Trailborn Highlands Blog
Exploring Nantahala National Forest: Waterfalls, Hiking & Scenic Adventures
There’s a moment on the road into Highlands when the mountains seem to close in, the air cools, and the pace of the trip changes. Nantahala National Forest is all around you: in the wooded trails, the waterfalls tucked below the road and the ridgelines that stretch beyond town.
Spanning a large part of western North Carolina, the forest has more than 600 miles of trails and a range of ways to get outdoors. But you don’t need to cover the whole map to enjoy it. Base yourself at Trailborn Highlands, and you can spend one day walking to a mountain overlook, another following the waterfalls of the Cullasaja Gorge, and your evenings back in town.
Why Explore Nantahala National Forest From Highlands?
Nantahala National Forest is expansive, and its best-known experiences are spread across different parts of the region. Highlands gives you a starting point for exploring the eastern side of the forest, particularly its waterfall trails, mountain hikes and scenic roads.
That makes it easy to shape a trip around the outdoors without filling every hour. Pick one hike for the morning. Stop at a waterfall on the way back. Leave time to browse downtown Highlands or settle in for dinner after a day on the trails.
The Best Waterfalls Near Highlands
The waterfalls around Highlands offer more than one kind of outing. Some take only a short walk from the road; others ask you to slow down and follow a trail into the forest.
Walk Behind Dry Falls
Dry Falls is a memorable first stop for visitors. Located along US 64 in the Cullasaja Gorge, it has a short path that leads to a view from behind the waterfall. You’ll hear the water before you reach it, and you may feel its spray despite the name.
Its convenient location makes Dry Falls easy to add to a scenic drive, though it’s worth giving yourself time to enjoy the view rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
Follow the Trail to Glen Falls
For a longer waterfall outing, head to Glen Falls. The wooded trail descends to viewpoints along the falls, so the experience unfolds as you walk. Keep some energy for the uphill return, especially if you plan to continue exploring afterward.
Looking for another stop? Our guide to waterfalls near Highlands, NC has more ideas for building a day around the area’s cascades.
Nantahala Hiking: From Forest Trails to Mountain Views
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to find a rewarding walk near Highlands. Choose a route based on the experience you want: an open mountain view, a quieter stretch beneath the trees, or a trail with a waterfall at the end.
Take in the Views From Whiteside Mountain
Whiteside Mountain is a favorite for its sweeping views and striking rock faces. The loop takes you through forest and up toward overlooks where you can pause and take in the surrounding mountains. It’s a good choice when you want a hike to anchor your day, with time afterward for lunch and a slower afternoon. Stay on the marked trail and take care near steep edges.
Slow Down on the Glade Trail
If a quieter forest walk sounds more appealing, try the Glade Trail southeast of Highlands. This 2.5-mile loop is a chance to enjoy the woods at a gentler pace, away from the bustle of a popular waterfall stop.
For more options, explore our favorite hiking trails near Highlands, NC.
A Nantahala Scenic Drive Worth Taking Slowly
Part of the pleasure of exploring Nantahala National Forest is the journey between stops. The stretch of US 64 between Highlands and Franklin follows the Cullasaja Gorge along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Forest, river and waterfalls accompany the winding road, with Dry Falls providing a natural place to get out and explore.
Give yourself more time than the mileage suggests. The road is winding, and the best version of this drive leaves room for a waterfall walk, a designated overlook and an unhurried return to Highlands.
Other Things to Do in Nantahala National Forest
If you have more than a weekend, there are other ways to experience the wider forest.
- Camping: The Forest Service lists Van Hook Glade Campground near Highlands, along with dispersed camping in the Blue Valley area. Check the current site details, facilities and reservation information before planning an overnight stay.
- Rafting: Guided trips on the Nantahala River offer a different kind of adventure in the Nantahala Gorge. Plan this as a dedicated outing; the rafting area is separate from the waterfall stops immediately around Highlands.
- More trails: With hundreds of miles of routes across the forest, there’s plenty to explore beyond the Highlands area. The Forest Service visitor maps can help you choose the right area for a longer trip.
A Weekend Exploring Nantahala National Forest
Friday: Arrive and settle into Trailborn Highlands. Check in, take a walk around town and enjoy dinner before an early start outdoors.
Saturday: Hike, then chase waterfalls. Begin with Whiteside Mountain while you have fresh legs. Spend the afternoon at Dry Falls or choose Glen Falls if you’re ready for another trail.
Sunday: Take the scenic route. Follow US 64 through the Cullasaja Gorge, allowing time for a stop or two before heading home.
You can make the weekend as active or relaxed as you like. The forest will still be there for the next visit.
Stay Near the Trails at Trailborn Highlands
After a day of Nantahala hiking and waterfall stops, come back to a comfortable base among the trees. Trailborn Highlands places you close to downtown and the surrounding outdoor adventures, with renovated guest rooms and suites and dinner waiting at Highlands Supper Club.
Explore the trails in our Highlands field guide, choose a room, and make the mountains your own for a few days.
FAQs
Nantahala National Forest stretches across western North Carolina. Highlands is a convenient base for exploring its nearby waterfalls, hiking trails and scenic roads, although other parts of the forest require a longer drive.
Walk behind Dry Falls, hike to the viewpoints on Whiteside Mountain, follow the trail to Glen Falls, or drive through Cullasaja Gorge. These outings offer a mix of short stops and longer walks, so you can plan a day around your preferred pace.
Yes. The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway offers forest and gorge views from the road, with stops such as Dry Falls that require only a short walk.
Yes. Van Hook Glade Campground is near Highlands, and the Blue Valley area has dispersed camping sites. Check the Forest Service listings for current access, facilities and reservation details before your trip.
