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Fall Sunset in Highlands, North Carolina

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

After a stunning week in Asheville, Kevin and I made our out of the “big city” to the charming, fairytale town of Highlands, North Carolina.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

Highlands is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

It’s ideal for those who love hiking and being outdoors surrounded by breathtaking nature!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

The drive here from Asheville was one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever taken.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

There’s tons of trails and waterfalls in the area for exploring.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

Since we arrived in the afternoon, the first one we had to check out was Sunset Rock.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

We hiked the short, easy walk to Sunset Rock, and oh boy, it did NOT disappoint!!!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

It was honestly one of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

The fall colors were amazing!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

I could not stop taking pictures.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

The little town below was so picturesque!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

You could see for miles up here. Highly recommend this hike!!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

The next day we took a scenic drive to see some waterfalls in the area. This is Bridal Veil Falls. You can drive underneath it!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

This beautiful waterfall is named Dry Falls. There’s a trail and you can walk behind the falls and stay dry! I took these two waterfall photos with my iPhone using the Slow Shutter app.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

We stayed at the gorgeous Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

Everything about this inn was gorgeous!!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

Loved this gooey cinnamon bun for breakfast!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

After a morning of waterfalls, we headed over to the Old Edwards Club for lunch.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

There is a beautiful golf course here!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

The club and golf course are accessible to guests of Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

It’s also tucked away in the mountains. So charming!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

Loved my club sandwich!!

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

On the way back we had to stop by and see “The Shadow of the Bear.” This elusive shadow appears only in the fall for just 30 minutes on sunny days. It starts forming around 5:30 PM in mid-October through early November. We were there on October 30. The best viewing spot for the shadow is on Highway 64 at the Rhodes Big View Overlook in Cashiers, NC.

Fall in Highlands, North Carolina. One of the world's Top 10 Sunset Spots!

Attack of the bear!!! :)

If you’re looking for the perfect fall weekend getaway in the mountains (whether it’s a romantic weekend getaway or a fun-for-the-whole-family outdoorsy experience) I hope you’ll check out Asheville and Highlands! We loved our week here!! :)

Until next time!! :) xoxo

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11 Responses
  1. Carole Oxford

    I am. Realtor in Highlands and interested purchasing some of your photos of Highlands NCs for my web site
    I look forward to your response
    Thank you 

  2. Linnae Carlson

    Love the Ashville area and I have a friend who lives close. What part of the month of October where you there for the color?

  3. Michelle (What's Cooking with Kids)

    It’s posts like this that have put Asheville on my list of places to visit…I can’t believe how beautiful your photos are, and it looks so charming.

  4. Angie | BigBearsWife

    I just adore the bleu ridge parkway in the fall. We live about 30 minutes from our section of the parkway and we go every year.

  5. Patty K

    Amazing scenes! They’re like paintings! :D Bridal Veil Falls and the shadow of the bear are particularly cool. We might be headed to NC in May. Any idea how the weather might be?

  6. Roo

    These photos are stunning. I love trips like these. The foliage is especially appealing as it is something that I miss from my own hometown.

  7. Carole

    Amanda: this post is so stunningly beautiful! I always love your gorgeous photography and the great content you share. Love the bear and pinning to Pinterest!

  8. DeidreSH

    I am glad to hear that you enjoyed visiting my “neck of the woods.” I grew up in Franklin, NC (just below Highlands). My family still live in Franklin, although, I am across the mountain in Sylva, NC. You’re photos really captured the beauty of WNC in the fall. I love them!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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