Location: Highlands
Top Things to do in Highlands
Countries
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Highlands, North Carolina (NC)
Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, it lies mostly in southeastern Macon County and slightly in southwestern Jackson County, in the Highlands and Cashiers Townships, respectively. The permanent population was 924 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Highlands
1. Dry Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,566 reviews
Following paved walkways from the parking area, you can walk directly underneath the tumbling 75-foot waterfall.
Reviewed By dontchange - Tampa, United States
This is one of the best falls in the area and the walk to get to the falls is a short one that requires very little effort. This is a 65 ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest that flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry. You will get a nice mist from the falls when you stand behind them and the rocks do get wet so it can be slippery. They do have an overlook just steps away from the parking lot if you’re unable to manage steps that offers a pretty great view of the falls. The parking is limited and fills up pretty quickly. If the lot is full go to the Bridal Veil Falls up the road about a mile or so. The parking was $2 or $3 if I recall and they do have an outhouse type bathroom.
2. Osage Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
3. Highland Excursion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Adventure Awaits! Our unique, Temperate Rainforest Adventure tours take you to spectacular rivers, lakes, waterfalls and mountain vistas in Highlands, NC and Cashiers, NC. Tours includes driving, hiking, electric bikes, luxury, and more. Lots of Adventure tours to choose from. Fun for families, groups, cooperate businesses, wedding parties, couples on Shared or Private Tours. Fun for all!!! ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HIGHLANDS NC – TRIP ADVISOR
4. Whiteside Mountain
5. Whiteside Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By LynnHC0822 - Birmingham, United States
Great views and well worth the effort. It's a loop trail, so you can start from the left path or the right path. The left path is an easier ascent, whereas the right path is steep with lots of step ups. I work out every day, and I was winded. The next time I do this trail, I'd take the left path up, go across the top to see the different views, then either descend the hard way down, or retrace my steps and go back down the easier path. Also, there is parking, but the later in the day you go, the less parking spot you'll find. I wouldn't want to drive all the way here, then can't hike because of no parking. You can't park on the street as it's a neighborhood.
6. Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
This nature center serves up a palette of nature attractions including a botanical garden replete with 450 species of trees, ferns and flowers.
7. Cliffside Lake Recreation Area
8. Glen Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Parkshorebeach
Glen Falls is my ultimate waterfall hike! The hike is moderate with tree roots and some elevation change going down to the falls and then hiking back up to the parking area. The beauty all along the way is fantastic!
9. Cullasaja River Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By HappyGirl1145 - Asheville, United States
Staying in Franklin so I took the scenic highway (64E/NC28) over to Sylva. There are four waterfalls visible from the roadside along this narrow winding road. Road is in great condition. A really beautiful part of the country.
10. Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By 103debbiec - Charlotte, United States
Go on a clear day to take advantage of the gorgeous views. Takes about 20 min to hike to the sunset rock. Easy hike.
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