Recreation Articles
Whether you want to tackle a mountain or sit by a stream, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here. This is a premier golf destination, but there’s so much more available. There are streams to fish, public pools and tennis courts to enjoy and playgrounds,
too. Winter sports include ice skating, skiing, tubing and hiking. Search to find your next great adventure.

Hiking with Dogs in Winter
Winter hiking with your pet brings a host of pitfalls and possibilities.

Land Trust’s Winter Book Suggestions
A tall stack of books is the perfect passport to the mysteries and majesty and those sudden bursts of transcendence found on the Plateau.

Rebecoming Mirror Lake
Highlands’ Mirror Lake is undergoing a restoration to its former, pristine glory.
Recreation Listings
Ammons Branch
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Ammons Branch
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Ammons Branch Primitive Camping Area is a little-used gem that’s so far off the Beaten Path that it may not be accessible by car after heavy rains. The only water […]
Blue Valley Campground
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Blue Valley Campground
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Blue Valley Primitive Camping Area offers secluded outdoor life in one of the most scenic locations in Western North Carolina. Since there’s no developed water supply, plan to bring your […]
Blue Valley Overlook
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Blue Valley Overlook
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Head out to the Blue Valley Overlook, just 3.5 miles from downtown Highlands on NC 106. Blue Valley gets its name from the natural haze that shades the valley and […]
Bridal Veil Falls
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Bridal Veil Falls
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Directions: From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910 About: You can stroll behind the gentle cascade, easily the most photographed waterfall […]
Bust Your Butt Falls
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Bust Your Butt Falls
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Directions: From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573 About: This is a rushing terrace of falls […]
Carpe Diem Farms
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Carpe Diem Farms
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Carpe Diem Farms is a place to discover, or perhaps rediscover, the still small voice within, that voice of inner knowing that so easily goes unheard in the din of […]
Cashiers Sliding Rock
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Cashiers Sliding Rock
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Directions: Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside […]
Chattooga Narrows Trail
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Chattooga Narrows Trail
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The moderate Chattooga Narrows Trail offers a three-mile workout surrounded by nature’s beauty. From Cashiers, take NC 107 South for 1.7 miles to Whiteside Cove Road. Turn right and proceed […]
Chinquapin Mountain Trail
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Chinquapin Mountain Trail
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The 3.2 mile Chinquapin Mountain Trail starts at the Glen Falls parking area. Take the trail on the right and cross the East Fork on a large log bridge. The […]
Cliffside Lake Recreational Area
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Cliffside Lake Recreational Area
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Located in the Nantahala National Forest just a short distance from Highlands off of 106, Cliffside is perfect for a day or afternoon trip. With camping offered close by at […]
Cliffside Vista Trail
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Cliffside Vista Trail
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Cliffside Lake Recreation Area boasts numerous hiking opportunities, including an interpretive loop trail describing shrubs and trees along the Cliffside Vista Trail. The half-mile loop around the lake offers hikers […]