Big Billy Cabin

Sunset Rock

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the town from the top of Sunset Rock!

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the town from the top of Sunset Rock! A short 1/2-hour walk leads to a natural cliff side amphitheater where slabs of granite provide front row seats. Beautiful sunsets can be seen over Highlands and Brushy Face Mountain to the west and the vista of Horse Cove to the east (Sunrise Rock). To locate the trail, go east for 0.5 miles to the Highlands Nature Center on the left. Park here and follow the sign indicating a gravel road to Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park. Although the trail is marked “Hiking Trail Only” it is a private drive so do not park as to block it. The road ends with Sunset Rock to the right. Do not drive.

Yellow Mountain

This is a long hike with a fair amount of climbing and features a historic fire tower at elevation of 5,127 feet.

This is a long hike with a fair amount of climbing
and features a historic fire tower at elevation of
5,127 feet. Allow a full day to complete this trail.
The destination of this hike is spectacular
panoramic views seen from the top. Directions Take US 64 East, turn right onto Buck Creek Road for 2.3 miles. The trail will be on the right. Look for the steps at the trail head

Whiteside Mountain

Great for all ages, this hike is located midway between Cashiers and Highlands

Great for all ages, this hike is located midway between Cashiers and Highlands, NC on US 64. It features panoramic views and one of America’s landmarks along the Eastern Continental Divide. Directions Just west of the Jackson/Macon County Line, turn on right to Whiteside Mountain Road (SR 1690). Go one mile to the well-marked trail head and parking area on left.

Rainbow Falls

This 150-foot waterfall is impressive!

This 150-foot waterfall is impressive! Viewers have
the ability to experience the falls from the front,
bottom, side and top! Rainbow Falls is just one of four waterfalls on a two-mile stretch of the river. Directions Make a left out from Flat Mnt Road onto HWY US 64 East, drive 11.3 miles then take a right onto NC-281/ Lower Whitewater Road. Turn left onto Gorges Maintenance Road. Follow NC 281 South for 1 mile to the Grassy Ridge access entrance to Gorges State Park. Enter the park and drive 1.6 miles to the parking area at the bottom of the Loop Road.

Bartram Trail

This segment of the Bartram Trail is strenuous due to an elevation gain of 1100 ft. in just 2 miles.

This segment of the Bartram Trail is strenuous due to an elevation gain of 1100 ft. in just 2 miles. The views of Blue Valley to the South and of Tessentee Valley to the North make this trek well worth it. You’ll also pass a small waterfall at 0.8 miles into the hike on your way to an old logging road. Turn right and follow this rocky road for approx. 0.6 miles to the short spur trail on the left which goes to the top of Scaly Mountain (4804 ft). On top of Scaly there are three separate overlooks with views of Tessentee Valley, Blue Valley and surrounding mountains. The trail ends at the third overlook. This short but strenuous hike is for experienced hikers due to the elevation change. If children are in good physical shape, it would be a great workout and reward for them. Appropriate shoes and clothing for this climb are recommended. From the intersection of US 64 and Hwy 106 in Highlands, take Hwy 106 Southwest toward Dillard, GA for 5.5 miles to a paved overlook area and trail head to your left. Signage for “Hikers” just before you reach the trail head and sign reading “Nantahala National Forest Vista, Osage Mountain” at the trail head. You’ll park on the same side as the overlook, but access the northbound Bartram Trail to Scaly Mountain on the right side of Hwy 106, via a set of stairs and a small brown sign with yellow lettering reading “Bartram Trail” and an even smaller U.S. Forest Service sign reading “Bartram Trail to Hickory.”

Chattooga River Trail

This is a beautiful, scenic trail following the Chattooga River upstream from the Iron Bridge at Bullpen Road to Whiteside Church on Whiteside Cove Road.

This is a beautiful, scenic trail following the Chattooga River upstream from the Iron Bridge at Bullpen Road to Whiteside Church on Whiteside Cove Road. (This hike, as stated, is a one-way hike that starts and ends at different locations, so transportation arrangements must be made unless a round-trip hike is done.) The trail can be steep at points but is not particularly difficult. Turn right towards Highlands on HWY 64 west proceed east (left) on Main Street, which becomes Horse Cove Road, for 4.5 miles to intersection with Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove Roads. Turn right on Bull Pen Road and proceed 3.1 miles to the Iron Bridge. Trail head is on the left just before the bridge.

Chattooga Loop Trail

The Chattooga River Loop Trail is a great hike for the entire family.

The Chattooga River Loop Trail is a great hike for the entire family. It is moderate in difficulty with a few inclines and obstacles to deal with (fallen trees over trail, wet spots, rocky/root exposure). You’ll start at what locals call the “Iron Bridge,” where you’ll park. The trail head for the “Loop” starts on the left side of the bridge and runs along the river for just under one mile. You can stop along the shores of the river for a picnic, swim, or to try your luck at fishing.
Head to Highlands on HWY 64 west, proceed east on Main Street, which becomes Horse Cove Road, for 4.5 miles to the intersection with Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove Roads. Turn right onto Bull Pen Road (#1178) and proceed for 3.1 miles
to the Iron Bridge. The trail head is on the left just before the bridge.

Cliffside Lake Recreational Area

Eight hiking trails, a six-acre lake, and two spectacular waterfalls make Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Van Hook Campground a mecca for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Eight hiking trails, a six-acre lake, and two spectacular waterfalls make Cliffside Lake
Recreation Area and Van Hook Campground
a mecca for those who enjoy the outdoors. Approximately 4 miles from the heart of Highlands in Nantahala National Forest, directly across the street from the beautiful Cullasaja River. Up the hill from the campground is Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, a tucked-away haven of tranquility, where you can swim, fish, hike, and picnic. There is a $4 per day parking fee per vehicle.

Cliffside Loop

This 0.75 mile trail encircles the lake

This 0.75 mile trail encircles the lake, passes through the camp ground, and crosses over the dam and beach area.

Cliffside Vista Nature Trail

This trail travels one mile through a hardwood forest and climbs to a ridge top with a gazebo.

This trail travels one mile through a hardwood forest and climbs
to a ridge top with a gazebo. Signs give trail descriptions along the way. The trail becomes more difficult as it continues along the ridge.

Clifftop Vista Trail

This 1.5 mile trail follows the same path as the Homesite Road Trail.

This 1.5 mile trail follows the same path as the Homesite Road Trail: This
easy 1.5 mile trail starts near Cliffside Lake Dam, follows Skitty Creek, and connects with a road that meets US 64 halfway between Dry and Bridal Veil Falls.

Pott’s Memorial Trail

This trail travels to a white pine plantation.

This easy 0.5 mile trail travels to a white pine plantation

Ranger Falls Trail

This moderately difficult 1.3 mile trail up the ridge leads to Ranger Falls, a 25-30 ft set of falls on Skitty Creek.

This moderately difficult 1.3 mile trail up the ridge leads to Ranger Falls, a 25-30 ft set of falls on Skitty Creek. Access the trail from the right of the Clifftop Vista trail head. After
0.3 mile, at a fork in the trail, take the left fork (downhill) to the falls. In approx. 0.6 mile the trail splits again. Stay to the right and do not cross the creek via the left trail. In approx. 0 .2 mile you will arrive at Ranger Falls. Continue up past the Falls
to a four-way intersection. Turn right and continue for 0.1 mile to a road. Turn right onto the road for approx. 0 .25 mile into a clearing where the trail departs the road to the left; take this trail through the clearing. Continue past the first fork in the trail that led to the Falls Head back downhill to the parking area at Cliffside Lake.

Skitty Greek Trail

This 0.5 mile trail runs between Cliffside Lake Road and US 64.

This 0.5 mile trail runs between Cliffside Lake Road and US 64. The trail leads to Dry Falls. To get to the falls from the trail‘s end, take a short walk along US 64. Watch out for cars along this easy trail.

Van Hook Trail

This 0.5 mile trail is located between Van Hook Glade and Cliffside Lake.

This 0.5 mile trail is located between Van Hook Glade and Cliffside Lake. An additional 0.5 mile walk is next to a road that leads to Cliffside Lake.

Ellicott's Rock Wilderness Area

Encompassing 9,012 acres, the steep terrain of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area offers numerous mountains and waterfalls to explore.

Encompassing 9,012 acres, the steep terrain of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area offers numerous mountains and waterfalls to explore. Two trails to Ellicott’s Rock are described below.

Bad Greek Trail

This is a well-laid and marked 3-mile trail connecting the Chattooga River Trail to Bull Pen Road.

This is a well-laid and marked 3-mile trail connecting the Chattooga River Trail to Bull Pen Road. The trail starts on an old logging road. It then descends through a series of switchbacks to the river. Once at the river, take the Chattooga River Trail left for a short distance to Ellicott’s Rock.

Ellicott’s Rock Trail

This trail follows an old roadbed through a rich pine forest.

This trail follows an old roadbed through a rich pine forest. At 2.0 miles there is an intersection of two trails;continue straight. At 2.7 miles there
is another junction; bear left and descend to the river. To reach Ellicott’s Rock you must ford the river. Water depth will vary. During the summer wading should not be difficult. After fording, take the Chattooga River Trail to the right for a short distance to Ellicott’s Rock.
Turn right from Flat Mnt. Rd towards Highlands, left on Main Street until the road becomes Horse Cove Road, for 4.5 miles to intersection of Bull Pen Road. Turn right on Bull Pen Road. Bad Creek trail begins on right, 3 miles east of bridge. Ellicott’s Rock Trail
trail head is 1.8 miles down Bull Pen Road. Both drop steeply down from opposite sides of the river near Ellicott’s Rock.

Glades Road Caves

This is a nice 3.5 mile, moderate loop hike through the forest.

This is a nice 3.5 mile, moderate loop hike through the forest that follows an old roadbed that was used for boot-legging long ago with multiple cavernous exploration opportunities. The Cherokee Indians used these caves. As you’re hiking along you will notice side trails/old roadbeds. Stay to your right and on the obvious trail. A mixed terrain can be expected. A small spring flows through portions of the trail once you get closer to the caves, but again, nothing too serious to navigate. Approximately 17-20 minutes into your hike you will come upon another small brown trail sign that says “loop” on it. Keep to your right here, you are approx. Eight minutes from the caves on your left and uphill. The first “cave” you come to is small but very interesting to explore. Scoot underneath the overhang to get some pretty cool views of how the rocks have slid into place over the years. Take Horse Cove Road for 4.5 curvy miles down into the cove until you come to a fork in the road. Turn right at fork on Bull Pen Road. Go 1 mile and take Glades Road on the right. In 0.3 miles look for large, grassy parking area on the left. Trail head is approximately 50 ft. to the right of the parking area.

Glen Falls and Trail

Glen Falls is a series of three beautiful cascades.

Glen Falls is a series of three beautiful cascades. The trail descends some 700 feet and starts at the top of the falls. You can return after seeing the first or second waterfall and still have an enjoyable walk. Or go all the way to the third waterfall!
From the intersection of US 64 and Hwy 106 in Highlands, NC take Hwy 106 South for 2 miles. Turn left at sign for Glen Falls, then immediately right onto gravel road. Take the road one mile to the parking area. The Glen Falls trail continues in the same direction of the road. (The trail to the right goes to Chinquapin Mountain, a 3.2 mile (round trip) moderate hike).

Highlands Biological Center

The Highlands Botanical Gardens and Nature Center at the Biological Station serves as a living museum of labeled native plant species.

The Highlands Botanical Gardens and Nature Center at the Biological Station serves as a living museum of labeled native plant species. Take the Lower Lake and Upper Lake Trails around Lindenwood Lake to connect with Rhododendron Trail or explore the gardens and loop trails throughout the Garden. All trails range from 0.1 to 0.2 miles.

Highlands Plateau Greenway - Multiple Trails

The Greenway contains over five miles of sidewalks and natural trails that are open and free to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Greenway contains over five miles of sidewalks and natural trails that are open and free to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. The trails connect natural areas and historic sites in the town and provide alternate walking and jogging routes to shopping, educational offerings, and civic destinations. Existing and proposed trails incorporate botanical points of interest, historic sites, important birding areas, art, scenic overlooks, and other areas of natural beauty. The Greenway is intended for foot traffic only and its trails are rated as easy, moderate or difficult to indicate health and fitness opportunities for all user levels.

Satulah Mountain Trail

The Satulah Mountain Trail is a short hike along an old roadbed to a peak of 4543 ft. just south of Highlands.

The Satulah Mountain Trail is a short hike along an old roadbed to a peak of 4543 ft. just south of Highlands. There is a 270° view to the south, east, and west. Views of the Piedmont, the Blue Valley, and Rabun Bald are excellent. The trail is a steady climb of about 400 ft. over a distance of about half a mile one way.
Park your vehicle in downtown Highlands. Then walk along Hwy 28 South toward Walhalla for 0.2 miles until the road makes a sharp curve to the right. Go straight ahead at the curve onto Satulah Road. Half a mile up the road the road forks. Continue straight ahead on the left fork to the end of the road, a distance of about 0.4 miles. The trail to Satulah Mountain is the rocky old roadbed to the right. Follow this roadbed an additional half a mile to the clearing at the top of the mountain.

Scaly Mountain

Take this moderate to difficult hike along the Bartram Trail to the top of Scaly Mountain, marked by yellow blazes.

Take this moderate to difficult hike along the Bartram Trail to the top of Scaly mountain, marked by yellow blazes. The summit offers a beautiful view of the Appalachians and Piedmont. From Highlands drive south on NC 106 for 5.7 miles to the Osage Mountain Vista parking area. The trail starts across the road from the overlook. (This trail is not suitable for small children.)

Whiteside Mountain Hike

Enjoy the amazing experience of one of America’s landmarks along the Eastern Continental Divide.

Enjoy the amazing experience of one of America’s landmarks along the Eastern Continental Divide. Whiteside Mountain rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet and is the jewel of the Appalachians. Learn the history and nature of this million-year-old rock as you hike the “moderate” two-mile round-trip trail to the summit. Whiteside Mountain is located midway between Cashiers and Highlands on US 64, on the Jackson/Macon County line known as the “Big View” overlook. Just west of the Jackson/Macon County line, turn onto Whiteside Mountain Road (SR #1690) at the entrance to Wildcat Cliffs Country Club (right turn coming from Highlands). Go one mile to the well-marked parking area on the left. This is a fee area with the National Forest Service. The charge is $2.00 per car. There is a limited restroom facility located in the parking area.

Yellow Mountain/Shortoff Mountain

Yellow Mountain is a long hike with a fair amount of climbing and views in all directions.

Yellow Mountain: 4.8 difficult miles one way
Shortoff Mountain: 1.5 easy miles
A short, easy hike to a view of the Buck Creek area; Shortoff Mountain offers views to the south. Yellow Mountain involves a long hike with a fair amount of climbing, offering views in all directions. Plan for a full day to complete this trail, which traverses three beautiful mountains: Cole, Shortoff, and Yellow. The destination is the spectacular panoramic vista seen from the top of Yellow Mountain.
To find the trailhead for Yellow Mountain, travel 2.3 miles until you see the trail on the right. Look for the steps marking the trailhead. Note that there is no cell service in this area.

Highlands Botanical Garden Trails

Nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by trails and boar walks.

Nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by trails and boardwalks. Several unique demonstration gardens display collections of Native Azaleas, Plants of the Cherokee, Mosses and Liverworts, Wildflowers, Butterfly-pollinated and Rock Outcrop species. Horticulturists offer free, guided tours every Monday from May 23 to September 5 at 10:30 am. Several workshops on gardening are also offered. The Botanical Garden, part of the Highlands Biological Station, is free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Highlands Plateau Greenway - Multiple Trails

The Highlands Plateau Greenway is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop a system of walking and hiking trails that protect and connect the natural settings and historic sites of the Highlands, NC area.

The Highlands Plateau Greenway is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop a system of walking and hiking trails that protect and connect the natural settings and historic sites of the Highlands, NC area. It is intended to be a locally owned and managed trail system for walkers and hikers of existing and planned paths along a continuous, safe, green route, easily identified through signage, maps, and user guides designed to promote the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of the natural and historical environment as well as quality of life on the Highlands plateau.
During the first half of 2015, volunteers contributed 234 hours of their time and effort, turning the Sled Run from Oak Street to Mill Creek into a beautiful and well-constructed entrance to the Greenway trail. They filled the water-laden marshes of the old Sled Run with surge stone and gravel for essential support and transplanted native shrubs, ferns, and mosses to adorn the rock-lined edges of the new trail. A pavilion was moved from Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park to mark the gateway to the trail system on Oak Street, 2nd Street, and North 1st Street.

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