Located in the state of North Carolina, Highlands is a picturesque mountain town that offers visitors a perfect mix of natural beauty and o…
Best for you if…
Highlands is a strong pick for hiking & camping — plan about 5-7 days days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.
Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 67/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈3.2 km span)
High season: Summer
Best months for lower-cost travel: April · May · September · October
50-70°F
50-70°F
70-90°F
20-40°F
Located in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Highlands is a charming town nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, it offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
If you're traveling from afar, the closest major airport to Highlands is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). Situated approximately 87 miles east of Highlands, it serves as the primary gateway to the region. From the airport, you can rent a car or hire a taxi to reach your destination.
Highlands can be easily accessed by car via several scenic routes. If you're coming from Asheville, take the US-74 W/US-23 S highway and follow the signs to Sylva. From there, continue on US-23 S/US-441 S until you reach Dillard, Georgia. Finally, take GA-246 N into Highlands.
If you're driving from Atlanta, Georgia, take I-85 N until you reach Commerce, then merge onto US-441 N. Continue on US-441 N until you cross the North Carolina state line, and then follow the signs to Highlands.
If you prefer to travel by bus, Greyhound operates services to nearby towns such as Franklin and Sylva. Once you reach either of these towns, you can arrange for a local taxi or rental car to take you to Highlands.
While there isn't a train station in Highlands, the closest Amtrak station is located in Greenville, South Carolina. From there, you can rent a car and drive approximately 80 miles north to reach Highlands.
Another convenient option is to book a shuttle service from Asheville or Atlanta airports directly to Highlands. Several companies offer reliable transportation services, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey without worrying about navigation.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, once you arrive in Highlands, you'll be greeted by a tranquil mountain town with a welcoming atmosphere. Prepare to indulge in outdoor adventures, explore charming shops and galleries, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this picturesque destination.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Highlands is a picturesque mountain town that offers visitors a perfect mix of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Situated at an elevation of over 4,100 feet, the town is surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its mild summers, colorful fall foliage, and snowy winters.
Highlands has a thriving arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing the talents of local artists and performers. Visitors can also indulge in a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing, as well as experiencing the scenic beauty of nearby waterfalls and gorges.
In addition, Highlands boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from Southern comfort food to gourmet cuisine. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous outdoor vacation, Highlands is the perfect destination.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
7 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~1.3 km · 4 places
~0.8 km · 2 places
~4 km · 5 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~0.3 km path
~0.1 km path
~0.8 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 5-7 days days in Highlands, United States.
High season is typically Summer.
Travelers often find better value in April, May, September, October.
Highlands suits Hiking, Camping, Skiing, Fishing.
Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.
Pack layers of clothing for unpredictable weather
Add Highlands and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
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