Claire's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Rufus Morgan Trail and Falls
Great hike to a stunning waterfall
Picken's Nose
National Forest RoadA short hike to amazing views
Amazing hike. Several levels. You can take a 10 minute light walk on a flat trail to look over the gorge or you can venture down the steps and make it a day hike.
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Tallulah Gorge
Amazing hike. Several levels. You can take a 10 minute light walk on a flat trail to look over the gorge or you can venture down the steps and make it a day hike.
Historic downtown Franklin is a great area to walk around and grab a bite!
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Franklin
Historic downtown Franklin is a great area to walk around and grab a bite!
15 minutes from the house
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Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit
1719 Ray Cove Rd15 minutes from the house
This is more of a swimming hole. There is no hike but there’s a rope that lets you climb the rock and jump into the water. It’s right off the road, decent amount of parking and just a fun place to swim.
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Bust Your Butt Falls
This is more of a swimming hole. There is no hike but there’s a rope that lets you climb the rock and jump into the water. It’s right off the road, decent amount of parking and just a fun place to swim.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
573 E Main St30 minutes from the house and you’ll pass Bust your Butt falls on the way so consider doing both of those in one trip.
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Dry Falls
U.S. 6430 minutes from the house and you’ll pass Bust your Butt falls on the way so consider doing both of those in one trip.
Glen Falls
This is the most remote waterfall near Highlands but also comes with one of the greatest rewards: small crowds, a gorgeous waterfall, and a swimming hole! A short hike leads out to a 50’ cascading waterfall and a shallow swimming area. Do you think they’ll still call it Secret Falls after everyone reads about this?
The 1.3-mile out and back trail is a moderate hike with less than a 250’ elevation change. The trail is primitive and mostly maintained although it can get muddy at times.
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Secret Falls Trail Head
Big Creek RoadThis is the most remote waterfall near Highlands but also comes with one of the greatest rewards: small crowds, a gorgeous waterfall, and a swimming hole! A short hike leads out to a 50’ cascading waterfall and a shallow swimming area. Do you think they’ll still call it Secret Falls after everyone reads about this?
The 1.3-mile out and back trail is a moderate hike with less than a 250’ elevation change. The trail is primitive and mostly maintained although it can get muddy at times.
High Falls
Cullowhee Falls South Trail Head
Activities
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
18 Fry StOver a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries.
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Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. 19Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries.
Cherokee Ruby And Sapphire Mine
41 Cherokee Mine RdFun family activity
Rolling Thunder River Company
10160 Highway 19 WRafting great company
Southeastern Expeditions
7350 US-76Rafting on the Ocoee River
Raft the Chattanooga! They also offer zip lining
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Wildwater Chattooga Adventure Center
1251 State Road S-37-14Raft the Chattanooga! They also offer zip lining
This is a great day trip from the house! You can rent a boat and enjoy the lake!
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Signal Ridge Marina
4769 NC-107This is a great day trip from the house! You can rent a boat and enjoy the lake!
This is only 20 minutes from the house and they cater to families. Kids can raft as young as 4 years old (40 lbs min).
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Smoky Mountain River Adventures
5036 US-74This is only 20 minutes from the house and they cater to families. Kids can raft as young as 4 years old (40 lbs min).
Cherokee Rapids River Tubing
1697 Acquoni RdFun for the kids and it’s right in town, about 10 minutes from the house
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The Factory Franklin
1024 Georgia RdFun for the kids and it’s right in town, about 10 minutes from the house
Wesley's Park
573 NE Main StNice playground just a few minutes from the house
Chunky Gal Stables
1306 Hot House RdFish Tales Outfitters
29 East Main StreetThis is a great walk around the lake and the lake has a small beach with a platform that’s great to swim and jump off the platform. Pets are also allowed to swim in the lake. There is also a hike to a waterfall Ranger Falls, it’s all the same area and it’s on the same road as Bust your butt falls and Dry Falls so it’s a good full day of activities.
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Cliffside Lake Recreation Area
13908 Highlands RoadThis is a great walk around the lake and the lake has a small beach with a platform that’s great to swim and jump off the platform. Pets are also allowed to swim in the lake. There is also a hike to a waterfall Ranger Falls, it’s all the same area and it’s on the same road as Bust your butt falls and Dry Falls so it’s a good full day of activities.
Cataloochee Ski Area
1080 Ski Lodge RdSapphire Valley Ski Area
127 Sapphire Valley RdCataloochee Tube World in Maggie Valley
4721 Soco RdFontana lake is magical. It’s very remote, your phone probably won’t work most of the time so be prepared for that. The views are breathtaking on the lake and the water is warm. It’s such an incredible day swimming and enjoying nature
Fontana Village Resort Marina
Fontana lake is magical. It’s very remote, your phone probably won’t work most of the time so be prepared for that. The views are breathtaking on the lake and the water is warm. It’s such an incredible day swimming and enjoying nature
So nice out there! Lots of swimming areas and even one area with a waterfall you can stop at. We like to stop in the cove there and have lunch.
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Almond Boat & RV Park
1165 Almond Boat Park Rd
So nice out there! Lots of swimming areas and even one area with a waterfall you can stop at. We like to stop in the cove there and have lunch.
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
7420 Dillard RdFun for the whole family!
Highlands Aerial Park
9625 Dillard RdOconaluftee Island Park
U.S. 441Food scene
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
188 W Main StGreat atmosphere, right on the river and they typically have a food truck.
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Currahee Brewing Company
100 Lakeside DrGreat atmosphere, right on the river and they typically have a food truck.
This is hidden gem and local favorite. It’s attached to a gas station but don’t let that fool you. They usually have a line going down the road because they don’t take reservations. The food is amazing!
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Caffè Rel
459 E Main StThis is hidden gem and local favorite. It’s attached to a gas station but don’t let that fool you. They usually have a line going down the road because they don’t take reservations. The food is amazing!
Great spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. It’s an order at the counter style. Fresh local food.
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828 cafe
228 NE Main StGreat spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. It’s an order at the counter style. Fresh local food.
Great brewery. Multiple restaurant and food truck within walking distance and plenty of outdoor seating
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Innovation Station
40 Depot StGreat brewery. Multiple restaurant and food truck within walking distance and plenty of outdoor seating
Small little restaurant but the food is great quality. Great for dine in or take out. They even have a drive through window for pickup!
Nani's Pizza and Pasta Bar
Small little restaurant but the food is great quality. Great for dine in or take out. They even have a drive through window for pickup!
Julep Kitchen
500 GA-246Cute town and great BBQ after rafting at Smokey mountain adventures. There is a train that stops here as an attraction. There is a very large brewery, great for big groups and a few other food options as well.
Haywood Smokehouse
Cute town and great BBQ after rafting at Smokey mountain adventures. There is a train that stops here as an attraction. There is a very large brewery, great for big groups and a few other food options as well.