While you could easily spend your entire vacation exploring Highlands, we encourage you to get out and discover everything the Blue Ridge Mountains has to offer. Plan a North Carolina day trip from your Highlands vacation rental and explore the charming mountain towns and state parks nearby. Whether you are interested in the outdoors, history, or art, there is something for every interest just a day trip away:
Gorges State Park
Gorges State Park is a 40-minute drive from Highlands, offering abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. This state park is located in the Blue Ridge Escarpment and covers over 8,000 acres of the state’s temperate rainforest. Spend a day hiking, biking, horseback riding, or fishing at the park!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited National Park, just an hour and a half from Highlands! This iconic National Park is world-renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the history of Southern Appalachia mountain culture. Plan your visit and enjoy endless outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife watching, horseback riding, and exploring historic buildings.
Brevard
Brevard is approximately 30 miles from Highlands and is a great destination for visitors looking to chase some waterfalls on vacation. There are over 250 waterfalls across the county, including Looking Glass Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Sliding Rock. Brevard also offers access to Dupont State Recreational Forest, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, waterfall hunting, horseback riding, and fishing.
Asheville
Asheville is the largest city in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 75 miles from Highlands. Whether you are interested in unique architecture, history, the great outdoors, art, or the food scene, there is something for everyone. Discover the top attractions in Asheville to put on your itinerary:
- Biltmore
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Western North Carolina Nature Center
- Pisgah National Forest
- Asheville Pinball Museum
Book Your North Carolina Mountain Getaway in Highlands
Discover even more North Carolina day trips from Highlands on our Local Area Guide. Browse our collection of Highlands vacation rentals and find the perfect property for your mountain retreat. Whether you want to stay close to town or in a pet-friendly property where your dog can tag along, we have something for everyone. Browse our specials and book your Highlands getaway today!
