Trailborn Highlands Blog
A Mountain Weekend Getaway from Nashville to Highlands, NC
When it comes to weekend getaways from Nashville, most travelers head toward the Smokies, Chattanooga, or North Georgia. But venture a little farther east, and you’ll discover one of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ best-kept secrets.
Highlands, North Carolina combines scenic mountain drives, spectacular waterfalls, charming downtown streets, and unforgettable outdoor adventures into one destination that feels a world away from city life. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a long weekend with friends, or simply looking for road trips from Nashville that reward every mile, Highlands offers a slower pace without sacrificing things to do.
Trailborn Highlands makes the perfect basecamp for exploring the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, with curated outdoor experiences, mountain dining, an Outdoor Nordic Spa, and thoughtful amenities that turn a weekend away into something memorable.
Why Highlands Is Worth the Drive from Nashville
Some weekend destinations are about convenience. Others are about discovering somewhere that feels genuinely different.
Highlands falls firmly into the second category.
The drive from Nashville takes you from rolling Tennessee countryside into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where winding roads, waterfalls, dense forests, and mountain towns replace busy highways and city skylines.
For travelers looking beyond the usual Tennessee escapes, Highlands delivers dramatic scenery, a cooler mountain climate, and an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and explore.
The Road Trip Is Part of the Experience
The journey to Highlands is one of the reasons so many visitors return.
Rather than rushing from point A to point B, the drive naturally becomes part of the adventure. The drive from Nashville to Highlands typically takes around six hours via I-24 East, I-75 South, and US-64, making it an ideal route for a Friday morning departure and a relaxed arrival in time for dinner.
As you leave the interstate behind, the final stretch winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, with scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and charming mountain towns setting the tone for the weekend ahead.
Many guests choose to arrive on Friday afternoon, spend two full days exploring the Highlands area, and return home on Sunday evening feeling like they’ve been away much longer than a single weekend.
Begin Your Weekend at Trailborn Highlands
A mountain getaway should feel immersive from the moment you arrive.
Trailborn Highlands combines comfortable accommodations with curated experiences that help guests experience more of the surrounding landscape.
Outdoor Nordic Spa
After a day on the road or out exploring the mountains, unwind in the Outdoor Nordic Spa.
The wood-fired sauna, seasonal cold spritz, and private firepit provide the perfect way to relax before dinner or after a day on the trails.
Guided Mountain Experiences
Trailborn Highlands offers experiences that help guests discover the region beyond the guidebooks.
Popular activities include:
- Forest Bathing on the Plateau
- Guided Fly Fishing Experiences
- Hike to Glen Falls
- Hike to Satulah Mountain
- Hike to Sunset Rock
These experiences allow visitors to spend more time enjoying the mountains and less time planning logistics.
Relax at Your Own Pace
Cruiser bikes, pet-friendly accommodations, family activities, outdoor gathering spaces, and thoughtfully designed communal areas make it easy to enjoy downtime between adventures.
Discover the Waterfalls of Highlands
One of Highlands’ biggest draws is the incredible collection of waterfalls located within minutes of town.
Dry Falls
Walk behind dry falls, one of North Carolina’s most famous waterfalls on a paved trail that makes this stop accessible for nearly every visitor.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls remains one of the few waterfalls where visitors can drive beneath the cascading water, making it a favorite stop along scenic mountain routes.
Glen Falls
A rewarding forest hike leads to Glen Falls, a series of beautiful waterfalls surrounded by towering hardwoods and native mountain vegetation.
Whether you’re photographing waterfalls or simply escaping the summer heat, the Highlands area offers plenty of opportunities to experience them up close.
Explore the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau
The surrounding Highlands-Cashiers Plateau offers enough adventure to fill an entire weekend.
Spend one day hiking Whiteside Mountain or Satulah Mountain before exploring Lake Glenville by kayak or paddleboard. Wander through downtown Highlands, browse local boutiques and galleries, or take a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains stopping at overlooks and hidden waterfalls along the way.
No two weekends here need to look the same.
Dine at Highlands Supper Club
Every great mountain weekend deserves a memorable meal.
Located at Trailborn Highlands, Highlands Supper Club occupies a beautifully restored historic log cabin originally built by local legend Joe Webb.
Inside, multiple fireplaces create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, while seasonal outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy cool mountain evenings surrounded by nature.
The menu celebrates Southern comfort food with contemporary twists, making it the perfect place to end a day of exploring.
Highlands Supper Club is open Sunday through Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm and Thursday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm.
Where to Stay Near Highlands, NC
The best weekend trips are about more than just the destination, they’re about having somewhere you’ll actually look forward to returning to after each day.
Trailborn Highlands offers easy access to waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, Lake Glenville, and downtown Highlands while providing everything needed to slow down and enjoy the mountains.
Spend the evening around the Back Patio and Firepit, recover in the Outdoor Nordic Spa, explore curated experiences, or simply relax among the trees before another day of adventure.
For travelers looking for memorable weekend getaways from Nashville, Trailborn Highlands offers the perfect blend of mountain adventure and thoughtful hospitality.
