Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There are some great hiking trails that can be accessed just a short walk from town. The Highlands Plateau Greenway is a series of short, interconnected trails. Click here for more information on Highlands’ Greenway Trails. There are also other easily accessible walking trails that can be accessed at the Highlands Botanical Garden.

Highlands is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, hiking trails, shopping, dining, music and arts. 

Highlands has everything from men’s and women’s clothing, furniture and home decor, jewelry, outdoor wear and much more. Our Highlands Business Guide is a helpful resource when planning a day of shopping or exploring our Main Street. Stop by our Welcome Center at 108 Main Street for a physical copy.

You can visit the Highlands Historical Society’s Historic Village from May – October. The Village is at 524 N. 4th Street and is composed of the Prince House, the Highlands Historical Museum and Archives, and the Highlands Sanitorium Tent or Bug Hill Cottage.

Highlands is a wonderful place for hiking and exploring the outdoors. Some popular outdoor activities are fly-fishing, zip-lining, golf, tennis & pickle ball, ice skating and snow tubing. For more information on outdoor activities, click here.

The Nature Center, Highlands Recreation Park & Pool, Jackson Hole Gem Mine, Highlands Outpost, and Highlands Aerial Park. For more family friendly activities, click here.

Viewpoints in Highlands include the Rhodes Big View Overlook on Highway 64 toward Cashiers. During October you can see the popular “bear shadow” from the mountain casting a shadow in the shape of a bear over the valley below. Other overlooks include The Blue Valley Overlook and Osage Overlook on Highway 106 (Dillard Road). 

Scenic drives include Horse Cove Road and the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway on Highway 64 West (Highlands Road).

Highland Excursion offers a variety of group or private tours in Highlands. 

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust holds different hiking events throughout the year.

During the colder months, Highlands Outpost offers snow tubing and ice skating. The Town of Highlands also offers ice-skating in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from November-March. For more information call the Highlands Recreation Department at 828-526-3556.

Spas and Wellness Centers Include:  

Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Unfurl Massage & Bodywork

Yoga Highlands

Taylor Barnes Salon

Zen Spa by Angel Joy

You can find public golfing at Sky Valley Country Club or Sapphire Valley Resort (Sapphire National Golf Club).  The Golf Club at Mill Creek in Franklin, NC or Kingwood Resort in Clayton, GA. A stay at Old Edwards Inn provides access to their Old Edwards Golf Club.

Highlands sits at an elevation of 4118 ft. above sea level making our summers mild with an average temperature of 75 degrees. 

Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, NC is 1.5 hours away.  

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greenville, SC is 2.5 hours away.  

Jackson Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, GA is 2.5 hours away.

McGhee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN is 3 hours away. 

Macon County Transit offers public transportation. Click here or call 828-349-2222.

Highlands Ride Service, Western Carolina Shuttle, Mountain Motor Coach, Smoky Mountain Transportation, and Georgia Shuttle are a few options that offer transportation to and from airports or around town. 

Highlands is a very walkable town. The large majority of our shops and restaurants are located along Main Street. However, if you wish to make a day trip or drive off the mountain, vehicular transportation is highly recommended.

Yes. You can find electric vehicle chargers at:

Two (2) on Oak Street

Two (2) on Third Street

One (1) at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC Welcome Center at 108 Main Street.

The fee is $2.75 per hour for the first four hours. 

You can visit our Welcome Center at the intersection of Highway 107 and Highway 64 at 108 Main Street. 

COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH
3645 Cashiers Road, Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-4685
 

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION
520 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-2968
 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
471 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-3175
 

HIGHLANDS ASSEMBLY OF GOD
165 South Sixth Street, Highlands, NC 28741
828-421-9172
 

HIGHLANDS CENTRAL BAPTIST
828-526-0774
11263 Buck Creek Road, Highlands, NC 28741
 

HIGHLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
315 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741
828-526 -3376
 

HOLY FAMILY LUTHERAN CHURCH
2152 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-9741
 

OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAINS CATHOLIC CHURCH
315 North 5th Street, Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-2418

Pet friendly hotels include:

The Park on Main - A luxury experience for you and your pet.
Highlander Mountain House - Pets can be accommodated in the bunkhouse with a small fee.
200 Main - Pet friendly upon request. One pet, dogs only, 75$ per night fee.
Outpost Inn - $50 per night fee for dogs up to 50lbs. Larger dogs upon approval- fees not to exceed $150 per night.
Skyline Lodge - One dog up to 50lbs, or two dogs totaling 60lbs per guestroom.
The Inn at Mill Creek
Trailborn Highlands - Pet friendly upon request.
High Camp
Highlands Inn - A pet friendly cottage is available at an extra cost.

Places to stay on Main Street include: Park on Main, 200 Main, Old Edwards Inn, Highlander Mountain House and Highlands Inn. Other places in town that are close to Main Street include: Trailborn Highlands and Outpost Inn. For more information about Highlands' accommodations, click here.