Deep in the Nantahala Forest & Beyond
Beyond The Mountain and its wonderful views and serenity, there are many nearby attractions, shopping, and outdoor activities available.
Highlands
Highlands is a high-elevation resort town centered just four miles from The Mountain, offering fine dining, including six restaurants with the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The town also offers a busy performing arts schedule that includes live theatre at the historic Highlands Playhouse and regularly scheduled music events at the Performing Arts Center as well as the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. The Community of Highlands and beyond is quite remarkable and robust. Attracting people of many backgrounds, talents, and lifestyles. Being somewhat isolated and removed upon the elevation of the plateau has helped build a feeling of mutual cooperation and reliance between residences and business of Highlands. Creating relationships of respect and reciprocation that are informed, take pride, and give thanks to the natural surroundings.
Hiking
The Mountain Hiking Trails
See The Mountain Office for trail maps to Glen Falls, Chinquapin Mountain, and Abe’s Creek. These trail heads are located right at The Mountain.
Local Mountain Hiking Trails
See The Mountain Office for maps of Rabun Bald, Scaly Mountain, Whiteside Mountain and Yellow Mountain.
Wine Country
Just down the mountain in Rabun County find three vineyards with tasting rooms open most days of the week.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
2592 Old 441 S, Tiger, GA 30576; (706) 782-4777 (36 miles from The Mountain) – red and white wines from grapes grown in Rabun County – ten acres of vines, planted in 1995 and 1996 on the Ezzards’ five-generations-old family farm – individually tended and hand-picked – mostly European vinifera – more than 195 awards – vineyard and tasting room open year round.
Waterfalls
Bridal Veil Falls
The only waterfall in North Carolina that you can drive behind! This picturesque 100 ft. falls cascading over Hwy 64/28 (Franklin Road) is just 7 miles from The Mountain.
Dry Falls
Walk behind this 75′ tall waterfall or enjoy the view on the wheelchair accessible viewing deck. Just past Bridal Veil Falls on the right (coming from Highlands) with restroom facilities and multiple parking spots. Located on Hwy 64/28 (Franklin Road) just 7.7 miles from The Mountain.
Bust Your Butt Falls
This popular swimming hole and natural slide is just 3 miles past Dry Falls. Located on Hwy 64/28 West (Franklin Road), 10.5 miles from The Mountain, on the Cullasaja River – parking on the left and right (use caution).
Cullasaja Falls
A 250 ft. cascade on Hwy. 64/28 (Franklin Road), 13 miles from The Mountain – one of the most photographed falls in NC.
Glen Falls
Just 4 miles by road from The Mountain. Drive north from The Mountain 2.9 miles toward Highlands on the Dillard Road. Turn right on Forest Service Road 1618, and drive 1 mile to a parking lot. From there a steep trail leads down to the falls. A series of three large waterfalls each dropping 50 feet on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the Blue Valley area. The foot trail down to the falls is steep.
Whitewater Falls
411 ft. falls – 28 miles from The Mountain, on 107 S beyond Cashiers – sign and road to falls on left.
Overlooks
Blue Valley Overlook
One mile SW of The Mountain on Hwy 106 S (Dillard Road). On a clear night you can see lights from Seneca, SC.
Osage Overlook
Hwy 106 South (Dillard Road) across from Bartram Trail entrance – great views of Scaly and Osage Mountains
Whiteside/Cowee Gap Overlook
Just 10.5 miles from The Mountain on 64 E (Cashiers Road). A magnificent view of Whiteside Mountain and its dramatic cliffs.
Sunset Rock
An easy 20-minute hike beginning at the east end of Main Street, across from the Nature Center.
Satulah Overlook
South of Main Street on 285 (Fourth Street) – spectacular view of Satulah Mountain, Hidden Falls, and Blue Valley.
Golfing
Winter Skiing
Horseback Riding
Arrowmont Stables
276 Arrowmont Trail, Cullowhee, NC 28723 – 21 miles north of The Mountain – ring and trail riding –
(828) 743-2762 or (800) 682-1092
Dillard House Stables
1153 Franklin St, Dillard, GA 30537 – 13 miles southwest of The Mountain – guided horseback riding for the whole family – (706) 746-2038
Heritage Centers
Foxfire
Hike through history at our Appalachian Village made up of over 20 historic log structures, each home to various artifacts representative of life in the mountains. Discover all that the spacious outdoor museum offers, including a half-mile walking trail and ample space to social distance. Put on your walking shoes and come for a visit!
The Hambidge Center
The Hambidge Center provides a residency program that empowers talented individuals to explore, develop, and express their creative voices. Situated on 600 acres in the mountains of north Georgia, Hambidge is a sanctuary of time and space that inspires individuals working in a broad range of disciplines to create works of the highest caliber.
Mountain Biking
Yoga
Yoga Highlands
We are NC State licensed as an “Art of Healing” local business, offering training in Classical Yoga, Private Yoga Therapy Sessions, Group Workshops and Individual Ayurveda Retreats. As experienced and professional teachers and bodyworkers, we excel in adapting the art and science of yoga to the individual.
Zipline Tours
Highlands Aerial Park
Canopy tours, challenge courses for all ages, giant swings, tree climbing, and team building, theres something for all. We’re just 9 miles from Highlands and 5 Miles off hwy 441. Our entrance is on the main Dillard Road, but you’ll quickly escape into the forest and feel worlds away.
Survival School
Tubing
Rafting
Southeastern Expeditions
Chattooga River White Water Rafting; there’s nothing like it. Your destination, the river called the Crown Jewel of the Southeast, is undammed and remains the only river East of the Mississippi that hosts commercial rafting while bearing the national designation of a Wild and Scenic River.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Join NOC on a wide range of outdoor adventures for any ability level, explore new outdoor skills with our renowned Paddling and SOLO Southeast training schools, access the best in adventure gear at three retail stores, or visit our world-famous Nantahala location — offering adventure, retail, riverside dining, events, and lodging options for your next adventure.
Local Kennels
As The Mountain has a no pet policy, we would refer incoming guest with pets to check in with nearby kennels and boarders for your animals before your stay.
