Top 13 Things to Visit in HIGHLANDS, NC! | America's Unique Mountain Town
Top 13 Things to Visit in HIGHLANDS, NC! | America's Unique Mountain Town
Notable moments
- 01:15 Sunset Rock Hike and Overlook
The host stands on the large exposed granite rock outcrop at Sunset Rock overlooking the surrounding valley and downtown Highlands. Visitors can hike or drive up the one-mile trail to take in panoramic mountain views and sit along the wide rock face.
Sunset Rock, Highlands, NC - 02:44 Bridal Veil Falls Walkway
A 60-foot waterfall cascades directly over a curved rock ledge next to US Highway 64. Visitors can walk along the paved pathway directly behind the falling curtain of water.
Bridal Veil Falls, Highlands, NC - 03:23 Dry Falls Waterfall Walk
Dry Falls features a powerful 75-foot waterfall cascading over a cliff face with a paved boardwalk leading right beneath the overhanging cliff behind the falls. Visitors walk along the railed path, experiencing heavy spray and mist as the water roars down beside them.
Dry Falls, Highlands, NC - 04:59 Glen Falls Multi-Tiered Hike
Glen Falls features a multi-tiered waterfall nestled deep within the green forest canopy of the Nantahala National Forest. A descending trail allows hikers to view each tier of the cascading water from different lookout platforms.
Glen Falls, Highlands, NC - 05:28 Highlands Botanical Gardens Exploration
Located near Sunset Rock, the Highlands Nature Center and Botanical Garden features indoor nature exhibits with taxidermy local wildlife and outdoor winding dirt trails through lush flora. Visitors can stroll through serene garden paths filled with native ferns, wildflowers, and rare Appalachian plants.
Highlands Biological Station, Highlands, NC - 07:03 Downtown Highlands Shopping Walk
The host walks down brick-paved sidewalks along Main Street in downtown Highlands, past boutique stores, flower boxes, and historic late-19th-century architecture. Visitors can explore independent local shops, artisan galleries, and outdoor dining courtyards.
Downtown Highlands, NC - 10:21 Dining at Primary Restaurant
The host dines at Primary Restaurant in downtown Highlands, trying their signature honey and pepper crust applewood smoked bacon served suspended on a miniature clothesline hanger. He also tastes a local Wagyu beef burger topped with crispy onions and paired with seasoned truffle fries.
Primary Restaurant, Highlands, NC - 12:35 Quarry Falls Swimming Hole
Quarry Falls features a rushing mountain river sliding over wide granite boulders into a deep natural pool. Visitors park along the roadside and climb down the rocks to relax by the rapids or swim in the cool river.
Quarry Falls, Highlands, NC - 13:01 Jackson Hole Gem Mining Experience
Located along the highway outside Highlands, Jackson Hole Gem Mine offers gem mining where visitors purchase buckets filled with local soil and sediment. Guests take their buckets to outdoor wooden flumes with running water to sift using screen trays and discover rubies, sapphires, and other raw minerals.
Jackson Hole Gem Mine, Highlands, NC - 14:13 Highlander Mountain House Tavern Visit
Highlander Mountain House is a restored historic 1880s boutique inn featuring The Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Guests can dine inside surrounded by rustic taxidermy, stone fireplaces, and leather seating, or enjoy drinks outdoors on the gravel courtyard.
Highlander Mountain House, Highlands, NC - 14:48 Whiteside Mountain Hiking Trail
Whiteside Mountain features dramatic, sheer granite cliffs rising over 750 feet, often nicknamed the 'Eastern Yosemite'. Hikers follow a loop trail along the cliff edge protected by steel railings, enjoying sweeping panoramic views across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whiteside Mountain, Highlands, NC - 15:34 Weekly Saturday Car Show Gathering
Local car enthusiasts gather every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 10:00 AM in downtown Highlands near Kilwins for 'Benches on the Bench'. Vintage sports cars, classic automobiles, and land rovers line the street as owners chat and show off their vehicles.
Downtown Highlands, NC - 16:00 Mountain Theatre Company Show
The Mountain Theatre Company, operating since 1938 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, offers professional live theatrical productions. The host walks into the auditorium showing stage lighting, set designs, and seating area prior to showtime.
Highlands Performing Arts Center, Highlands, NC - 16:29 Tasting at Highlands Wine Shoppe
The Highlands Wine Shoppe offers automated NapaTechnology WineStation dispensers for self-pour wine tastings from over 800 global labels. Visitors can enjoy glasses of international red or white wine outside on the lush patio equipped with Adirondack chairs and string lights.
Highlands Wine Shoppe, Highlands, NC
Travelnetic independently curates publicly available videos and matches them to similar bookable experiences — it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Build The Dream.