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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Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek Loop
5.05.01 mi / 1073 ft gainAfter parking in the Deep Creek Campground parking lot follow the signs for the Deep Creek Trailhead. The Tom Branch waterfall is just .3 miles on the right side. Hike another .5 miles, at the next intersection stay right, and you will approach Indian Creek Falls. After viewing the falls you ca...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek to Clingmans Dome Loop
32.82 mi / 7067 ft gainThis is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. Park at Deep Creek campground in Bryson City, NC. We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse....Read more -
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Drive the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
5.076 mi / 1000 ft gainYou can drive this highway getting different views during the different seasons. Along the drive, have your camera ready for beautiful vistas, Looking Glass Falls, and many adventures along the highway. The views are especially beautiful in the autumn with the leaves changing colors. This route d...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Hike Glassy Mountain
5.01.3 mi / 200 ft gainThis view never gets old and it is super easy to access. It's also only like half a mile down and then half a mile back up, so if you do watch the sunset, the walk back is easy. The trail is out by Glassy Mountain Church in Pickens, SC and it's accessible year round. The hike is very simple, and ...Read more -
Cherokee, North Carolina
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Southern Terminus
5.0The pinpoint for this particular entrance starts just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina, following the Parkway North. They say the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road, it's a beautiful journey. Start this journey and you will quickly find this to be true. This 469 mile gateway connects...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Hike to Jones Gap Falls
8.2 mi / 1200 ft gainFor Caesar's Head State Park access, head North from Pickens on HWY 178 until it intersects with HWY 11. Turn right onto HWY 11 North and continue for 10 miles until the 276 intersection where you veer off to the left. Follow 276 to the top of the mountain. 1 miles past the Caesars Head Visitors ...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Raven Cliff Falls
4.57.76 mi / 2185 ft gainLocation: From the intersection of US276 & SC11, head Northwest on US276. Drive to the top of the mountain, 1 mile past the visitor's center, and The Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area and trail head will be on your right. After parking in the Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area, the trailhead is l...Read more -
150 Asbury Drive, South Carolina
Hike the Asbury Trail to Moonshine Falls
5.5 mi / 800 ft gainThe trail to the Matthews Creek cable bridge crossing is easy. The cable crossing is fine - fun for some and a do-able challenge for others. After the creek, to get to Moonshine Falls, turn RIGHT at the post which indicates a trail both left and right. This is the Naturaland Trail in Caesars Hea...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Caesars Head Overlook
5.00.27 mi / 144 ft gainThe Drive: Head North on SC Highway 11 "Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway" towards Table Rock State Park. Follow SC 11 past Table Rock approximately 8 miles where it will merge with SC 8 at Pumpkin Town. Follow SC 8 for another 3-4 miles until you see the intersection for SC Highway 276 on the le...Read more -
Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 506, North Carolina
Barrett Knob Fire Tower
5.01.21 mi / 344 ft gainYour hike will start at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles from the start in Cherokee. The trail starts right off of the parkway in a very small easy to miss dirt road. There is a small area to park that then you start your hike up the dirt road right after the gate. The hike to ...Read more -
Toccoa, Georgia
Toccoa Falls
3.80.29 mi / 89 ft gainPark at the welcome center of Toccoa College. The trailhead is behind the welcome center, starting at the gates to the right of the center. The trail takes you along a creek on a gravel trail. After a short distance, you will reach Toccoa Falls, where the water pours off the rocks from over 180 ...Read more -
Cherokee, North Carolina
Mingo Falls
4.20.22 mi / 148 ft gainAlthough it is not much of a hike at just 0.3 miles, it is accessible to people of all fitness levels. A climb up a series of stairs leads you to a trail overlooking Mingo creek. You will then find a 20 foot wide bridge which serves as the viewing platform of the falls. If you care to advent...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Southern Smokies: Fontana Lake to Clingman's Dome
4.520.39 mi / 7083 ft gainThis is a strenuous (though not technical) hike that really showcases the forests, creeks, and (eventually) the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As this is a point-to-point route, you will want to have two vehicles - one that you can leave at Clingman's Dome and one that you ...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
4.51.5 miThis is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights. However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail
3.01.03 mi / 266 ft gainWildcat Wayside Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cleveland, South Carolina.Read more -
Hiawassee, Georgia
Blue Hole and High Shoals Creek Falls
4.82.45 mi / 479 ft gainLocated just a few miles north of Helen, Georgia is this hidden gem. The road that leads up to the starting point of the hike is a bit tricky to find so make sure you have your GPS to help a little, its a gravel road that winds up the mountain for a about a mile. The dirt trail winds down throug...Read more
