The Finest Small Mountain Town in America Boasts Gorgeous Waterfalls, Breathtaking Autumn Colors, and Some of the South's Best Resorts

Legend has it that Highlands, North Carolina, came to be in 1875 when developers in Kansas sketched two intersecting lines on a map—one from New Orleans to New York and the other from Chicago to Savannah. They believed this junction would become a crucial trade hub. While Highlands never evolved into a bustling city, it remains conveniently located just over two hours from Atlanta, validating some of those early predictions.

Nestled within Nantahala National Forest at the highest point of the Western North Carolina plateau, Highlands was originally a Cherokee hunting ground, later settled by people from across the U.S. in the late 1800s. Easily accessible from major Southeast cities like Charleston, Nashville, and Charlotte, today’s Highlands serves as a refreshing summer retreat, offering year-round opportunities for hiking, waterfall exploration, art, music, and exceptional dining and hospitality.

Recently, the town of 1,088 residents was highlighted three times in the 2023 World's Best Awards, with Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Half-Mile Farm, and Skyline Lodge each securing a spot among the best resorts in the South. Additionally, the team behind Highlander Mountain House, which opened in late 2020, is enhancing the local hotel scene, planning to transform The Wells Hotel into The Outpost Inn by early October. This 14-room motel, according to owner Jason Reeves, promises an “immersive, peaceful experience” and serves as a “basecamp to the outdoors.”

Highlands embodies all the classic features of a mountain town—laid-back vibes, access to natural wonders and outdoor adventures, and a quaint Main Street brimming with local shops and eateries—but it also stands out in its own right. This Western North Carolina destination strikes a balance between being elevated and welcoming. Though it offers a sense of seclusion, it remains easily accessible, and its residents blend innovative ideas with nostalgia and a strong local identity. Keep reading to find out why Highlands, North Carolina, is recognized as Dinogo’s best small mountain town of 2023.

The Ideal Times to Visit

Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands is a prime location for experiencing stunning fall foliage. “The autumn here is breathtaking, showcasing every imaginable color of leaf,” says Vivian Littlejohn, who oversees guest services at Half-Mile Farm. Summer also offers delightful weather in Highlands, with mild temperatures and lower humidity compared to much of the South. Littlejohn notes that this season also brings the annual Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and the town's outdoor concert series, which runs on Friday and Saturday evenings from May through October.

Attractions and Activities

Breathe in the fresh mountain air while hiking.

“There are countless hikes suitable for all skill levels in and around Highlands,” shares Maggie Braucher, a wedding photographer from the Southeast who spent her summers in Highlands and returns frequently with her family. “One of the most popular trails is Whiteside Mountain, known for its accessibility and stunning views—it's a favorite among families and groups.” For those seeking a less-traveled path, she recommends the Chinquapin Mountain Trail. “You can visit Highland Hiker on Main Street for trail suggestions and to pick up a hiking guide, along with any supplies you might need,” she adds. If you'd prefer a guided experience, Highland Excursion offers private hikes and tours in the area.

Visitors who wish to stay in town while still getting their exercise can explore the Highlands Plateau Greenway, a loop of trails linking various historic, cultural, and natural attractions in Highlands.

Spend a day exploring the area's stunning waterfalls.

Highlands is situated in a temperate rainforest, one of only two in the United States. With an average annual rainfall of about 80 inches, the granite mountains and valleys create a remarkable environment filled with waterfalls. Vivian Littlejohn suggests visiting while in town, as there are seven waterfalls within close reach. Bridal Veil Falls, Glen Falls, and Dry Falls are among the most popular to explore.

Join the Highlands Food & Wine Festival.

Now celebrating its seventh year, the Highlands Food & Wine Festival is a four-day extravaganza “honoring the food, wine, music, and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Scheduled for November 9 to 12, this intimate and thoughtfully planned festival will feature a lineup of events showcasing award-winning chefs, tastings of wines and spirits, and live music performances, with headliners including End of the Line, Grace Potter, and The War & Treaty in 2023. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit local preservation and conservation groups and support the Louis Osteen Legacy Scholarship for regional students pursuing careers in culinary arts.

Explore The Bascom.

Braucher suggests visiting The Bascom, known as a “center for the Visual Arts.” Guests enter the campus via an 87-foot-long covered bridge dating back to the early 19th century. From there, you can tour current exhibitions, attend lectures, or participate in classes and workshops, with offerings like pottery, painting, and garden design featured on the 2023 schedule.

Enhance your fly fishing skills.

Both Braucher and Littlejohn have fly fishing on their agenda during their visits to Highlands. If you’re a beginner or want to fish with experienced guides, consider booking an outing with Brookings Anglers, who offer half-day and full-day fishing adventures in the area.

Where to Stay

Highlander Mountain House

Highlander Mountain House may only be three years old, but its blend of “Appalachian lodge and refined English country estate” charm has quickly made it one of the most desirable stays in Highlands. The rooms are elegantly furnished with Bellino linens, Malin + Goetz toiletries, curated vintage decor, and delightful wallpaper. However, it’s the common areas where Highlander Mountain House truly excels. “In winter, I’d cozy up by the fire with a good book and a drink,” suggests Braucher, who recommends lounging on the kilim sofa in the hotel’s main lobby.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Old Edwards Inn and Spa is one of those historic hotels that feels both storied and unique while also being refreshingly modern. Serenity can be found at every turn within the 84-room, multi-acre Relais & Chateaux property, but the award-winning spa is the ultimate place for relaxation. Bring along a book and a cup of tea to enjoy some peaceful moments on the spacious chaise lounges in the solarium before or after your treatment.

Half-Mile Farm

As the sister property to Old Edwards Inn, Half-Mile Farm is described as a “Napa-style setting and inn” nestled on 14 acres of verdant North Carolina landscape. This romantic getaway features an adults-only policy and is conveniently located just outside downtown Highlands. Each guest room and suite combines rustic charm with luxurious touches, offering distinct experiences whether you choose the historic inn, the courtyard, a cabin, or one of the Woodland Suites, which come with amenities like fireplaces, heated marble bathroom floors, soaking tubs, balconies, and wet bars.

Flat Mountain Farm

For a more secluded retreat, consider reserving one of the two cabins—The Wren and The Kingfisher—at Flat Mountain Farm. Owners Margaret and Chris Shutze transformed this former rhododendron nursery into a micro-resort after acquiring the property in 2019. It can accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and large corporate events. “They have meticulously crafted every design element in their homes, and the sprawling grounds are stunning,” shares Braucher.

Skyline Lodge

Readers of Dinogo have named Skyline Lodge the second-best resort in the South, a recognition that followed its complete renovation in 2021. This 40-room boutique hotel offers a relaxed yet thoughtful atmosphere, seamlessly combining its historical roots—originally designed in the 1930s by Arthur J. Kelsey, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright—with modern amenities. Highlights include the charming courtyard, inviting fire pits, and the on-site restaurant, Oak Steakhouse.

Where to Eat and Drink

Mountain Fresh Grocery

You can find all your essentials at Mountain Fresh Grocery, a specialty food and wine store located in downtown Highlands. If you're gearing up for a day of hiking, grab a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit for the journey—or take home a “dinner-to-go” for later.

Four65 Bistro

Four65 Bistro is celebrated for its “woodfire pizza and inviting atmosphere,” according to Braucher. The restaurant also features fresh salads, cast-iron sandwiches, and a delightful selection of rosé. On pleasant days, be sure to enjoy dining outdoors on the terrace.

Madison’s

According to Littlejohn, it’s “the truly unique, locally sourced items and elevated service” that distinguish Madison’s Restaurant. Situated within Old Edwards Inn, this fine dining venue is open to the public for lunch and dinner, offering dishes such as braised short rib pasta, grilled octopus, and a bacon-wrapped sausage-stuffed pork chop.

Blue Bike Cafe

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Sundays, Blue Bike Cafe features an all-day menu filled with elevated brunch favorites—think cinnamon roll pancakes, biscuits and gravy, chorizo grits bowls, and caramel apple French toast.

SweeTreats

Even though Highlands enjoys milder summer temperatures compared to much of the Southeast, indulging in ice cream is still a must at SweeTreats. “You pick your flavor(s) and toppings, and they mix it all up right in front of you. [It was] one of my favorite spots as a kid,” recalls Braucher.

Highlands Farmers Market

Weekends in Highlands come alive with the farmers market, which operates most Saturdays from April through October. Head over to Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for baked goods, plants, fresh produce, and more.

Where to Shop

CK Swan

For a delightful souvenir to take home from Highlands, visit CK Swan on North 4th Street. “[It] features a stunning selection of curated home goods, art, jewelry, and more,” notes Littlejohn.

Vivace

Braucher expresses, “I enjoy shopping at Vivace for clothing—they offer a blend of classic and trendy styles. It’s the perfect balance, not too old and not too young.” This women’s boutique is located on South 4th Street, just a few blocks from Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

Mountain Findings

Littlejohn also suggests a visit to Mountain Findings, a thrift store and nonprofit where “you'll discover a variety of treasures,” including art, linens, and furniture.