How to Register
Deep in the Nantahala Forest
& Beyond
Beyond The Mountain and its wonderful views and serenity, there are many nearby attractions, shopping, and outdoor activities available.
Highlands is a high-elevation resort town centered just four miles from The Mountain, offering fine dining, including six restaurants with the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The town also offers a busy performing arts schedule that includes live theatre at the historic Highlands Playhouse and regularly scheduled music events at the Performing Arts Center as well as the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. The Community of Highlands and beyond is quite remarkable and robust. Attracting people of many backgrounds, talents, and lifestyles. Being somewhat isolated and removed upon the elevation of the plateau has helped build a feeling of mutual cooperation and reliance between residences and business of Highlands. Creating relationships of respect and reciprocation that are informed, take pride, and give thanks to the natural surroundings.
Highlands Historical Society and Museum
Highlands Biological Station – including Nature Center and Botanical Gardens
The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and its wonderful exhibitions
HIKING
Highlands Heritage Trail – Self-guided in-town tour of Highlands historical buildings and landmarks. See The Mountain Office for maps.
BIRDING
Highlands Plateau Audubon Society – Elevation and rich flora make Highlands a premier birding hot spot, particularly during spring migrations.
WINE COUNTRY
Just down the mountain in Rabun County find three vineyards with tasting rooms open most days of the week.
​12 Spies Vineyard and Farm– 550 Black Branch Rd, Rabun Gap, GA – (813) 335-2886 (less than 15 miles from The Mountain). A range of wines from sweet to dry – Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Tannat and Traminette – varietals that grow well in the climate and altitude of Rabun Gap, Georgia.
Stonewall Creek Vineyards – 323 Standing Deer Ln, Tiger, GA 30576; (706) 212-0584 (27 miles from The Mountain). First grapes in 2005 – winery opened in August 2012 with rosé and Petit Manseng – first reds released in 2013, aged in French oak, Cabernet Franc and Malbec blend.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards – 2592 Old 441 S, Tiger, GA 30576; (706) 782-4777 (36 miles from The Mountain) – red and white wines from grapes grown in Rabun County – ten acres of vines, planted in 1995 and 1996 on the Ezzards’ five-generations-old family farm – individually tended and hand-picked – mostly European vinifera – more than 195 awards – vineyard and tasting room open year round.
WATERFALLS
Bridal Veil Falls – The only waterfall in North Carolina that you can drive behind! This picturesque 100 ft. falls cascading over Hwy 64/28 (Franklin Road) is just 7 miles from The Mountain.
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Dry Falls – Walk behind this 75′ tall waterfall or enjoy the view on the wheelchair accessible viewing deck. Just past Bridal Veil Falls on the right (coming from Highlands) with restroom facilities and multiple parking spots. Located on Hwy 64/28 (Franklin Road) just 7.7 miles from The Mountain.
Bust Your Butt Falls – This popular swimming hole and natural slide is just 3 miles past Dry Falls. Located on Hwy 64/28 West (Franklin Road), 10.5 miles from The Mountain, on the Cullasaja River – parking on the left and right (use caution).
Cullasaja Falls – A 250 ft. cascade on Hwy. 64/28 (Franklin Road), 13 miles from The Mountain – one of the most photographed falls in NC.
Glen Falls – Just 4 miles by road from The Mountain. Drive north from The Mountain 2.9 miles toward Highlands on the Dillard Road. Turn right on Forest Service Road 1618, and drive 1 mile to a parking lot. From there a steep trail leads down to the falls. A series of three large waterfalls each dropping 50 feet on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the Blue Valley area. The foot trail down to the falls is steep.
Whitewater Falls – 411 ft. falls – 28 miles from The Mountain, on 107 S beyond Cashiers – sign and road to falls on left.
OVERLOOKS
Blue Valley Overlook – One mile SW of The Mountain on Hwy 106 S (Dillard Road). On a clear night you can see lights from Seneca, SC.
Osage Overlook – Hwy 106 South (Dillard Road) across from Bartram Trail entrance – great views of Scaly and Osage Mountains.
Whiteside/Cowee Gap Overlook – Just 10.5 miles from The Mountain on 64 E (Cashiers Road). A magnificent view of Whiteside Mountain and its dramatic cliffs.
Sunset Rock – An easy 20-minute hike beginning at the east end of Main Street, across from the Nature Center.
Satulah Overlook – South of Main Street on 285 (Fourth Street) – spectacular view of Satulah Mountain, Hidden Falls, and Blue Valley.
GOLFING
Sky Valley Country Club – Scenic, newly renovated 18-hole course – reasonable fees – off Hwy 106/Dillard Road between Highlands and Dillard, GA – 15 minutes from The Mountain. For tee times call: (706) 746 5303.
​High Hampton – An 18-hole George Cobb course at the historic High Hampton Inn. Turn right at traffic light in Cashiers onto 107 South. Look for entrance on left side of the road. For tee times call: (828) 743-2450.
Sapphire Mountain – A Ron Garl semi-private 18-hole course in the Sapphire Valley community – on Hwy 64 east beyond Cashiers. Pro Shop: (828) 743-1174.
WINTER SKIING
Sapphire Valley Ski Area – Sapphire, NC – one of the South’s most active ski resorts – upgraded chair lift and snow making equipment. Amenities include a base lodge, Four Seasons Grille, ski retail shop and ski rental shop.
Cataloochee Ski Area – Maggie Valley, NC – ski rental shop, The Shop (retail – souvenirs and minor equipment) – classes and private lessons – Tube World nearby.
GEM MINING
Gem Mining – Jackson Hole Trading Post – 25 miles from The Mountain. Try your hand at gem mining and keep what you find!
SURVIVAL SCHOOL
- A situational and mental resiliency training non-profit. While primarily focusing on Veterans and First Responders, we also offer corporate, family and small group coaching. Learn how to process, adapt, and prevail during both minor and sever situational abnormalities.
TUBING
- Welcome to Dillsboro River Company. We provide family-friendly whitewater rafting on the Tuckasegee River, just outside of Dillsboro, Sylva, and Bryson City, North Carolina. The Tuckasegee is the ideal river for first-time rafters, families with young children
JJ Tubes - JJ's Tubes has tubes in all sizes and types. In addition to helping you select the appropriate tube for you and your family, JJ's friendly staff will tie your tubes down on your vehicle and answer any questions you may have about tubing on Deep Creek.
Cool River - Cool off, relax, and enjoy a leisurely float. Our season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Choose between our 1 hour or 2 hour trip.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Arrowmont Stables – 276 Arrowmont Trail, Cullowhee, NC 28723 – 21 miles north of The Mountain – ring and trail riding –
(828) 743-2762 or (800) 682-1092
Dillard House Stables – 1153 Franklin St, Dillard, GA 30537 – 13 miles southwest of The Mountain – guided horseback riding for the whole family – (706) 746-2038
MOUNTAIN BIKING
ZIPLINE TOURS
Highlands Aerial Park - Canopy tours, challenge courses for all ages, giant swings, tree climbing, and team building, theres something for all. We’re just 9 miles from Highlands and 5 Miles off hwy 441. Our entrance is on the main Dillard Road, but you’ll quickly escape into the forest and feel worlds away.
LOCAL BREWERY
Satulah Mountain Brewing - Situated in the heart of Highlands, North Carolina, Satulah Mountain Brewing Co. produces premium craft beer inspired by the wild places that surround us.
RAFTING
- Chattooga River White Water Rafting; there’s nothing like it. Your destination, the river called the Crown Jewel of the Southeast, is undammed and remains the only river East of the Mississippi that hosts commercial rafting while bearing the national designation of a Wild and Scenic River.
Smokey Mountain River Adventures -Visitors and locals alike love to spend a gorgeous summer day playing, paddling, floating and splashing on the friendly Tuckaseegee River. Perfect for first timers, groups and families thanks to gentle rapids (Class 1 and 2) and easy river access.
Nantahala Outdoor Center - Join NOC on a wide range of outdoor adventures for any ability level, explore new outdoor skills with our renowned Paddling and SOLO Southeast training schools, access the best in adventure gear at three retail stores, or visit our world-famous Nantahala location — offering adventure, retail, riverside dining, events, and lodging options for your next adventure.
Wild Waters - Plan your fantastic white water rafting trip in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Four completely different rivers and lots of trip options, from ages 4 and up.
HERITAGE CENTERS
LOCAL KENNELS
As The Mountain has a no pet policy, we would refer incoming guest with pets to check in with nearby kennels and boarders for your animals before your stay.
Mountain Dog Spa - Cashiers Dog Destination. Paula's Pet Paradise - Franklin ,NC
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Creekside Kennels - Franklin, NC Shady Oaks Boarding Kennel - Tiger, GA
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Noah's Playground - Franklin, NC
