Highlands, Mountain town in Macon County, North Carolina, United States.
Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Highlands sits at an elevation of 4,118 feet within the Nantahala National Forest.
Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson established Highlands in 1875, selecting the location based on predicted trade routes between major cities.
The Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center presents theater productions, musical performances, and community events throughout the year since its 2001 opening.
The town receives 87 inches of annual rainfall and 13 inches of snow, with temperatures ranging from cool winters to mild summers.
Three waterfalls near Highlands allow visitors to walk behind their cascading waters, offering perspectives of the falling water from multiple angles.
Location: Macon County
Inception: 1875
Official opening: 2001
Elevation above the sea: 1,255 m
Website: http://www.highlandsnc.org/
Website: http://highlandsnc.org
GPS coordinates: 35.05417,-83.20222
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:30
Foothills Trail
14.7 km
Dry Falls
3.7 km
Cullasaja Falls
9.3 km
Rabun Bald
13.3 km
Bridal Veil Falls
3.2 km
Upper Whitewater Falls
17 km
Nikwasi
20.8 km
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
11.3 km
Camp Merrie-Woode
16.9 km
Dick's Creek Falls
21.2 km
Quarry Falls
7.3 km
Kings Creek Falls
12.8 km
Holcomb Creek Falls
9.9 km
Silver Run Falls
12.5 km
Estatoah Falls
14.7 km
Glade Mountain
8.8 km
Church of the Good Shepherd
11.7 km
Corbin Creek Falls
17.5 km
First Presbyterian Church
578 m
Flat Top
15.4 km
Ammons Creek Falls
9.8 km
Church of the Incarnation
633 m
Zachery-Tolbert house
11.9 km
Saint Agnes Episcopal Church
21.8 km
Thomas Grant Harbison House
2.9 km
Cabin Ben
1.3 km
Bad Branch Falls
14.3 km
Franklin Presbyterian Church
21.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes