Summary: Best things to do in Highlands NC for a weekend
If you’re planning a weekend escape to the mountains of Western North Carolina, Highlands needs to be high on your list. It’s easy to get around, the scenery is so beautiful and isn’t difficult to get to, and you can mix outdoor time with good meals without rushing from place to place.
This weekend guide focuses on best things to do in Highlands NC like short hikes, easy waterfall stops, scenic drives, and time downtown. It’s perfect for people who want to hit all the best spots in Highlands, NC and get the most out of their trip.
Map of Itinerary
Day 1: Waterfalls, Views, and an Afternoon in Town
Morning: Start with Waterfalls
One of the best things to do in Highlands NC is getting out to the waterfalls early in the day. Many of them are close to town and don’t require long hikes, which makes this area great if you’re newer to hiking or traveling with family or people with different hiking skill levels .
Glen Falls
- About 10 minutes from downtown
- ~1.4 miles round trip
- Easy to moderate
- Small gravel parking area
Glen Falls is a great first stop. It’s a pretty easy hike because the trail is short and mostly shaded. There’s a steady downhill walk to multiple waterfall viewpoints, and stairs near the falls. You’ll want to keep in mind before taking the hike back up. It will get your heart rate up a bit, but it’s very doable for most people.
I recommend checking out the waterfalls here after a recent rain, because this is when you’ll get more flow and a better feel of how beautiful this place actually is.
Helpful note: The stairs can be slick, so shoes with decent traction are a good idea. I love the Merrell Moab Speed 2’s, and if you’re looking for a pair that’s a little more cost effective, the Merrell Speed Strike 2 Hiking Shoe is a good option!
Dry Falls
- About 5 minutes from Glen Falls
- Very short walk (~0.1 miles)
- Fully paved path
- Large parking area with bathrooms
After Glen Falls, Dry Falls is an easy add-on. The walk here is extremely short and fully paved, which makes it accessible for just about everyone. You can walk behind the waterfall, and it only takes about 15–20 minutes to enjoy.
This is one of the most popular waterfall stops and one of the easiest things to do in Highlands NC, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want a full hike. The parking area has bathrooms, which is helpful if you’re building a full day of stops. Because it’s so easy to access, it can get crowded midday, so visiting earlier in the morning usually feels more relaxed.
Lunch: Downtown Highlands
After a morning outside, head back into town for lunch. The area is compact and walkable, so once you park, you’re good to walk around and not worry about getting too far from your car.
There are a lot of good food options in downtown Highlands. You’ll find anything from sandwiches, salads, or coffee to pizza, pastas, and good southern food. I recommend checking out Mountain Fresh Grocery or Highlands Tavern; they’re some of the best places to eat in Highlands NC.
Afterward lunch, take some time to wander through the local shops and galleries nearby.
Afternoon: A Short Mountain Hike
Sunset Rock
- About 5 minutes from downtown
- ~1 mile round trip (depending on starting point)
- Easy to moderate
- Small roadside parking area
Sunset Rock is a short hike with an overlook at the top. The trail has a steady incline, but it’s manageable even if you don’t hike often. It doesn’t take long to get to the top, and the view faces west, which makes this a good afternoon stop.
There is a road that goes to the top, but conditions, time of year, and traffic can affect if this road is open. This trail does get busy around sunset, so going earlier in the afternoon is usually a better experience.
Dinner: Back in Town
Wrap up day one with dinner back in downtown Highlands. There are plenty of solid options depending on what you’re in the mood for. The Stubborn Bull is an amazing choice if you want something casual, while Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar is great if you’re looking for something a little more elevated.
Weekends can get busy, especially during fall and summer, so reservations are a good idea. After dinner, you can walk around town for a bit, grab dessert, or call it a night if you’re planning to get an early start the next day.
Looking for a place to stay? I absolutely love the Trailborn Highlands by Marriott! It’s very cute and aesthetically pleasing, plus they have a Nordic Spa if you’re needing a full reset.
Day 2: Scenic Drives and Easy Trails
Morning: Gentle Start with Views
Whiteside Mountain Overlook Drive or Hike
Whiteside Mountain has a few roadside overlooks that are easy to stop at while driving through the area. These pull-offs are right along the road, so you can park, step out, and take in the views without turning it into a hike. It’s a good option if you want to see more of the scenery without adding extra miles or time to your day.
This works especially well in the morning or as a quick stop between waterfalls. Parking is limited at some pull-offs, so if one is full, it’s usually worth continuing down the road to the next. Or, if you are feeling like starting your day with getting your steps in, you can hike Whiteside Mountain.
It’s a 2-mile loop with about 500 feet of elevation gain, and I’d rate it moderate mostly because of that steady incline at the beginning. It’s not super long, so just take your time. The views at the top are absolutely beautiful, and getting to see them early in the morning, when everything is still quiet and calm is even more special.
I always recommend pulling it up on AllTrails so you can follow the loop whichever direction feels right for you. If you want to get to the overlook quicker, start in the opposite direction — you’ll hit the views first and finish with the gradual descent.
Highlands Biological Station Trail
- Located in town
- ~0.5 miles
- Easy and mostly flat
- On-site parking
The Highlands Biological Station trail is a good option if you want something easy and close to town. The paths are short, mostly flat, and well maintained, which makes this a simple stop if you’re traveling with family or just want a slower pace.
This trail works especially well after rain when other hikes might be muddy, and it’s an easy add-on between meals or before heading out for a scenic drive. Since it’s right in town, it’s a low-effort activity in Highlands NC that still lets you spend time outside without a full hike.
Lunch: Several Great Options
For lunch, it really just depends on what you’re in the mood for.
If you want something filling after a morning outside, Highlands Smokehouse is a solid BBQ spot. It’s casual, easy, and hits the spot after hiking. And right next door is Highlands Wine Shoppe, which is a fun stop if you want to do a quick tasting and slow things down for a bit.
If Mexican food sounds better, Los Vaqueros is another good choice. It’s relaxed and the food is consistently good.
And if you’re not super hungry, you can always grab something light from a café or bakery downtown. Sometimes a sandwich and a coffee is all you need before heading out for the afternoon.
Afternoon Options: Choose Your Own Pace
Gorges State Park (Optional)
- About 20 minutes from Highlands
- Beginner-friendly loop options
- Easy to moderate
If you want to add one more outdoor stop, Gorges State Park is about a 20-minute drive from Highlands. There are a few shorter trail options here, so you don’t have to commit to a long hike to enjoy it. You can pick a manageable loop, take your time, and still get forest views and overlooks.
You don’t need to spend half the day here to make it worthwhile. Even an hour gives you a good feel for the area before heading back into town.
Scenic Drive Toward Cashiers
If you’d rather stay in the car for a bit, the drive from Highlands toward Cashiers is an easy way to see more of the area. It’s one of the simpler things to do in Highlands NC if you don’t want another hike. The road is scenic, with a few pull-offs along the way and occasional waterfall views right from the roadside.
It’s a good option for the afternoon, especially if you’re ready to slow the pace down and just enjoy the drive before heading back into town.
If You Have Time for Dinner
If you’re staying another night or have time before heading home, try to get a reservation at Highlands Supper Club.
It was one of our top dining experiences in Georgia for sure, if not ever, so yeah it’s a must! The food is really good, and it feels like a proper dinner to end the weekend. Reservations are important here, especially on weekends. If you can get in, it’s easily one of the best dinner options in Highlands.
When to Visit Highlands NC
Highlands is a good destination year-round, but each season offers something a little different. Spring is one of the best times to visit if you want to see waterfalls at their fullest. Recent rain combined with mild temperatures makes it ideal for short hikes and exploring the outdoors.
Summer brings warmer temperatures, but shaded trails are usually more comfortable. Mornings are great for hiking, and evenings are perfect for walking around downtown or enjoying patio dining. It’s a busy season, but still very manageable if you plan your day well.
Fall is especially popular because of the foliage. The mountains around Highlands turn beautiful shades of orange and red, but weekends can be crowded. If you’re visiting during peak leaf season, plan hikes earlier in the day and make dinner reservations ahead of time.
Winter is quieter and slower. Trail conditions can vary depending on weather, especially near waterfalls or overlooks, so it’s smart to check conditions before heading out. This is a good time to focus more on scenic drives, easy walks, and enjoying the local restaurants.
A Few Helpful Tips for Your Weekend
Comfortable shoes are important, especially if you’re planning to visit waterfalls or do a few short hikes. Even easier trails can have uneven ground or stairs.
Bring layers. Mountain weather can change quickly, and it’s common for mornings and evenings to feel cooler than the middle of the day.
If you need recommendations for shoes or layers, I’ve got you covered! Check out my What To Pack Blog here!
Starting outdoor activities earlier in the day usually helps with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures. This makes a big difference, especially during summer and fall.
Most importantly, keep your plans flexible. There are plenty of things to do in Highlands NC, but the weekend feels better when you leave room to slow down instead of trying to fit everything in.