Highlands, N.C. is a quaint little town located in the southern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Appropriately named Highlands because of its elevation, 4,118 feet above sea level, the location of Highlands is quite interesting. In 1875 there were two men with forward thinking ideas, Mr. Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson by name. Their plan was to establish trade routes from Chicago to Savannah and from New York City to New Orleans. By drawing lines from these points, Highlands was the intersection where they met. The hopes that this spot would soon become a great trading center and commercial crossroads soon evaporated, however, like mist in the mountains once the sun brings its light.
Highlands has become a two season town because of its altitude. The summer seasons, typically from March through November, are considerably cooler than areas lower in altitude and yet receive an abundance of rain. You would think that snow would fall in Highlands but that’s really not the case. The average amount of snow is usually around 13” annually mainly because it is located on the south and east side of the mountains and is protected from the Arctic blasts that roll in from the north.
There are activities galore in Highlands, N.C. If your tastes are more in tune to genteel persuasions, there are art galleries, antiques shops, calm strolls along a very rustic main street, or you can have your choice of destinations traveling by car and enjoy the cascading waters from several waterfalls. There are also more energetic things to do such as golfing, or following a hiking or biking trail.
The next time you plan a vacation, Highlands, N.C. should be on your list of places to visit!!