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.
Highlands is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains.
It’s ideal for those who love hiking and being outdoors surrounded by breathtaking nature!
The drive here from Asheville was one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever taken.
There’s tons of trails and waterfalls in the area for exploring.
Since we arrived in the afternoon, the first one we had to check out was Sunset Rock.
We hiked the short, easy walk to Sunset Rock, and oh boy, it did NOT disappoint!!!
It was honestly one of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen.
The fall colors were amazing!
I could not stop taking pictures.
The little town below was so picturesque!
You could see for miles up here. Highly recommend this hike!!
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!
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.
We stayed at the gorgeous Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands.
Everything about this inn was gorgeous!!
Loved this gooey cinnamon bun for breakfast!
After a morning of waterfalls, we headed over to the Old Edwards Club for lunch.
There is a beautiful golf course here!
The club and golf course are accessible to guests of Old Edwards Inn and Spa.
It’s also tucked away in the mountains. So charming!
Loved my club sandwich!!
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.
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
These are absolutely stunning pictures! Thank you for sharing them!
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
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?
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.
Wonderful post, gorgeous photos! :)
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.
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?
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.
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!
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!
Definitely on my travel destination list! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!