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Highlands is renowned for the breathtaking fall foliage and vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold transform the landscape into a stunning natural canvas. If you’re planning a trip to experience Highlands this fall, here’s your guide to the best leaf-peeping spots in the area.
1. Horse Cove Road
Head east down Main Street and continue on to a beautiful fall drive; Horse Cove Road. This drive takes you down thirty-seven curves with dense forests that come alive with autumn colors. As the road meanders through the cove, the trees form a vibrant canopy overhead, making it a perfect spot for a scenic drive. The changing colors, combined with the quiet charm of this road, make it a must-visit during the peak of the fall season. To extend your drive, stop by Secret Falls or Picklesimer Rockhouse Falls along the way.
2. Overlooks on Dillard Road
Dillard Road (Highway 106) is a great drive for taking in the fall color, but if you want to enhance your scenic drive be sure stop at these two overlooks: Blue Valley Overlook and Osage Overlook. These overlooks offer miles of beautiful mountain views. They are the perfect spots for those who want to take in the grandeur of the Appalachian Mountains without having to venture too far from the road. Pack a camera—these viewpoints are prime spots for capturing the autumn beauty of Highlands.
3. Rhodes Big View Overlook: Shadow of the Bear
A unique fall highlight, the Rhodes Big View Overlook offers more than just vibrant foliage. In the late afternoon, when the sun is at the right angle, visitors can witness the famous "Shadow of the Bear" phenomenon. The natural shadow cast by Whiteside Mountain creates the shape of a bear on the valley below—a fleeting but mesmerizing sight that combines the region’s autumn beauty with an unforgettable natural spectacle. Head down US 64 East toward Cashiers for about 6 miles where you will find the pull off for the overlook. Be careful when entering and exiting the overlook as it is located in a large curve.
4. Highlands Road: Cullasaja River Gorge
For those seeking a dramatic fall experience, Highlands Road offers sweeping views of the Cullasaja River Gorge. This route winds through the gorge along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, where towering trees, waterfalls, and rushing river waters create a picture-perfect scene. The combination of fall colors and natural elements makes this one of the most scenic drives in the Highlands area. Head down US 64 West to Franklin for this scenic drive and be sure to check out Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, Bust Your Butt and Cullasaja Falls on the way.
5. Buck Creek Road
Buck Creek offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience for leaf peeping. To access this road from Highlands head down US 64 East toward Cashiers and turn left after about two and a half miles. The road will eventually pop out on the Highlands Road (US 64 West to Franklin). At the stop sign, you can turn left and return to Highlands.
6. Sunset Rock
For a quintessential Highlands experience, visit Sunset Rock during the fall. Located just a short hike from town, Sunset Rock offers views of the surrounding mountains, and glimpses of town and Main Street from a new perspective. The mile and a half hike to the stop is the perfect way to enjoy the colors of fall and the cool air.
Whether you prefer scenic drives or challenging hikes, Highlands has tons of incredible leaf-peeping spots. As the fall season sets in, these locations transform into a haven for nature lovers and photographers, making Highlands a must-visit place for leaf peeping.