alex & sam | 5.15.26
Things To Do
Activities in Town
There are plenty of stores, boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops in town that are all very walkable. Highlands has plenty of free parking if you are not staying directly in town. Old Edwards Spa is absolutely incredible if you have time to make a spa reservation. Highly recommend coffee at Outpost Inn or grabbing a sweet treat at Edelweiss! There are also a number of bars in town, ranging from upscale to casual local dives. For casual dives, check out The Ugly Dog or Highlands Tavern. For more upscale, Oak Steakhouse has a great bar and you can enjoy your drink on the patio outside, or you can check out the Hummingbird Lounge in Old Edwards Inn. Grab a glass of wine and relax at the Old Edwards Wine Garden if you want a more chill day. :)
Hiking - Waterfall Trails
Dry Falls (0.2 miles, 49 ft elevation gain): A beautiful, easy walk with the opportunity to stand behind the falls. Would recommend if you're short on time and want to see a waterfall or are not interested in a trail hike! Whitewater Falls (0.6 miles, 101 ft elevation gain): The trail offers a paved path and stairs leading to the overlooks. Whitewater Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern United States, dropping over 800 feet! Glen Falls (1.2 miles, 305 ft elevation gain): An excellent short hike with many beautiful natural sights. The trail leads through a beautiful forest and visits several small waterfalls and flowing creeks. Would HIGHLY recommend this hike! Secret Falls (1.3 miles, 255 ft elevation gain): The trailheads may be tough to find unless you look for the blue signs on the trees and follow the trail to a beautiful waterfall.
Hiking - Out & Back Trails
Sunset Rock (1.4 miles, 236 ft elevation gain): An easy hike up a gravel path with beautiful views, perfect for a quick hike. Whiteside Mountain (1.9 miles, 511 ft elevation gain): A simple trail between Cashiers and Highlands with exposed stone cliff overlooks & incredible panoramic views!! Suggest to begin this trail counter-clockwise for an easier hike. Located ~15 minutes from Skyline Lodge, this trail is worth the hike. Stop by Skyline Lodge for a quick drink at the bar afterwards! Satulah Mountain (3.2 miles, 690 ft elevation gain): Begin this hike from downtown Highlands on a steep paved road with beautiful houses. The wooded portion of the trail has stunning vistas at the top to stop and enjoy the view. Scaly Mountain (3.8 miles, 1,125 ft elevation gain): Accessed via Bartram Trail in Highlands, this is a more challenging hike that offers a fun experience and beautiful views.
Breakfast + Brunch
Blue Bike Cafe: Classic, casual, sit-down breakfast. Incredible biscuits. Black Bear: Classic breakfast with American + Mexican cuisine influences (think breakfast tacos, breakfast burritos, chorizo, etc.). Quick, sit-down restaurant. Mountain Fresh Grocery: Cute hybrid grocery + bakery. Good casual spot to grab a coffee, breakfast sandwich, pastries, and a pretty quick stop before hiking or enjoying the town! Calder's Coffee: Classic cafe with coffee and pastries. A lighter breakfast, but another quick stop if you plan on exploring the area after breakfast. The Stubborn Bull: Upscale weekend brunch vibe with items like French toast, Eggs Benedict. Great atmosphere and outdoor seating. Oak Steakhouse: Gorgeous mountain views, great option to enjoy a slower morning with incredible food. Reservation recommended. Ruffled Grouse Tavern: Cozy spot in town with an amazing locally influenced menu. Reservation recommended. Madison's: Amazing brunch at OEI! Reservation recommended.
Lunch + Dinner
Coming soon!