Trailborn Highlands
Spring in Highlands, North Carolina
Spring in North Carolina brings the mountains back to life. In Highlands, cool mornings and blooming trails set the stage for leisurely hikes, scenic drives, and days spent exploring the outdoors. Chase waterfalls, hike through rhododendron-lined forests, or wander the charming downtown between adventures. As the day winds down, relax with mountain views and an unforgettable dinner in a historic log cabin.
Top Things to Do During Spring
Spring Experiences
Lean into the season with experiences made for crisp mornings, creative afternoons, and slow mountain evenings. From rides into town to hands-on workshops and restorative spa sessions, spring at Trailborn Highlands is about embracing the reawakening of nature.
Fly Fishing
Cast into one of the region’s most scenic pastimes with fly fishing on nearby rivers and streams with one of our partnered local guides.
Blue Ridge Cyanotype
Enjoy a hands-on cyanotype workshop where leaves, light, and time create a print you'll enjoy for years to come.
Outdoor Nordic Spa
Rejuvenate with a heat contrast therapy that eases stress and soothes inflammation. Unwind after in our private fire pit lounge area.
Offers & Packages
From spring escapes complete with your choice of special perks to joyful celebrations such as baby moons, our seasonal offers are designed for every kind of stay. Families can enjoy indoor camping, a stuffed bear, and s’mores by the fire.
Chasing Waterfalls
A Highlands
Waterfall Guide
Waterfalls near Highlands flow year round, but in spring, peak water flow and lush, vibrant greenery make it the most popular time to explore. The Highlands area is especially rich in cascades, with at least a dozen waterfalls located within about a 30 minute drive of town.
Waterfalls near Highlands flow year round, but in spring, peak water flow and lush, vibrant greenery make it the most popular time to explore. The Highlands area is especially rich in cascades, with at least a dozen waterfalls located within about a 30 minute drive of town.
Waterfalls near Highlands flow year round, but in spring, peak water flow and lush, vibrant greenery make it the most popular time to explore. The Highlands area is especially rich in cascades, with at least a dozen waterfalls located within about a 30 minute drive of town.
Local Happenings
Bear Shadow Festival
May 29-31
Three days of live music, outdoor adventures, and community spirit. Headlining acts include: Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty, Marc Broussard, Kashus Culpepper, Margo Price and more.
May 29-31
Three days of live music, outdoor adventures, and community spirit. Headlining acts include: Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty, Marc Broussard, Kashus Culpepper, Margo Price and more.
3 Rivers Fly Fishing Festival
April 30 - May 2
A fun for the whole family kind of fly fishing competition, casting lines in 3 rivers over 3 days. The weekend includes lunches, opening reception, and a closing banquet with dinner and prizes.
April 30 - May 2
A fun for the whole family kind of fly fishing competition, casting lines in 3 rivers over 3 days. The weekend includes lunches, opening reception, and a closing banquet with dinner and prizes.
Heritage Apple Day Festival
April 18
Gather your family and friends for a hands-on celebration of the apples enjoyed by early settlers, featuring fun and engaging activities for all ages!
April 18
Gather your family and friends for a hands-on celebration of the apples enjoyed by early settlers, featuring fun and engaging activities for all ages!
Highlands Restaurant Week
April 6-12
From fine dining to cozy favorites, restaurants across the Plateau will be serving special menus, new dishes, and multi-course experiences all week long.
April 6-12
From fine dining to cozy favorites, restaurants across the Plateau will be serving special menus, new dishes, and multi-course experiences all week long.
High Style Event
May 16
celebration of art, cuisine, fashion and music. Visitors will enjoy dynamic mixture of interactive art demonstrations, culinary experiences, fashion, music and more.
May 16
celebration of art, cuisine, fashion and music. Visitors will enjoy dynamic mixture of interactive art demonstrations, culinary experiences, fashion, music and more.
Saturdays on Pine
Saturdays (starts May 16)
This live music series features a variety of popular regional bands and musicians and is located at musical havens like the Ugly Dog Pub and The Highlander Mountain House.
Saturdays (starts May 16)
This live music series features a variety of popular regional bands and musicians and is located at musical havens like the Ugly Dog Pub and The Highlander Mountain House.
Friday Night Live
Fridays (starts May 15)
A concert series hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce which showcases traditional mountain music and local talent.
Fridays (starts May 15)
A concert series hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce which showcases traditional mountain music and local talent.
FAQs About Spring in North Carolina
Spring in North Carolina typically runs from March through May, with warmer days, blooming wildflowers, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Spring break in North Carolina typically falls between mid-March and mid-April, making it an ideal time to visit the mountains around Highlands as trails bloom and temperatures stay mild.
Yes, spring break is one of the best times to visit Highlands, with fewer crowds than summer, blooming landscapes, and ideal weather for hiking, waterfalls, and outdoor dining.
Popular spring break ideas in North Carolina include hiking to waterfalls, exploring mountain towns like Highlands, scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoying outdoor dining and local events.
