A guide to scenic drives, overlooks and trails for seeing fall color around Highlands.
At 4,118 feet, Highlands usually sees fall color before many lower areas across Western North Carolina. Fall arrives in layers here. The ridgelines may be nearing peak while lower elevations are only beginning to change.
That difference in elevation gives you options throughout the season. Head higher for earlier color, stay around the Plateau as the trees turn in town, or follow the roads downhill toward Horse Cove and the Cullasaja Gorge later in the month.
Track the Color
The map below shows how fall color typically progresses across Highlands and the surrounding mountains through October. Use the slider to move through the month and see how elevation can affect the timing.
Keep in mind: The map is a seasonal guide, not a live report. Rain, temperature, wind and other weather conditions can shift the timing from year to year.
If the color is not quite where you expected it to be, try changing elevation.
Close to Town
Sunset Rock is one of the easiest ways to get above town for a fall view. The trail begins just beyond downtown and follows a gravel road through Ravenel Park to an open granite overlook.
From the top, you can look back toward Highlands with the surrounding ridges rising behind it. Late afternoon is a popular time to go, especially once the trees around town begin to turn.
Satulah Mountain sits above Highlands at 4,543 feet and offers a broader view of the surrounding mountains. The climb is more demanding than Sunset Rock, but the higher elevation makes it a good option earlier in the season.
Roadside Overlooks
For wide mountain views without a hike, head south from Highlands on NC 106, also known as Dillard Road.
Blue Valley Overlook is only a few miles from downtown and looks across layers of mountain ridges toward the south. Because several elevations are visible at once, it is a good place to see where the strongest color is developing.
Continue farther along NC 106 to Osage Overlook, another easy roadside stop with a long view across the surrounding mountains.
On US 64 East toward Cashiers, Rhodes Big View is one of the area's best-known overlooks. It is also the viewing spot for the seasonal Shadow of the Bear, which appears in the valley during the late afternoon when the angle of the sun is right.
The pull-off sits along a large curve and can get busy during fall. Use caution when entering and leaving the overlook.
Whiteside Mountain
Whiteside Mountain rises to 4,930 feet between Highlands and Cashiers. The loop trail climbs to exposed rock and cliff-top overlooks with long views across the mountains.
Because of its elevation, Whiteside can begin changing earlier than lower areas around Highlands. The trail is also especially popular in October, so arriving earlier in the day can make parking easier.
Horse Cove Road
Main Street becomes Horse Cove Road as it leaves downtown and begins descending from the Highlands Plateau. The road winds through dense forest, with trees close to the pavement and branches forming a canopy in places.
It is a good drive for seeing the effect elevation has on fall color. Trees around Highlands may be farther along while the lower portions of Horse Cove are still changing.
Cullasaja River Gorge
US 64 West from Highlands toward Franklin follows the Cullasaja River through one of the area's most scenic stretches of road. The route drops in elevation through forest, rock faces and a series of waterfalls.
Near Highlands, stop at Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls. Farther into the gorge are Bust Your Butt Falls and Cullasaja Falls.
The road through the gorge is narrow and winding, and some pull-offs are small. Use designated parking areas and take extra care around curves.
Before You Go
October weekends are busy in Highlands, especially once fall color begins to build. Allow extra time for parking at overlooks, waterfall stops and trailheads.
Road, trail and recreation area access can also change because of weather or maintenance. Check current conditions before heading out, particularly if your plans include National Forest land.
And remember that "peak" can look different depending on where you are. If the higher ridges are already past their strongest color, try a lower drive like Horse Cove Road or the Cullasaja Gorge. If town is still mostly green, head toward a higher overlook or trail.