Why People Love Highlands
Highlands is particularly appealing if you enjoy restaurants, shopping, galleries, walkable downtown areas, waterfalls, hiking, scenic drives and couples' getaways.
Don't Spend the Entire Day Downtown
Downtown Highlands deserves time, but some of the area's best experiences begin just outside town. Pair a downtown visit with a waterfall, short hike or scenic drive. That combination is what makes Highlands different from many other mountain towns.
Visiting Cashiers Too?
You probably should. Cashiers offers a noticeably different experience and makes an easy addition to a Highlands-area trip.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands, NC known for?
Highlands is known for its walkable downtown, restaurants, shopping, galleries, waterfalls, hiking and scenic drives — all within easy reach of town.
Is Highlands, NC walkable?
Yes. Highlands has a compact, walkable downtown centered on Main Street, with restaurants, boutiques and galleries easy to explore on foot.
Are there waterfalls near Highlands?
Yes. Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Glen Falls and Cullasaja Falls are all along the US-64 corridor near Highlands.
Make Yellow Mountain Vista Your Mountain Base
Explore Cashiers, Highlands, Lake Glenville and the surrounding mountains by day — then come back to a real family mountain home at 4,400 feet.