Local Recommendations

We are so excited for you to experience everything that makes Highlands so special - especially during one of the most beautiful weekends of the year! See below for some of our favorite spots/activities.

Whiteside Trail - Mountain Hike

170 Deville Drive, Highlands, NC 28741

2-mile loop with stunning views at the top. Located ~15 minutes outside of Downtown Highlands. ~1.5hr total hiking time up/down (500 ft elevation gain). We recommend doing the loop clockwise - take the first marked right fork (it is steeper on the way up but offers a more gradual decline on way down). It is also especially gorgeous at sunrise if you are an early riser!

High Falls - Waterfall Hike

Lake Glenville, NC

Hike to the base of the Cullowhee Falls waterfall. Located ~30 minutes from downtown Highlands, there are 2 trail options: 1. South Access — The Pines Recreation Area Shorter, but steeper and more strenuous. A ~1.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes ~1 hour to complete. Start near the Lake Glenville Dam at 1966 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723, then make the steep descent about 650 feet down to the base of the falls before heading back up. It’s definitely a workout, but is well worth it! 2. North Access — Shoal Creek Mountain Road Longer, but flatter and more relaxed. Take the ~4-mile out-and-back trail from Shoal Creek Mountain Road. This is an unofficial but well-known and popular path that local property owners have allowed the public to use. To find the trailhead, drive 0.1 mile down Shoal Creek Mountain Road. The trail begins on the right, just behind an orange gate. It also brings you to the base of Cullowhee Falls so offers the same gorgeous views of the waterfall.

Happ's Place

5914 North Carolina 107, Glenville, NC 28736

Outdoor dining, drinks, and often live music. A great lunch stop after hiking High Falls, with plenty of seating for larger groups.

The Highlands Hatter

221 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741

Design a custom cowboy hat, especially if you want to embrace the mountain chic attire for Friday's welcome party

Spa at Old Edwards

445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741

Enjoy a massage or facial at the Old Edwards spa

The Wine Garden at Old Edwards

445 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741

Great place to get a nice appetizer and cocktail. The wait can be long during peak hours, so recommend you put your name down while shopping/strolling downtown.