Discover Highlands

Nestled on a pristine plateau in the Nantahala National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands, NC, offers visitors a chance to slow down, relax, discover exciting outdoor adventure and join in a vibrant downtown scene. From hiking trails and waterfalls to performing arts, immersive dining, and stylish boutiques, this bucolic mountain village is Western North Carolina's gem for rejuvenating vacations and weekend getaways. Hike to the crest of Whiteside Mountain or watch the sun go down at Sunset Rock. See a musical at Highlands Playhouse or explore the galleries at the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. Wander downtown streets to shop, dine and take in the music scene.

A Train Is Parked On The Side Of A Mountain

Play the Family-Friendly “Saddle” at GlenCove

Old Edwards Inn guests have exclusive access to the private golf courses at both Old Edwards Club and the NEW GlenCove adventure wellness community. Named for the view of the terrain between two mountain ridges, “The Saddle” is a family-friendly 12-hole, par-three walking course for all ages and skill levels. Schedule your tee time while booking your stay.

2502 Norton Road, Cashiers, NC 28717

828.526.1783

Hit the Green

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts

Explore galleries filled with world-class art, wander the sculpture and nature trail and enjoy hands-on arts programming.

323 Franklin Road, Highlands, North Carolina 28741

828.526.4949

Visual Arts

Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center

From live music and opera productions to family performances and dinner theater, this cultural center offers something for everyone.

507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, North Carolina 28741

828.526.9047

On Stage

Highlands Wine Shoppe

Stroll just two doors down from 200 Main to discover the Highlands Wine Shoppe—with over 650 wines (16 of which are on tap to taste at any time via Wine Station tasting machines!), a wine bar, light bites, outside fire pit, and educational, entertaining classes.

269 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.4080

Tastings & More

Live Music

In addition to the Orchard Sessions, hosted at the Farm at Old Edwards, the town of Highlands has created a series of free, outdoor concerts on weekends from May until October. Friday nights showcase traditional mountain music while Saturday nights feature a wide variety of popular genres.

Listen Live

Highlands Aerial Park

Experience a heart-racing thrill as you whisk through the canopy of over 95 acres of woodland forest. Take the full tour and you'll traverse over a quarter of a mile from peak-to-peak and find yourself over 250 feet in the air. Not up for that kind of adventure? The Park has other options including UTV rides, The Brave Indian challenge course, a giant swing and more!

9625 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775

828.526.8773

Zipline & More

Biological Station and Nature Center

Highlands Nature Center was founded as the museum of the Highlands Biological Station in 1927. Explore the featured exhibits, special events and year-round school education programming that focuses on the spectacular biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region. The HBS Gardens and grounds are open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. Take a walk and enjoy the wildflowers along the woodland trails, lake, and creek, have a picnic lunch, or take a tours.

930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.2623

Experience Nature

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

The Founders Park is one block off of Main Street—on the corner of 5th and Pine Streets—and serves as a great picnic spot on weekdays as well as hosts events such as concerts, arts and crafts festivals, market days, community gatherings and the annual Highland Motoring Festivals. In winter, the promenade transforms into a Rockwellian ice rink where you can take to the ice with your favorite person.

Local Parks

Fly Fishing

Western North Carolina is known for its fabulous rainbow trout population. Interested in floating a fly yourself? Contact Brookings Outfitters at 828.482.9444 or the Highland Hiker at 828.526.5298 and get set up to hit the water. The Tuckasegee and Nantahala rivers await.

Catch Trout