Highlands, NC  Attractions

Highlands Playhouse
The centerpiece for the performing arts, this playhouse features annual productions for the summer crowds.  

Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens
This nature center serves up a palette of nature attractions including a botanical garden replete with 450 species of trees, ferns and flowers.  

Dry Falls
Following paved walkways from the parking area, you can walk directly underneath the tumbling 75-foot waterfall.  

Bridal Veil Falls
Visible from the highway, this 120-foot waterfall sometimes displays a rainbow in the afternoon light and has been known to freeze up during the winter.

Whiteside Mountain Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Length: 2.5 mi
Trail Tread Condition: Moderately Rough
Climb: Hilly
Lowest Elevation: 4410 ft
Highest Elevation: 4930 ft
Starting point: Whiteside Mountain Parking Area
How to Get There: From the corner of Main Street and NC 106 in Highlands, follow US 64 East for 5.4 miles. Turn right onto Whiteside Mt. Rd. (SR 1600). There is a sign for Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area. Follow for 1 mile to the signed parking area on the left. There is a $2.00/day area use fee at Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area.

Panthertown Valley
The Panthertown Valley contains a network of hiking trails that travel to a variety of popular destinations within this 6700 acre tract of Forest Service land. At least 8 major waterfalls and countless smaller ones lie along the area's streams. Hikes above the flat-bottomed, high-elevation valleys take you to cliff-top views of the surrounding mountains. Sandy beaches on deep, clear pools make great places to hang out, have a picnic, and a swim during the summer. There is also fabulous mountain biking, fishing and camping within Panthertown.

Nantahala National Forest
This national forest includes the Whitewater Falls with its 411-foot mountain plunge.