Highlands North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Highlands, North Carolina.
1. Dry Falls
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL EXPERIENCE
Dry Falls is a magnificent 75-foot waterfall where visitors can walk behind the cascading waters without getting wet. The site features well-maintained walkways and viewing platforms that make it accessible for most visitors. This natural wonder offers stunning photo opportunities and a refreshing experience, especially during hot summer days.
2. Glen Falls
MULTI-TIERED NATURAL WONDER
Glen Falls features a series of three stunning cascades that drop a total of 600 feet through a beautiful forested gorge. Visitors can enjoy a moderate 2-mile round-trip hiking trail that offers spectacular viewing points for each tier of the falls. The trail is well-marked but requires proper footwear and a reasonable level of fitness to navigate safely.
3. Whiteside Mountain
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Whiteside Mountain rises dramatically with its 750-foot sheer rock face that is among the highest in eastern North America. The 2-mile loop trail takes hikers along the summit of the mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This natural landmark is also known for its peregrine falcons that can often be spotted soaring above the cliffs.
4. Cullasaja Falls
ROADSIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Cullasaja Falls is an impressive 250-foot waterfall located along the scenic Cullasaja River Gorge. The falls can be viewed from a small pullout on US Highway 64, though visitors should exercise caution as the viewing area is limited. The thundering waters are particularly spectacular after heavy rainfall, making it worth a stop when driving the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.
5. Bridal Veil Falls
DRIVE-THROUGH WATERFALL EXPERIENCE
Bridal Veil Falls is a unique roadside attraction where visitors could once drive their vehicles behind the cascading water. While the road behind the falls is now closed to vehicles, pedestrians can still walk behind this 120-foot waterfall for a one-of-a-kind experience. The easy accessibility from Highway 64 makes it a popular stop for travelers of all ages and abilities.
6. Jackson Hole Gem Mine
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MINING ADVENTURE
Jackson Hole Gem Mine offers visitors the chance to experience the thrill of mining for gemstones in the heart of the mountains. Guests can purchase buckets of mining rough and sift through them at water flumes to discover various gems and minerals. The knowledgeable staff helps identify findings and can provide information about the region's rich mining history.
7. Mountain Theatre Company at The Highlands Playhouse
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Mountain Theatre Company performs at The Highlands Playhouse, one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in North Carolina. The playhouse presents professional summer stock performances featuring talented actors in a charming, intimate setting. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shows ranging from beloved classics to contemporary productions during the summer season.
8. Highlands Performing Arts Center
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The Highlands Performing Arts Center serves as a cultural cornerstone for the community, hosting a diverse range of performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from classical music concerts and dance performances to film screenings and theatrical productions. The center's modern facilities and excellent acoustics provide an exceptional experience for audiences of all ages.
9. Highlands Botanical Garden
NATIVE PLANT SANCTUARY
The Highlands Botanical Garden showcases the rich botanical diversity of the Southern Appalachian mountains in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can explore various garden areas featuring native plants, including rare and endangered species that thrive in this unique mountain climate. The garden offers peaceful walking paths, educational signage, and seasonal wildflower displays that change throughout the growing season.
10. Highlands Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Highlands Historical Society preserves and shares the rich history of this mountain community through exhibits housed in historic buildings. Visitors can explore the Prince House, a restored 1877 home that showcases period furniture and artifacts from Highlands' early days. The museum complex also includes a bug museum, doctor's house, and other structures that bring the town's past to life.
11. Old Edwards Inn and Spa
LUXURY MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a renowned luxury resort offering elegant accommodations in a historic setting in downtown Highlands. Guests can indulge in world-class spa treatments, farm-to-table dining experiences, and access to the property's golf courses and pools. The European-inspired resort combines Old World charm with modern amenities for a truly memorable mountain getaway experience.
12. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
PREMIER MOUNTAIN ART CENTER
The Bascom is a nonprofit visual arts center showcasing exhibitions of fine art and craft in a stunning 6-acre campus. Visitors can explore changing gallery exhibitions, participate in art workshops, and stroll through outdoor sculpture gardens with mountain views. The center's facilities include multiple galleries, education spaces, and a unique covered bridge entrance that was relocated from Pennsylvania.
13. Highlands Main Street
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Highlands Main Street offers a delightful collection of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops in a picturesque mountain setting. Visitors can browse through stores offering everything from high-end clothing and jewelry to local crafts, antiques, and home décor. The walkable downtown area also features numerous restaurants and cafes perfect for refreshment breaks between shopping adventures.
14. Sunset Rock
ICONIC SUNSET VIEWPOINT
Sunset Rock provides one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Highlands area, particularly at dusk when the sky transforms into vibrant colors. A short but moderately steep hiking trail leads visitors to this large granite outcropping that overlooks the town and surrounding mountains. The spot has been a favorite among locals and visitors for generations, making it a must-visit natural attraction.
15. Highlands Country Club
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN GOLF
Highlands Country Club features one of the oldest golf courses in the southeastern United States, established in 1928 and designed by Donald Ross. The 18-hole course offers challenging play amid stunning mountain scenery with cool temperatures even during summer months. Beyond golf, the club provides tennis facilities and dining options for members and their guests in an elegant mountain setting.