Glen Falls
Glen Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls near Highlands, featuring multiple cascading sections along a scenic forest trail. It's a favorite destination for visitors exploring the area.
/ Local Guide
Things to Do in Highlands NC
Explore waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, restaurants, and outdoor experiences in Highlands, North Carolina — one of the most popular destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
"Highlands is not a destination you rush through. It is a place you settle into — and find yourself reluctant to leave."
Sitting at 4,118 feet in the Southern Appalachians, Highlands, North Carolina is a mountain destination known for its breathtaking waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, charming downtown, and genuinely cool summer climate. Whether you're planning a weekend trip or a longer visit, the area offers a natural mix of outdoor beauty and small-town character that's hard to find elsewhere.
The surrounding landscape is rich with options for outdoor exploration — from accessible waterfall walks to more challenging summit hikes — alongside a walkable downtown with independent shops, galleries, and a well-regarded dining scene.
Many visitors choose to stay in cabins in Highlands NC to enjoy close access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and the surrounding mountain landscape — with Glen Falls Luxury Cabin in Highlands, NC being one of the most sought-after options near the falls. This guide highlights some of the best things to do in Highlands, NC, including outdoor activities and dog-friendly Highlands NC experiences for visitors traveling with pets.
/ Natural Attractions
Waterfalls in Highlands NC
Dry Falls
A 75-foot waterfall on the Cullasaja River where visitors can walk directly behind the falls without getting wet. The paved, accessible path leads into a natural stone amphitheater just off US-64.
Bridal Veil Falls
One of the most accessible waterfalls in the region, Bridal Veil Falls cascades in a graceful curtain along a short, easy path. Located minutes from downtown Highlands and suitable for all ages.
Many of the most popular waterfalls in Highlands, North Carolina are located within a short drive of each other, making it easy to explore multiple locations in one day.
/ Outdoor Adventure
Hiking Trails
Hiking•Moderate•2–3 hours
Whiteside Mountain Trail
A 2-mile loop past some of the oldest exposed rock faces in North America, rising 2,100 feet above the valley. The trail offers sweeping views across the Nantahala National Forest and is consistently ranked among the top hikes in the southern Appalachians.
Hiking•Moderate•1–2 hours
Satulah Mountain Trail
A rewarding hike to the summit of Satulah Mountain, one of the high peaks surrounding Highlands. The trail winds through quiet forest and opens to a panoramic view at the top, making it a favorite for a shorter but satisfying outing.
Hiking•Moderate•2–3 hours
Glen Falls Trail
The Glen Falls Trail descends through forested terrain to a series of cascading waterfalls along the East Fork of Overflow Creek. The trail offers multiple viewpoints at different levels of the falls, making it one of the more varied and scenic hikes in the area.
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Highlands, NC, with trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging mountain hikes.
/ Town & Culture
Downtown Highlands
Despite its small size, downtown Highlands offers a genuinely walkable and charming experience. The compact main street is lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops, and acclaimed restaurants — the kind of town center that rewards a slow, unhurried afternoon.
Shopping in Highlands tends toward the independent and distinctive — local art, handcrafted goods, home décor, and outdoor apparel. Many shops are owner-operated and have been part of the community for years.
The walkable streets, fresh mountain air, and relaxed pace give downtown Highlands a character you won't find in larger resort towns. It's the kind of place where you might duck into a gallery, find something unexpected, and end up staying longer than planned.
/ Where to Eat
Restaurants in Highlands NC
Wild Thyme Gourmet
Located in the heart of Highlands, North Carolina, Wild Thyme Gourmet offers a seasonal menu with American cuisine and subtle Asian influences in a relaxed setting.
Highlands Supper Club
Set in a historic cabin in Highlands, this restaurant offers Southern-inspired dishes, classic comfort food, and a warm, rustic dining atmosphere.
The Vineyard at High Holly
Located just outside Highlands, this restaurant offers a scenic mountain setting with a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on simple, well-prepared dishes.
Madison's Restaurant
Located at Old Edwards Inn in downtown Highlands, Madison's Restaurant offers a seasonal menu focused on locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.
The Blue Bicycle
A casual café in Highlands known for breakfast and brunch, offering a menu inspired by Southern Appalachian flavors with a light coastal influence.
Highlands, North Carolina offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafés to upscale restaurants, many with outdoor seating and a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
/ Plan Your Visit
Highlands Through
the Seasons
Spring
Spring
April – May
Peak wildflower season with over 1,400 native species in bloom. Waterfalls are at full flow. Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make this a local favorite.
Summer
Summer
June – August
Highlands' famous cool summers (average high 75°F) make it the premier escape from Southern heat. Peak season — book properties 6–12 months in advance.
Fall
Fall
September – November
Legendary fall color peaks mid-October. The surrounding Nantahala Forest transforms into a tapestry of amber, crimson, and gold. Festivals and farm events fill the calendar.
Winter
Winter
December – March
Occasional snowfall transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Off-peak rates on most cabins. Cozy cabin season at its finest — fireplaces, hot tubs, and solitude.
125"
Annual Rainfall
Most east of the Rockies
75°F
Avg. Summer High
Escaping Southern heat since 1875
4,118'
Elevation
Highest town in NC
/ Accommodations
Where to Stay in Highlands NC
Highlands offers a variety of places to stay, including cabins, cottages, and vacation rentals located near trails, waterfalls, and downtown.
For those looking for a peaceful mountain setting with close access to waterfalls and hiking, cabins in Highlands NC are a popular option for visitors.
Staying in a cabin in Highlands, North Carolina allows visitors to be close to nature while still being within easy reach of waterfalls, hiking trails, and downtown.
Glen Falls Luxury Cabin in Highlands, NC is one example of a highly rated cabin in the area, located near Glen Falls and close to many of the most popular outdoor attractions in Highlands.
Those traveling with dogs can also find options suited for pets — the dog-friendly Highlands NC guide covers pet-friendly cabins, trails, and more.
/ Common Questions
FAQ
From waterfalls and hiking trails to downtown experiences and scenic mountain views, Highlands, North Carolina offers a wide range of things to do for visitors year-round. Whether you're planning a short getaway or a longer stay, consider making Glen Falls Luxury Cabin in Highlands, NC your base — a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the area's best outdoor attractions and experiences.
/ Plan Your Visit
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Find the right place to stay and make the most of your time in Highlands, NC.