Martin Najbrt

Highlands, NC Statistically Speaking

Highlands, NC can be found in the lower southwestern tip of the state.  The name Highlands speaks for itself.  This quaint little hospitality is located in the lower Appalachian Mountains and rests around 4,118 feet above sea level.  This gives Highlands the distinction of being one of the most elevated little towns in the eastern half of the United States...

Highlands, NC can be found in the lower southwestern tip of the state.  The name Highlands speaks for itself.  This quaint little hospitality is located in the lower Appalachian Mountains and rests around 4,118 feet above sea level.  This gives Highlands the distinction of being one of the most elevated little towns in the eastern half of the United States.  This popular getaway location is right at home in the Nantahala National Forest.  The scenic beauty surrounding Highlands attracts nature lovers from all over the land.  There truly is something for everyone in Highlands.

Located in Macon County Highlands, NC lives up to its motto, which is “Above it all”.  Resting admirably along the Southern Highroads Trail the town of Highlands boasts a year round permanent population of nearly 1000.  However, that all changes during the tourist season when this 6.2 square mile destination can be over run by around 15,000 people on a journey for relaxation.  There are basically 2 parts to the tourist season.  One occurs during the summer and the other during the autumn to early winter.  The heat of the summer rarely surpasses 80 degrees while the winter temperatures only dip to an average of 23 in January at it’s lowest.  The location on the southern tip of the Appalachians provides comfort from the coldest arctic air and keeps the annual snowfall to around half a foot. 

Highlands, NC does get its fair share of rain that amounts to about 90 inches annually.  It is the delightful mixture of rain and sunshine that has created this scenic paradise that lifts the spirit of so many throughout the year.  Many escape the heat of the American south to relax comfortably in the clean fresh cool air offered by the Highlands.  Obviously Mr. Kelsey and Mr. Hutchinson knew what they were doing when they founded Highlands, NC some 165 years ago.  They envisioned a crossroads for the masses and their dream was not far fetched.  It has become the crossroads for relaxation for millions over the years.

When you descend to Highlands, NC you will not find a city bus or any sign of public transportation but what you will find is clean air and hospitality at its best.  There is something special about this area and that is what keeps tourists coming back again and again.  The scenic waterfalls dot the landscape and the mountains seem to hug the Carolina blue sky.  The rivers and lakes are irresistible to a hook and line and the nature trails provide pictures in the mind that will warm even the coldest day.  Statistically speaking the town of Highlands is quite small but numbers are part of the story.

Bio - Suzanne Najbrt lives in Atlanta with her family and regularly travels Southern Highroads Trail and she also maintains the Official Southern Highroads Trail Blog.

Article Tags: Southern Highroads Trail, Statistically Speaking, Southern Highroads, Highroads Trail

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