Wine Shoppe
269 Oak StI love to go and enjoy the wine flights, order a cheese tray and sit at the fire-pit. Ensure you ask them to turn on the gas fire-pit.
Pool tables and a great place to grab a cocktail/drink. Has a food truck with fun, great foods!
The High Dive
476 Carolina WayPool tables and a great place to grab a cocktail/drink. Has a food truck with fun, great foods!
My favorite brewery in the area. Amazing beer selection with a great atmosphere and delicious, gourmet food truck. They also have frisbie golf on the hillside, which is a win-win for me! Directions: 188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
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Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
188 W Main StMy favorite brewery in the area. Amazing beer selection with a great atmosphere and delicious, gourmet food truck. They also have frisbie golf on the hillside, which is a win-win for me! Directions: 188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
Arts & Culture
A center for the visual arts. Directions: 323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
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The Bascom
323 Franklin RdA center for the visual arts. Directions: 323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Intimate, long-running theater hosting Broadway musicals in summer & year-round film events. Call for showtimes.
Address: 362 Oak St, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone: (828) 526-2695
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Highlands Playhouse
507 Oak StIntimate, long-running theater hosting Broadway musicals in summer & year-round film events. Call for showtimes.
Address: 362 Oak St, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone: (828) 526-2695
Essentials
Brysons is the standard grocery store and Mountain Fresh is a high end grocery, deli, bar and restaurant. The food at Mountain Fresh is amazing & I grab and go food from there on the daily.
This is not only a high-end market but a place for foodies. Some of Highland's best food can be found under this roof. Plus, they have a bar if you'd like a drink with your food. If I want to eat in, I come here to the deli and pick a gourmet selection from the cabinet.
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Mountain Fresh Grocery
521 Main StThis is not only a high-end market but a place for foodies. Some of Highland's best food can be found under this roof. Plus, they have a bar if you'd like a drink with your food. If I want to eat in, I come here to the deli and pick a gourmet selection from the cabinet.
Bryson's Food Store
103 Highlands PlazaGrocery store for all needs.
Gas & a great convenience store with a really good grab and go food. The egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches are super yummy! The homemade soups are wonderful, especially the brisket chili! Delicious!
4th Street Market
545 N 4th StGas & a great convenience store with a really good grab and go food. The egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches are super yummy! The homemade soups are wonderful, especially the brisket chili! Delicious!
Food Scene
To my foodies: You honestly can't go wrong in Highlands choosing a restaurant. Just ensure you make reservations in advance.
Wild Thyme Gourmet
343-D Main StThe trout is amazing!!!
Can't beat the atmosphere of The Log Cabin. Highly suggest for a romantic evening. The halibut is amazing!
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The Log Cabin
130 Log Cabin LnCan't beat the atmosphere of The Log Cabin. Highly suggest for a romantic evening. The halibut is amazing!
You can walk in dine for a more reasonably priced menu option or make reservations for the backside dining. Ensure you make reservations for the dining room.
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Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro
474 Main StYou can walk in dine for a more reasonably priced menu option or make reservations for the backside dining. Ensure you make reservations for the dining room.
Rooftop Bar? Yes, please! Enjoy the delicious cuisine and views from this Main Street midpoint hot spot.
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Midpoint Highlands
332 Main StRooftop Bar? Yes, please! Enjoy the delicious cuisine and views from this Main Street midpoint hot spot.
Calders Coffee Cafe
384 Main StStarbucks who?
The Paoletti Bowl is my all time favorite. Ensure you get reservations far ahead of time.
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Ristorante Paoletti
440 Main StThe Paoletti Bowl is my all time favorite. Ensure you get reservations far ahead of time.
Madison's Restaurant
445 Main StFine dining at Old Edward's Inn. Get reservations.
Meritage Bistro
490 Carolina WayLovely outdoor dining. Great food.
Great food. Live music on Friday night. Bluegrass music every Wednesday night. Have trivia weekly. It’s the best hang out spot for nightlife.
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The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
294 S 4th StGreat food. Live music on Friday night. Bluegrass music every Wednesday night. Have trivia weekly. It’s the best hang out spot for nightlife.
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
465 Main StDelicious cocktails and amazing, authentic pies.
Highlands Smokehouse
595 Franklin RdWalk across street! Amazing food and sit down bar!
This is a hidden gem in Highlands, yet super close to Main. I love eating outside on the back patio area.
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Lakeside Restaurant
531 Smallwood AveThis is a hidden gem in Highlands, yet super close to Main. I love eating outside on the back patio area.
A lovely restaurant with amazing views. A short drive from downtown.
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on the Verandah
1536 Franklin RdA lovely restaurant with amazing views. A short drive from downtown.
Folks drive from all around to eat here. It is a family-style dining experience. If home cooking is your thing, this may be your place. It is roughly a 30-minute drive, but to some, it is definitely a dining destination.
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Restaurantul Dillard House
768 Franklin StFolks drive from all around to eat here. It is a family-style dining experience. If home cooking is your thing, this may be your place. It is roughly a 30-minute drive, but to some, it is definitely a dining destination.
Rustic brewpub offering pints & flights of its own brand of beers, plus pub eats & outdoor seating. We love this place! Great beer selections and great food. The atmosphere is really cool. You won't regret the drive. Call for live music times. (828) 743-6000
128 NC-107, Cashiers, NC 28717
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Whiteside Brewing Company
128 NC-107Rustic brewpub offering pints & flights of its own brand of beers, plus pub eats & outdoor seating. We love this place! Great beer selections and great food. The atmosphere is really cool. You won't regret the drive. Call for live music times. (828) 743-6000
128 NC-107, Cashiers, NC 28717
Now called Primary Restaurant. Wonderful bar with areas for phone charging.
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Tug's Proper
310 Main StNow called Primary Restaurant. Wonderful bar with areas for phone charging.
Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant
Amazing freshly-made margaritas & and wonderful food!
A locals favorite ~ a hidden gem across from Ugly Dog Pub area. Amazing food and a wonderful cocktail selection.
Highlands Tavern
A locals favorite ~ a hidden gem across from Ugly Dog Pub area. Amazing food and a wonderful cocktail selection.
Entertainment & Activities
Zipline tours, challenge courses, giant swing and trails.
Just 9 miles from Highlands at 9625 Dilliard Road. Scaly Mountain, NC.
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Highlands Aerial Park
9625 Dillard RdZipline tours, challenge courses, giant swing and trails.
Just 9 miles from Highlands at 9625 Dilliard Road. Scaly Mountain, NC.
Come experience the Western North Carolina Mountains. Summer or winter snow tubing, catching a Rainbow trout from the pond or panning for gems at the Scaly Mountain mine. They have hiking sticks and maps to lead you to the many waterfalls and hiking trails in our area, including the Bartram Trail.
7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
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Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
7420 Dillard RdCome experience the Western North Carolina Mountains. Summer or winter snow tubing, catching a Rainbow trout from the pond or panning for gems at the Scaly Mountain mine. They have hiking sticks and maps to lead you to the many waterfalls and hiking trails in our area, including the Bartram Trail.
7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
Experience “cool” in a different way. Highlands Ice Skating Rink is fun for all ages. It’s a great in-town getaway for teens, families and the young-at-heart and is fast becoming popular with visitors. Relive earlier memories or take a “first time” adventure on the ice. Spectating is also popular with the great seating area surrounding the rink. Beginning in November each year, the rink opens Thursdays 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 1:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for group bookings and parties, and the rink has special holiday schedules for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more schedule and price information, call Highlands Recreation Center at (828) 526-3556.
Ice Rink
440 Oak StExperience “cool” in a different way. Highlands Ice Skating Rink is fun for all ages. It’s a great in-town getaway for teens, families and the young-at-heart and is fast becoming popular with visitors. Relive earlier memories or take a “first time” adventure on the ice. Spectating is also popular with the great seating area surrounding the rink. Beginning in November each year, the rink opens Thursdays 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 1:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for group bookings and parties, and the rink has special holiday schedules for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more schedule and price information, call Highlands Recreation Center at (828) 526-3556.