Location: Highlands
Top Things to do in Highlands
10 Things to do in Highlands That You Shouldn't Miss
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. 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.
3. Jackson Hole Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Jackson Hole Gem Mine has been a family owned business since it was built in 1952. We are located exactly 9 miles from beautiful downtown Highlands, and 9 miles from downtown Franklin. We are 1/3 of a mile from the breathtaking Cullasaja Falls (means "sweetwater" in Cherokee). Also, 5 miles from Dry Falls (seen in The Last of the Mohicans). Our guests can browse our huge rock shop and gift store, or eat hot boiled peanuts on our front porch overlooking the beautiful Cullasaja River. Our gem mine is all weather fun for the whole family. Macon County is considered the "Gem Capital of the World" for a reason! Come and buy a bucket to sift! Small Buckets are $10 each, and one per person. Ultimate Buckets are $30 each or 2 for $50. These buckets are big and can be shared! We also have a $100 Bucket Club. This bucket is great for families. With this, you receive a $45 free cut of a gemstone that you find! Chuck is a master lapidary and we can help you choose what would be the best thing in your find to cut! We are handicapped accessible and very kid/pet friendly.
Reviewed By estella241
My family and I spent a morning gem mining at Jackson Hole Gem Mine last fall. I read previous reviews and knew not to waste our time with a cheaper bucket. We got the $100 bucket, which was enough for kids to enjoy with help from their parents. The gentleman helping us was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed talking to him about how the rocks/soil are sourced. Obviously, the staff at Jackson Hole are not going out into their backyard and putting a shovel full of dirt into a bucket. The soil/rocks are purchased from vendors. This does not make it any less fun! We found smoky quartz, aventurine, aquamarines, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, in addition to a few others that I can't remember the names of. The gentleman helping us showed us how the shape of the rocks gives you a clue to what treasures you might have fount. After sifting your bucket, you take your trays inside, and the staff confirms what you've found. They will encourage you to get stones cut and set by them - that's how they make their money! And it's not cheap, by any means. So you could take your treasures home, uncut, and save yourself some cash, but if you want to make them into jewelry, this is the time to decide. It's harder to find a lapidary on your own if you change your mind later. We had a few large stones, but decided to cut two. The smoky quartz was pretty cheap to cut, but the large ruby was expensive (talking hundreds of dollars here). Rubies are rare, and the staff member thought it might even be a star ruby. Due to the rarity, cutting is more expensive. The staff will also encourage you to let them set your stones, but we chose not to do that. We wanted to see the uncut stones first and think about the appropriate settings for them. We paid for the cutting and left our contact information and stones at Jackson Hole. About 1 month later our stones arrived in the mail. We were very pleased with the quality of the cutting. The smoky quartz was faceted and very sparkly. The ruby was cut into two smaller cabochons, one of which had a semi-visible star. Later, we worked with a local jeweler to create a necklace and ring out of the rubies. Several months and a ring and a necklace later, we are pleased with our experience at Jackson Hole. Yes, it was expensive. Yes, the staff is a little pushy trying to upsell you. But overall, we feel we got what we paid for. A wonderful family experience, education about the geology of the area, education about the lapidary and gem-setting business, and both uncut and cut stones that we can enjoy for years to come. When I wear my rubies, I now have a wonderful story to tell people when they ask about them. As far as cost is concerned, I had the ruby jewelry appraised, and it is valued at several thousand more than what we paid for the entire experience and creation of the jewelry pieces.
4. The Bascom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
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.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Bridal Veil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 726 reviews
Visible from the highway, this 120-foot waterfall sometimes displays a rainbow in the afternoon light and has been known to freeze up during the winter.
Reviewed By slopater
A small waterfall on the side of the road...some parking. A low volume waterfall, but very cool to visit.
9. Cullasaja Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By marciam608 - Blairsville, United States
One of the prettiest waterfalls I know. I love to make the 64East drive and stop here, Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and then on to Cashiers for Whitewater Falls - a great day trip!
10. Bust Your Butt Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Mis4 - Atlanta, United States
So we pulled over on the side of the road, and got out to see the falls. My daughter,who is in a wheelchair, and I stayed on the path. We had great views of the falls! My husband and son went down on the rocks by the falls to take pics, and they were able to climb up and down safely. This is a fun and easy activity to travel too!
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