Highlands, North Carolina
The beautiful and picturesque Highlands, North Carolina is an outdoor lover's heaven and a treasure trove of attractions. From awe-inspiring trails with stunning views to must-visit attractions, Highlands has something to offer for everyone - no matter if you're looking for an adventure or just a peaceful getaway. Popular attractions worth visiting include Whiteside Mountain, Dry Falls, and the Highlands Nature Center. To truly explore the beauty of Highlands, don't miss the White Mountain Trail, the Cullasaja Gorge Trail, and the Whiteside Mountain Trail Loop. Experience the breathtaking scenery and all the outdoor activities Highland has to offer.
Top Spots in and near Highlands
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Sapphire, North Carolina
John's Jump Falls and DEW Falls
4.00.59 mi / 39 ft gainJohn's Jump Falls and DEW Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Sapphire, North Carolina.Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Frolictown Falls
1.5 mi / 350 ft gainThis is an awesome hike to do if you're short on time or have hours to kill. Because it is so easy to access, it doesn't take very long to get down to it and can be accessed by two separate trails. Both trails are well maintained, however, while there are some blazes, it is not heavily marked. Th...Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Granny Burrell Falls
2.4 mi / 440 ft gainPanthertown Valley has a unique system of trails, with each trail having a specific number. Some of the trails listed at the information hut in the parking lot are accessed by taking one or two other trails to get to the start of the trail you are seeking. That is the case when hiking to Granny B...Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Wilderness Falls
1.4 mi / 300 ft gainWilderness Falls offers a beautiful hike with a simple yet captivating falls. All of the maintained trails in Pantertown Valley are marked by a number system (there is an information hut in the parking lot with information about other local trails, distance of different trails, and emergency cont...Read more -
Glenville, North Carolina
Hike to Blackrock Overlook
3 mi / 700 ft gainThis is probably one of my favorite hikes I've done in Panthertown Valley. Its also one of the easier views to access. You start from the Salt Rock Gap Parking lot, taking the Blackrock Trail (447) up Blackrock Mountain. This trail is located about 100 yards to the left if you are standing lookin...Read more -
Tamassee, South Carolina
Hike to Lee Falls
4.01.6 miThe Hike: Head out through the middle of the first of three fields, crossing creeks two times as you come to them. At the end of the last field, the trail enters the woods. Hike through the woods for 0.3 mile and take the left fork, crossing a creek , and head toward the larger branch of Tamassee...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Schoolhouse Falls and Little Green
5.03 miTrail signs in Panthertown Valley are limited. Be sure to bring a map! Starting at the Cold Mountain parking lot, hike to Schoolhouse Falls. This is a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. In the summer, you are bound to run into other fellow hikers here. From Schoolhouse Falls, you have the...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Warden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls
4.5 miWarden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls are three waterfalls located along the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley. Not far from the Cold Mountain trailhead, these falls are quite popular in the summer. On a weekend, you will often find people playing in the pools below the fa...Read more -
Clayton, Georgia
Hike to Martin Creek Falls
5.00.6 miThere are two different ways to get to this waterfall.The easiest way is through a trail in the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. To get to this trail head, drive east on Warwoman Road from Clayton, GA. At approximately 3.5 miles, take a left onto Finney Creek Road (FS 152). You will see a sign ...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Gorges SP
4.53.91 mi / 778 ft gainRainbow Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The Horsepasture River swells in the rainy season, dumping a cascade of water 150 feet. The plume of mist at the bottom creates a distinct rainbow effect, giving the falls its name. Hike to Rainbow Falls ...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Raven Rock Falls
0.5 miIf you want to see a great waterfall without hiking all day, this is the perfect trail for you. Getting there - The trailhead is about 2 miles from the intersection of Cold Mountain and Panther Ridge Road (exact coordinates: 35.1594, -82.9801). There is a small grassy pull out where you can park...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Hike the Toxaway River Trail
5.01.25 miThis easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Paddling The Slab and Eternity Hole
5.0The Slab and Eternity hole, located on the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River, are two of Western, NC's best play spots for kayakers of all levels. Paddle down only yards from the public boat launch to The Slab where you can perfect your surfing in kayak, SUP, or whatever boat you float. A few hun...Read more -
Otto, North Carolina
Hike to and Climb Pickens Nose
4.81.5 mi / 200 ft gainFrom the parking area (fits about 6 cars) follow the trail on the same side of the road up the ridge through dense rhododendron. Several spur trails branch off of the main trail and lead to rock outcroppings with excellent views. Getting to the parking area is slow. The narrow gravel road winds...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Hike to Cedar Cliff Rock
2.4 mi / 830 ft gainCedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much of the view is untouched, allowing a big mountain ...Read more -
Salem, South Carolina
Camp on Lake Jocassee
4.7To avoid the regret of cutting your trip too short, go ahead and book a campsite. Come as a walk-in or reserve your site. Either way, you will have to check in at the Park Office. Upon check-in, you will receive your map and general information. Check-in time for camping is 2PM. The only publi...Read more
