RECREATION

Lakes & Marinas

Cliffside Lake
2010 Flat Mountain Road • Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-2112
Enjoy hatchery supported trout fishing, a scenic waterfall, hiking trails, and camping areas while at this large, popular lake. map

Turning Stones Fly Fishing, LLC CONTACT
2504 Highlands Road • Franklin, NC 28734
724-986-2652
Turning Stones Fly Fishing, LLC offers fly fishing instruction, two day fly fishing schools, Steelhead fishing trips, over one mile of private trophy trout water, just minutes from Franklin and Highlands, NC and numerous other streams from delayed harvest water, like the Nantahala and the Tuckasegee, to high country wild trout fishing for wild browns and rainbows to native brook trout! more... map

Mountain Down Tours
Route 2 • Highlands, NC 28741
Box 29
828-506-9540 or 704-526-3063
Single or multi-day instruction for beginner to advances rappellers. Tours, 4-wheel drive trips, overnight camping, and guided hikes are available. map
Whiteside Mountain
10023 Whiteside Mountain Road • Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-2112
This beautiful mountain rises 2,100 feet and is named for its icey white cliffs. The entire upper portion of the mountain's west side has fallen away, leaving a 700 foot vertical face which acts as a magnet for rock climbers and vertical cavers.

Appalachian ATV Adventures
651 Glen Falls Road • Highlands, NC 28741
Located in the Nantahala National Forest
828-526-5700, 866-ATV TO GO
A member of the National Forest Foundation, Appalachian ATV Adventures "conducts half-day National Forest Tours and all-day Combination Adventures including another half-day of rafting, tubing, or flatwater paddling in Western North Carolina." Season runs from April 1 to December 15. more... map
Highlands Youth Adventures
261 North Fourth Street • Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-2174
Providing year round outdoor activities for kids ages 9 through 15, this unique adventure company offers activities such as rafting, tubing, and canoeing, as well as guided rock climbing trips on the cliffs in Horse Cove and guided mountain biking trips into Panther Town Valley. more... map
Turning Stones Fly Fishing, LLC
2504 Highlands Road • Franklin, NC 28734
724-986-2652
Turning Stones Fly Fishing, LLC offers fly fishing instruction, two day fly fishing schools, Steelhead fishing trips, over one mile of private trophy trout water, and numerous other streams from delayed harvest water, to high country wild trout fishing for wild browns and rainbows to native brook trout! With over 25 years of trout fishing experience in the Eastern Appalachian mountains and beyond, you will be taken on professionally guided wade fishing trips to the location which best fits your ability. All equipment is provided including rods, flies, waders, lunch, ect. map

Wayehutta ATV Trail System
Roy Taylor Forest, Cullowhee
828-526-3765
This 28 mile loop family oriented trail system utilizes many old logging roads and rail beds and includes a range of difficulty levels including a trail for beginners, as well as a trail for expert riders.