What to do and see in Highlands, North Carolina (NC): The Best Free Things to do

December 2, 2021 Chanda Heide

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

Highlands, NC http://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/dry-falls
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,566 reviews

Dry Falls

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. TJ Bailey's

343C Main St, Highlands, NC 28741-8606 +1 828-526-2262 [email protected] http://www.tjbaileys.com
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

TJ Bailey's

3. Silver Eagle Jewelry

370 Main St, Highlands, NC +1 828-526-5190
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Silver Eagle Jewelry

Reviewed By 976lindseyc

Amazing and unique collection of stones, gems and jewelry. Shop owner was extremely nice & helpful. Prices are excellent for the quality craftsmanship. Absolutely will visit again.

4. Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens

265 N 6th St, Highlands, NC 28741-8473 +1 828-526-2602 http://highlandsbiological.org/
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 137 reviews

Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens

This nature center serves up a palette of nature attractions including a botanical garden replete with 450 species of trees, ferns and flowers.

5. The Bascom

323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741-8551 +1 828-526-4949 http://www.thebascom.org/
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

The Bascom

High on a mountain plateau, The Bascom art center provides audiences of all ages with stimulating, diverse exhibitions, studio art instruction and other cultural experiences. Join us at our six-building, six-acre campus in Highlands, North Carolina. The Bascom offers you and your family and friends a community gathering-place amid art and nature, along with many program offerings. Free Admission!

Reviewed By profmom1 - Douglasville, United States

This was a great place to visit on a rainy day. The place is quite big, so it was easy to practice social distancing. We saw 2 excellent exhibits. The gift shop has beautiful jewelry in it.

6. Glen Falls

Hwy 106, Highlands, NC http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/glen1.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 226 reviews

Glen Falls

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!

7. Cullasaja River Gorge

28 US Highway 64/State Road, Highlands, NC 28741 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/recarea/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Cullasaja River Gorge

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.

8. Highlands Wine Shoppe

269 Oak St, Highlands, NC 28741-8539 +1 828-526-4080 [email protected] http://highlandswineshoppe.com
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Highlands Wine Shoppe

Open 7 Days a Week. We are The wine shoppe and wine lounge of Highlands! We offer over 750 wines for sale to take with you or to be enjoyed in our Wine Bar. Our Wine Lounge offers over 50 wines by-the-glass as well as charcuterie, cheese and chocolate plates, free Wi-Fi, and sports on the flat screen TV. We also have WineStation machines that allow for tasting up to 16 wines any time you visit the shoppe! Our front lawn seating and fire pit area are the perfect place to enjoy some wine and make new friends!

9. Satulah Mountain Brewing Company

454 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC 28741 +1 828-482-9794 [email protected] http://satulahmountainbrewing.com
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Satulah Mountain Brewing Company

Brewpub; beer brewed on site with fine Carolina mountaintop water. Served on Draft @ Elev. 4118. First brewery in Macon County.

10. Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park

Ravenel Park Road, Highlands, NC +1 828-526-1111 http://www.hicashlt.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park

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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