Communities Highlands

Highlands

Welcome To

Historic Highlands N.C., is the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies perched at over 4,000 feet along the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau in the southern most region of the Appalachian Mountains. Since 1875, the natural allure that attracted the original pioneers to the area has not changed and the setting of the ancient forest and mountain waterways remains virtually untouched. Highlands is home to groves of White Oak Trees and Hemlocks that date back 450 years and a microclimate that boast of extremely rare and exotic plants that are only found on the high plateau. The Cherokee’s thought of Highlands as the crown of the Blue Wall, aka, The Blue Ridge Mountains.

A cultural center & creative mecca

Today, Highlands has become a cultural center and a  creative mecca for international and national artist, musicians, actors, authors, photographers, scholars and scientist who come to this area for its natural beauty and its heavenly inspiration. Some say these old mountains hold mystical powers.

Highlands takes mountain shopping to another level with its main street flair of boutiques, restaurants and shops. There’s jewelry, home stores, food stores, an outdoor outfitters and even a world famous Inn. Indulge yourself in luxury at the European-style Old Edwards Inn and Spa with luxury guestrooms, suites, cottages, and vacation homes, premium leisure amenities, farm-fed restaurants, and a world-class spa. Named one of America’s 12 Small Town Arts Places, the Highlands Plateau nurtures a longstanding love of the creative spirit. Artists of every genre-- visual, performing, musical, literary and culinary-- have homes in the Highlands and the surrounding mountains. The result is a profusion of creativity in the lifestyle that can be found in local shops, galleries and theaters, festivals and outdoor concerts. Enjoy a concert, play, musical or dance company at Highlands Performing Arts center where top acts from around the globe perform. And when you want to immerse yourself in nature just step out in any direction. Highlands has access to many hiking trails and is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest offering world-class trout fly fishing and mountain biking. If golf is your game then you’re going to love Highlands. Play round or two at the highly rated and prestigious Highlands Country Club where every tee box, fairway and green will take your breath away. Other course to play include; Highlands Falls Country Club, Cullasaja Club and Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Highlands is technically a rain forest and is known for its waterfalls as it’s positioned on the west side of The Land of Waterfalls showcasing some of Western North Carolinas most famous falls including Bridal Falls, Glenn Falls, Dry Falls and the iconic Cullasaja Falls. Highlands is known for “The Height of Happiness” and there’s certainly plenty to do in Highlands year-round. Come on up and play.