Highlands (North Carolina)

Highlands is a small mountain town in Macon and Jackson counties in the Mountains region of North Carolina on a plateau in the southern Appalachian mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest. It lies mostly in southeastern Macon and slightly in southwestern Jackson counties.

Legend has it that the founders of the Town, Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson, drew two lines on a map, one between Chicago and Savannah and the other between Baltimore and New Orleans, and decided that this location would be a future crossroads of commerce at an elevation of 4118 feet on Main Street. Kelsey promoted Highlands on the basis of its healthy air and excellent potential for orchards and gardens. Because of its cool climate and scenic beauty, it quickly became a popular location for historic inns and churches, golf courses, seasonal homes, and a unique and thriving downtown business area.

While many small towns are trying to stimulate commerce, Highlands is in the enviable position of needing to manage its high rate of growth. The downtown is successful because of its quaint shops and restaurants, clean environment, and rustic atmosphere that is not overstated. For many people, the downtown serves as a focus for social interaction, and the town has strived in its general layout and streetscape to invite people to mingle and window shop.

If you're staying close to Main Street, walking is the easiest way to get around. Because there is no taxi service, walking or riding a bicycle will provide a picturesque way of navigating around town. But bike riders should be wary: the roads are narrow and blind curves make for a very potentially dangerous situation. Only ride bikes in town, and avoid taking them on the highway. Drive your own car when going outside of the city.

• 🌍 Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Road, ☏ +1 (828) 526-2623. Natural history museum offering exhibits of local biology and year-round educational programs. (updated Jun 2018)