Highlands, NC

Travel Guide

A mountainous landscape with dense forests, a valley, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
A beach with a calm sea, distant mountains, and a cloudy sky.
Two people sitting on red chairs facing each other with a mountainous landscape in the background.
ranger falls, Highlands, NC
A waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants.

Where to stay in Highlands

Find the best Highlands areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Highlands
Learn more about Highlands
A town nestled in a valley with a lake, surrounded by mountains.

Downtown Highlands

While there might not be top attractions in Downtown Highlands, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cullasaja River Gorge and Highlands Country Club.

A calm lake reflecting autumn trees and a clear sky.

Mirror Lake

While there might not be top attractions in Mirror Lake, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Cullasaja River Gorge.

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and a prominent cliff on the right.

Highlands Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Highlands Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Highlands Country Club and Bridal Veil Falls.

A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by dense green foliage.

Highlands Falls

Highlands Falls might not have many top sights, but Whiteside Mountain and Cullasaja River Gorge are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A calm river with a waterfall, surrounded by dense forest and houses on the opposite bank.

Lake Sequoyah

While Lake Sequoyah isn't home to many top sights, Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls are some notable places to visit nearby.

Trailborn Highlands, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Trailborn Highlands, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

4 out of 5
96 Log Cabin Lane Highlands NC
Stay at this hotel in Highlands. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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Trailborn Highlands, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Highlander Mountain House

Highlander Mountain House

3.5 out of 5
270 Main Street Highlands NC
Stay at this inn in Highlands. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
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Highlander Mountain House
Outpost Inn

Outpost Inn

3 out of 5
790 North 4th St Highlands NC
Book a stay at this boutique guesthouse in Highlands. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
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Outpost Inn
See all 1,390 properties in Highlands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Highlands attractions

A waterfall cascading over a rocky cliff surrounded by dense foliage.
Photo by Kurt Huey
Open Photo by Kurt Huey

Dry Falls

9.6/10 (129 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Dry Falls and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Highlands. Discover the area's entertainment venues, or seek out its hiking trails.
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Things to do

Clayton: Chattooga River Rafting on Class III Rapids

Clayton: Chattooga River Rafting on Class III Rapids

$142
per adult
Clayton: Chattooga River Rafting on Class III Rapids
Chattooga: Chattooga River Rafting with Lunch

Chattooga: Chattooga River Rafting with Lunch

$164
per adult
Chattooga: Chattooga River Rafting with Lunch
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Cities near Highlands

mountains near Franklin, NC

Franklin

A brick church with a bell tower and a covered entrance.

Dillard

A storefront with American flags, a sign for an outdoor sale, and a closed sign.

Clayton

A waterfall, a couple embracing, and a rocky cliff.

Cullowhee

Other places like Highlands