Location: Highlands
Top Things to do in Highlands
What to do and see in Highlands, North Carolina (NC): The Best Free Things to do
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. TJ Bailey's
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
3. Silver Eagle Jewelry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
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
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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. Highlands Wine Shoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
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
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.
