Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the elevation of Highlands?
A. 4,118 feet

2. What is the average temperature?
A. The average maximum summer temperature is 76 degrees while the average minimum winter temperature is 35 degrees.

3. What is the population of Highlands?
A. The year round population of the Highlands Plateau is 3,200 which grows to over 20,000 in the summer.

4. What is the driving time from Atlanta to Highlands?
A. Depending on the time of day and traffic, the average will be about 3 hours.

5. What two route numbers bring you from Dillard, Ga. to Highlands?
A.You turn onto Ga. 246 which changes to NC 106.

6. What is the average rainfall?
A. Highlands is one of two rainforests in North America, averaging 80 inches per year.

7. What accommodations are pet-friendly?
A. The Park on Main, Whiteside Cove Cottages, Highlands Inn Lodge, Skyline Lodge,

8. Where are the waterfalls?
A. Bridal Veil, Dry Falls, Bust Your Butt, and Cullasaja are located on Hwy. 64 between Highlands and Franklin. Glen Falls is located on Hwy 106 toward Dillard.  More information here.

9. What time do the shops close in the evening?
A. Most close at 5 p.m. but many stay open later.

10. Is there a museum in Highlands?
A. We have the Highlands Historic Village, a look back at the original flavor of Highlands, NC and The Bascom Visual Arts Center with multiple gallery spaces.

11. What is there to do at night?
A. We have a broad range of cultural arts including three theater groups, movie theater, chamber music, performing arts center and many local concerts during the season. 

12. What kind of dining is available?
A. Highlands has a wide range from sandwiches to fine dining including five Wine Spectator Award of Excellence Restaurants.

13. Can you rent an accommodation for a week or more at a time?
A. Yes, we have several companies that specialize in seasonal residential rentals.  See our Real Estate page.

14. What type of accommodations do you have?
A. Highlands has an accommodation suitable for every need including resorts, historic inns, cabins, hotels, lodges, and the short term rentals.

15. What activities can we expect?
A. We offer golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, fly fishing, rafting, mountain biking, gem mining, canoeing and kayaking, ATV adventures, tubing, ziplining, and horseback riding to mention a few.

16. What kind of shopping is available?
A. We have several blocks of boutique shopping including antiques, art, men and women's apparel, books, crafts and gifts, toys, household furnishings, furniture, wine and gourmet items, and jewelry stores to name but a few.

17. Where is the nearest airport?
A. We are in the middle of three. Asheville is 1 1/2 hours, Greenville/Spartanburg is 2 hours, and Atlanta is 3 hours away.

18. What is there to do for my children?
A. Depending on their age, they may be able to take part in many of the outdoor adventures. Several offer day camps such as The Bascom Art Center, The Nature Center, the Highlands Recreation Park and ice skating during the winter. There is also the Fun Factory in Franklin for that “rainy day” as well as the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Dillsboro featuring at specific times The Little Engine That Could, Thomas the Tank Engine, and The Polar Express. Click here for our "Kids in Highlands" brochure. 

19. What churches are in Highlands?
A. Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Unitarian.