High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, on the southernmost plateau of the Appalachian Mountain chain, lies the Town of Highlands. With its rich history dating back before its incorporation in 1879, its an excellent place to spend some of your vacation. The legend says that Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson, developers of several Western frontier towns, drew one line on a map from New York to New Orleans and then another from Chicago to Savannah. They felt that the point of intersection which is now Highlands would be the perfect spot to develop a prosperous town and NC luxury mountain rentals. They promoted Highlands as a health retreat and summer resort because of its ideal climate, clean air, and natural beauty.

Many wealthy families from southern cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and New Orleans would come to Highlands, NC during the summer to avoid the sweltering summer temperatures at home. Quickly, Highlands began to attract visitors and summer residents from around the nation and abroad.

In the 1920s the development of Highlands Country Club brought a beautiful golf course to the area and further enhanced the town’s reputation. Bobby Jones, the great golfing legend, owned a summer home near the club. The cool summer temperatures attract many golfers today. The private golf clubs include Highlands Country Club, Highlands Falls Country Club, Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, and the Cullasaja Club.

Highlands, NC Climate

With the average elevation of 4118, Highlands offers an attractive climate. The warm days and cool nights of summer attract visitors and summer residents from hot southern cities to our comfortable Highlands vacation rentals. Every autumn the mountains surrounding Highlands are brilliantly painted with red and gold maples. The spring months are rich with pink and white dogwoods, vibrant azaleas, rhododendrons and mountain laurels. Highlands receives some snow in the winter but most days are mild and suitable for outdoor activities.

Highlands, NC Location

Our Highlands NC lodging is just a 2½ hour drive from Atlanta and within a 1 ½ days drive from south Florida. The Asheville airport and the Greenville/Spartanburg airport are within a 1½ hour drive from Highlands. The Atlanta International Airport is about 3 hours.

Highlands, NC Today

Today Highlands is known for its luxury cabin rentals, beautiful golf courses, many wonderful summer home communities, fine boutiques, exquisite restaurants, historic restored inns, and the natural beauty of the surrounding National Forest.

Highlands, NC Activities

The mountains provide a backdrop for all types of outdoor activities. A system of well-maintained trails for hikers of every ability, rafting on the nearby Ocoee, Nantahala, and Chattooga Rivers, mountain biking, kayaking, and fly-fishing are popular activities. Visitors come to see the many waterfalls including Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, Glen Falls, Bust Your Butt falls, and the amazing Cullasaja Falls. Visitors of all ages enjoy gem mining, camping, and learning about the native plants and birds from the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Center.

Highlands, NC Cultural

Highlands is a town rich in the folklore of the Scottish clans that first settled here centuries ago. The bag pipers can be heard on special occasions such as the Christmas Parade. Weaving, woodcarving, pottery, and quilting are among the crafts that are available by local artisans in the town boutiques. There are many activities to enjoy including evening auctions at Scudders Galleries, fine dining at the many restaurants, the Chamber Music Festival, plays at the Highlands Playhouse, art shows at the Bascom-Louise Gallery and other galleries, garden tours and home tours, an annual craft show, as well as many special events including the annual Olde Mountain Christmas Parade.

Highlands, NC Restaurants