Downtown Highlands, NC near The Bodhi vacation rental

Discover Highlands, NC

Your complete guide to Western North Carolina's mountain paradise

Your Complete Highlands, NC Local Guide

From The Bodhi's prime location in Flat Mountain Estates, you're perfectly positioned to explore the best of Highlands, NC. This charming mountain town offers world-class dining, spectacular waterfalls, outdoor adventures, and year-round activities just minutes from your luxury vacation rental.

Location: 480 Flat Mountain Estates Road - 5 minutes to downtown Highlands

Spectacular Waterfalls

Highlands is renowned for its stunning waterfalls. From easy walks to adventurous hikes, discover cascading waters throughout the region.

Dry Falls near Highlands, NC

Dry Falls

8 miles Easy

Walk behind this stunning 75-foot waterfall for a unique perspective

Bridal Veil Falls near Highlands, NC

Bridal Veil Falls

9 miles Easy

Drive behind this beautiful waterfall on US Highway 64

Glen Falls near Highlands, NC

Glen Falls

12 miles Moderate

Three-tiered waterfall with swimming holes and hiking trails

Whitewater Falls near Highlands, NC

Whitewater Falls

15 miles Easy to Moderate

The highest waterfall in the eastern United States at 411 feet

🌊 Plan Your Waterfall Adventures

Stay at The Bodhi and explore all four waterfalls with easy day trips from your luxury mountain retreat.

Book Your Waterfall Weekend β†’

Exceptional Dining

Highlands offers an impressive culinary scene with restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual mountain fare.

The Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Contemporary American β€’ Fine Dining

5 minutes
$$$$

Elegant dining with seasonal menus and mountain views

🌐 Visit Website β†’

Skyline Lodge Restaurant

Southern Mountain β€’ Mountain Lodge

8 minutes
$$$

Rustic charm with hearty mountain fare and scenic views

🌐 Visit Website β†’

Wild Thyme Gourmet

Gourmet Market β€’ Market & Cafe

6 minutes
$$

Artisan foods, wine selection, and casual dining

🌐 Visit Website β†’

Cyprus Restaurant

Mediterranean β€’ International

5 minutes
$$$

Fresh Mediterranean flavors in a cozy atmosphere

🌐 Visit Website β†’

🍽️ Gourmet Mountain Dining Awaits

From fine dining to casual mountain fare, experience Highlands' culinary scene during your stay at The Bodhi.

⭐ 5-star luxury kitchen β€’ πŸ₯‚ Wine cellar β€’ πŸ”₯ Big Green Egg

Outdoor Adventures

From championship golf to mountain hiking, Highlands offers year-round outdoor activities for every interest level.

Highlands Country Club

Golf
10 minutes

18-hole championship golf course with mountain views

April - October
🌐 Learn More β†’

Highlands Nature Center

Education
8 minutes

Wildlife exhibits, botanical gardens, and nature trails

Year-round
🌐 Learn More β†’

Sunset Rock

Hiking
15 minutes

Popular hiking destination with panoramic sunset views

Year-round
🌐 Learn More β†’

Lake Sequoyah

Recreation
12 minutes

Swimming, fishing, and paddling on a pristine mountain lake

May - September
🌐 Learn More β†’

⛰️ Adventure Base Camp

The Bodhi is your perfect home base for all mountain adventures. Relax in luxury after your outdoor explorations.

πŸ”οΈ
Mountain Views
πŸ›
Hot Tub & Sauna
πŸ•
Pet-Friendly
Start Your Mountain Adventure β†’

Shopping & Galleries

Discover unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops in downtown Highlands.

Highland Hiker

Outdoor Gear
6 minutes

Premium outdoor equipment and local trail guides

πŸ›οΈ Visit Shop β†’

Acorns & Bird Song

Art Gallery
5 minutes

Local and regional artists featuring mountain-inspired artwork

πŸ›οΈ Visit Shop β†’

Mountain Findings

Antiques
7 minutes

Unique antiques and vintage mountain collectibles

πŸ›οΈ Visit Shop β†’

The Hen House

Home Goods
6 minutes

Mountain home decor and artisan crafts

πŸ›οΈ Visit Shop β†’

πŸ“ Your Location Advantage

The Bodhi's prime location in Flat Mountain Estates puts you minutes from everything that makes Highlands special.

πŸš— Drive Times from The Bodhi

Downtown Highlands
5 minutes
Dry Falls
8 minutes
Bridal Veil Falls
9 minutes
Cashiers, NC
15 minutes
Franklin, NC
25 minutes
Asheville, NC
75 minutes

πŸ—ΊοΈ Highlands Area Map

Day Trip Destinations

Extend your mountain adventure with day trips to nearby attractions and towns throughout Western North Carolina.

Cashiers, NC

15 miles
Village Green Shopping Additional Dining

Charming mountain village with boutique shopping and dining

Franklin, NC

25 miles
Gem Mining Scottish Tartans Museum Macon County History

Historic town famous for gem mining and Scottish heritage

Cherokee, NC

45 miles
Great Smoky Mountains Cultural Heritage Casino

Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains with rich Cherokee culture

Asheville, NC

75 miles
Blue Ridge Parkway Breweries Arts District

Vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and mountain culture

Local Insider Tips

🌑️ Best Times to Visit

  • Spring (April-May): Wildflowers and mild weather
  • Summer (June-August): Perfect hiking and lake activities
  • Fall (September-October): Peak foliage season
  • Winter (November-March): Cozy mountain charm

πŸ“± Local Resources

  • Weather: Elevation 4,118 ft - dress in layers
  • Emergency: Highlands-Cashiers Hospital nearby
  • Groceries: Bryson's Food Store for essentials
  • Gas: Several stations on Main Street

🏑 Planning Your Stay at The Bodhi

With so much to see and do, you'll want to plan your days to make the most of your mountain vacation. The Bodhi's location in Flat Mountain Estates puts you at the center of it all.

πŸ•
5 min to Downtown
πŸ‘₯
Sleeps 17 Guests
🎬
Private Theater
🌊
Koi Pond & Views