ATTRACTIONS

Amusements

Bridal Veil Falls
US 64 West • Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-2112
Located just off U.S. 64, drivers were once routed under the falls, which stand at a height of 120 feet. Picnicking and hiking are available in the adjacent, scenic day-use area.
Dry Falls
US 64 • Highlands, NC 28742
Between Franklin and Highlands
828-526-2112
Take an easy walk on a well marked path with a hand rail behind this 75 foot curtain of rushing water that is located on the Cullasaja River, named after the Cherokee word for sugar water.
Glen Falls
South of Highland, Highway 106 South
828-526-2112
A steep one mile trail leads down to the falls that are composed of three waterfalls that drop approximately 60 feet, each on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the scenic Blue Valley area.
Whitewater Falls
NC 281 at the North Carolina State Line
Approximately 20 miles from Highlands, the upper falls of this cascading masterpiece falls 411 feet and is the highest falls in the Eastern United States. The lower falls cascade for 400 feet.

Episcopal Church of the Incarnation Chapel
520 Main Street • Highlands, NC 28741
Located at the Corner of Main and Fifth Streets
828-526-2968
In 1896, the original church, now the chapel, was completed at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. Still used to this day, this historic building is a perfect example of village architecture. more... map

Fine Art Center/Bascom-Louise Gallery
554 Main Street • Highlands, NC 28741
Located in Hudson Library Building
828-526-4949 or 828-526-3207
A not-for-profit visual art center, the Fine Art Center displays regional art and contains a permanent art collection of 20th and 21st century artists in a variety of media and styles including oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, ceramics, mixed media, wood, stone, metal, and pencil. They have an educational center for workshops and lectures as well. more... map
Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass
472 Chestnut Street • Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-3415 or 828-526-3427
Over 400 pieces of antique cut and engraved glass from the American Brilliant Period (1876-1916) can be seen at the Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass. map

Jackson Hole
Highway 28 & U.S. 64 • Highlands, NC 28741
Located between Highlands and Franklin
828-524-5850
Situated above Cullasaja Falls in waterfall country, Jackson Hole features native and enriched stones. map

Highlands Nature Center
930 Horse Cove Road • Highlands, NC 28741
Located in the Clark Foreman Museum Building
828-526-2623
Highlands Nature Center is a program of the Highlands Biological Station, which is a part of the University of North Carolina. They provide seasonal weekly programs, lectures, outreach programs, and other special events to educate others on the diverse flora and fauna of the high plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains of southwestern North Carolina. Exhibits include mounts of many native bird and mammal species, live animals such as reptiles, amphibians, snails, fish, and small mammals, and an archeological exhibit with Cherokee Indian artifacts. more... map

Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
East of Highland along US 64
828-526-3765
Enjoy incredible scenic views as you drive along this approximately 61 mile, nationally recognized byway that begins in Highlands and winds through Southern Appalachian hardwood forests, through two river gorges, and by numerous waterfalls and lakes.