- Our list of the best things to do in Highlands, North Carolina, features the top 88 nearby activities — including 43 great attractions with user approval ratings of 90% or more!
- Highlands, NC has a variety of great sights and experiences nearby. Top categories include: Museums & Galleries, Outdoor Places, Amusement, and Sights & Landmarks.
- The results below include the top 16 things to do within the city of Highlands, NC , followed by 72 popular activities in nearby cities, including Franklin, Sylva, Walhalla, Clayton, Sapphire, Cashiers, Dillard, Tiger, Long Creek, Salem and Brevard
Showing 41-50 of
444
13.7 Miles
100%
4 votes
26 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734
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The Pantaleo Art Gallery At Main Street Coffee & Tea is an art gallery filled with a large variety of photography. Visitors commonly enjoy visiting the gallery when stopping by the shop for coffee or tea.
13.7 Miles
Operated by the Historical Society of Macon County, the Macon County Historical Museum is a museum filled with exhibits and artifacts displaying the history of the local area. The museum also contains genealogical records and a gift shop.
13.8 Miles
Sitting 5,342 feet above Franklin, North Carolina, the Wayah Bald Lookout Tower offers unrivaled views of the surrounding land. The tower lies along the Appalachian Trail and is easily accessible from other area trails. There are outhouses and picnic tables on the tower's grounds.
13.9 Miles
The 37-mile Bartram Trail originates in Clayton, Georgia. It is a remote trail and not frequently hiked. Consequently, portions of the trail are not neatly maintained nor adequately marked. This trail is best reserved for experienced hikers.
14.9 Miles
Located in the gemstone capital of the United States, the Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine specializes in mining and cutting amethyst, quartz, citrine, emeralds and sapphires. Admission is free, and customers who wish to pan for gems pay a small per-bucket fee.
15.2 Miles
91%
32 votes
500 Oconee Station RD, Walhalla, SC 29691
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Originally both a military outpost and a trading post, Oconee Station State Historic Site is still home to the William Richards House, and a stone blockhouse dating to the late 1700s. Take a guided tour, or hike the site's trails to Station Cove Falls.
15.6 Miles
94%
172 votes
Highway 281 South, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd (Visitor's Center), Sapphire, NC 28774
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Visitors to Gorges State Park can partake in hiking, fishing and camping among waterfalls and river gorges. Considered a temperate rain forest, the park is also home to several rare and endangered plant and animal species.
15.8 Miles
Providing the only public access to Lake Joccassee, Devils Fork State Park is notable for its mountain streams, waterfalls, and trout fishing, its clear water is also ideal for scuba diving. Overnight accommodation is available via campgrounds or fully-furnished villas.
15.8 Miles
Jocassee Lake Tours leads a variety of guided pontoon boat tours of the lake and its waterfalls, including a grilled shore lunch, and the opportunity to swim, hike or snorkel along the way.
16.6 Miles
Featuring local folk art, Main Street Gallery has a collection of paintings, jewelry, and sculptures for visitors to view. The gallery features the work of over 75 local artists in a variety of mediums.