Things to do in Highlands, NC: waterfalls, trails, downtown, and mountain time.

Use Fallen Leaf Lodge as a comfortable home base for the Highlands experiences people come back for: waterfalls, forest trails, scenic views, restaurants, shops, galleries, and relaxed mountain evenings.

Start with the Highlands classics

Waterfalls, trails, downtown, and mountain days.

Highlands makes it easy to build a trip around a mix of outdoor time and a walkable mountain town. A good first visit usually combines one or two waterfall stops, a hike or scenic overlook, time downtown for dining and shopping, and enough unplanned time to enjoy the slower pace of the plateau.

Dry Falls

A signature Highlands-area waterfall and one of the best-known stops for visitors. Conditions can change, so check current access before heading out.

Glen Falls

A forest hike with multiple waterfall viewpoints. Allow time for the climb back and plan footwear for trail conditions.

Downtown Highlands

Restaurants, boutiques, galleries, treats, and seasonal events make downtown a natural half-day or evening plan.

Sunset Rock

A popular short outing near town for a mountain view. Check local guidance for parking and trail conditions.

Whiteside Mountain area

A classic plateau hiking destination for visitors who want a more substantial mountain outing.

Highlands Aerial Park

Zip lines and treetop activities add an adventure option for groups looking for something beyond hiking and waterfalls.

A simple three-day Highlands plan

Day one: settle in at Fallen Leaf Lodge, spend the afternoon downtown, have dinner in Highlands, then return for the hot tub or game room.

Day two: make it an outdoor day with a waterfall stop and a hike. Keep the evening easy with dinner at the house, a grill night, or another trip into town.

Day three: choose a slower morning, explore shops and galleries, take a scenic drive, or head toward Cashiers before returning to the lodge.

Outdoor deck at Fallen Leaf Lodge near Highlands NC

Private covered hot tub at Fallen Leaf Lodge

Check current conditions before you go

Mountain weather, trail access, road conditions, seasonal hours, and event schedules can change. Use current official sources when planning each day.

Visit Highlands things to do Official destination guide → Highlands events calendar Current events → Highlands restaurants Dining directory → Highlands weather National Weather Service →

Build in some downtime

You do not have to fill every hour.

Part of a Highlands trip is having time to slow down. Leave room between hikes, meals, and waterfall stops for coffee on the porch, an afternoon in the hot tub, a pool-table tournament, or a relaxed dinner at the house. That balance is especially useful when a group includes different ages, activity levels, or interests.

Travel tip: Highlands weather can change quickly. A flexible itinerary — one primary activity plus a backup indoor or downtown option — usually works better than a tightly packed schedule.

More Highlands planning

Keep planning your stay.

Vacation rental for families & groups →See why the 4-bedroom layout works well for shared trips. Things to do in Highlands →Waterfalls, hiking, downtown, dining, and easy trip ideas. Extended stays in Highlands →Two kitchens, workspace options, and room to settle in for 21+ nights.

Fallen Leaf Lodge

Ready to see available dates in Highlands?

Check the live calendar, current rates, and complete booking details for Fallen Leaf Lodge through the official reservation page.

Check availability & book →