Highlands

At an elevation of 4,118 feet, Highlands, North Carolina, offers a cool mountain escape in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This distinctive town, one of the highest incorporated municipalities east of the Mississippi River, was founded in 1875 by two Kansas developers with an ambitious, if slightly miscalculated, vision. They believed the intersection of lines drawn from major cities across the country would make Highlands a bustling commercial hub. While that particular prophecy didn't quite materialize, what emerged instead was a distinctive health and summer resort, drawing visitors with its crisp air and verdant landscapes.

Today, Highlands retains its allure as a sophisticated mountain destination. Surrounded by the protected Nantahala National Forest, its growth has been carefully managed, contributing to its exclusive appeal and pristine environment. The town seamlessly blends its pioneering past with modern amenities, offering a lively downtown with unique shops, acclaimed restaurants, and a strong sense of community. Its elevation ensures a refreshing climate, making it a favored retreat from the summer heat of the Deep South, and a spectacular display of fall foliage.

Beyond its curated downtown, Highlands is a gateway to abundant natural beauty. Waterfalls cascade down ancient rock faces, hiking trails wind through diverse woodlands, and the geological history of the plateau speaks of volcanic origins and undiscovered minerals. It's a place where the wildness of the mountains meets the refinement of a resort town, creating an experience that is both invigorating and deeply relaxing.

From a Mapmaker's Dream to a Mountain Retreat

The story of Highlands begins in 1875 with Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson, two developers from Kansas. Legend has it they drew two intersecting lines on a map – one from Chicago to Savannah and another from New York to New Orleans – believing this precise spot would become a major crossroads of commerce. While their grand vision for a trade center never fully materialized (Atlanta claimed that destiny), their chosen location, named Highlands for its impressive elevation, instead blossomed into a renowned health and summer resort.

Before Kelsey and Hutchinson, Captain Joseph W. Dobson owned much of the land that is now downtown Highlands, using it for livestock. Hugh and Mary Ann Gibson, caretakers for his animals, are recognized as the first settlers of modern-day Highlands in 1844. The town's early days were marked by a blend of pioneering spirit and a desire for a cooler climate. By 1883, nearly 300 people had settled here, establishing stores, a post office, a hotel, and churches.

One of the more colorful chapters in Highlands' past is the 'Moccasin War' of 1885. As a 'dry' town, Highlands found itself in conflict with liquor sellers from nearby Georgia. The arrest of two Georgian bootleggers sparked a three-day standoff on Main Street, complete with gunfire and a fatality, vividly illustrating the strong moral and economic currents of the time.

The early 20th century saw Highlands contribute to medical innovation. Mary Lapham, a pioneer in tuberculosis treatment, established a sanatorium where patients were housed in open-air tents, like the 'Bug Hill Cottage,' to benefit from the fresh mountain air. Though the sanatorium later burned down, Lapham's legacy in public health remains. The town also underwent significant changes in the late 1920s with the damming of the Cullasaja River, creating Lake Sequoyah for hydroelectric power and paving the way for improved road access, including the scenic route to Franklin.

Golf played a crucial role in shaping Highlands' identity as a luxury destination. The Highlands Country Club, designed by Donald Ross, opened in 1928, with golf legend Bobby Jones making the inaugural drive. This event helped solidify Highlands' reputation as a premier golfing locale. Over the decades, the town's unique blend of natural beauty, cool climate, and exclusive atmosphere has attracted a diverse community of artists, professionals, and those seeking a refined mountain lifestyle. The surrounding Nantahala National Forest and strict land use planning have ensured that Highlands maintains its distinct character and appeal, preventing unchecked development and preserving its natural assets.

Highlands offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Begin your exploration at the Highlands Historical Society's Historic Village, where you can step back in time at the Prince House, the oldest existing home in Highlands, dating back to 1877. The village also features the Highlands Historical Museum and the unique Bug Hill Cottage, an open-air structure used for tuberculosis patients in the early 1900s. Don't miss the Historic Buildings Audio Tour, which guides you through 17 significant sites in town, revealing their stories via QR codes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is a paradise of waterfalls and hiking trails. Drive along Highway 64 West to discover Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. While you can no longer drive behind Bridal Veil Falls due to winter icing, it still holds the distinction as the only North Carolina waterfall a vehicle could drive behind. South of Highlands on Highway 106, you'll find Glen Falls. The Nantahala National Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities, including trails on Whiteside Mountain and in the Panthertown Valley. For a unique natural spring with a biblical name, seek out Moses Rock on the road to Horse Cove.

Stroll along Main Street to experience the town's lively commercial heart, home to historic businesses like Wit's End, a family-run apparel store since 1940, and Reeves Hardware, a cornerstone since 1944. The Highlands Inn, the town's first hotel built in 1880, is another historic landmark worth noting. Keep an eye out for the 'Signal' maple tree at the corner of 4th and Main Street, known for being the first to show fall colors.

Highlands is a year-round destination, but each season offers a distinct experience. Summer (June-August) is particularly popular due to the town's cool temperatures, averaging around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July, providing a welcome escape from the heat of lower elevations. Fall (September-November) is spectacular for viewing the brilliant autumn foliage, with the 'Signal' maple tree on Main Street often being the first to change. Spring (April-May) brings blooming wildflowers and pleasant hiking weather. Winter (December-March) can be quite cold with potential for snow and ice, especially on mountain roads, so be prepared for driving conditions.

Highlands is situated in Macon County, North Carolina, at an elevation of 4,118 feet. Access to Highlands is primarily via two-lane, winding mountain roads, so allow ample travel time and be mindful of road conditions, especially during winter months when ice can be a factor. There is no public transportation within Highlands, so a personal vehicle is essential for exploring the town and surrounding natural attractions. Parking is generally available in designated areas downtown. Cell service is reliable in most parts of town, but coverage may be spotty on some remote hiking trails. The town is known for its 'mountain chic' style, blending high-end amenities with an outdoorsy atmosphere. It's advisable to make reservations for dining and accommodations, especially during peak seasons.