Getting to Highlands, NC: Drives, Airports and Mountain Roads

Every route to Highlands ends on a mountain road. The town sits at 4,118 feet, and the last 20 to 40 minutes of any drive are curves and climbs. Times below are approximate, in normal traffic and good weather. Add time for Atlanta and Charlotte rush hours, fall weekends and fog.

Drive times from nearby cities

Routes in more detail

From Atlanta

Take I-85 north to I-985, which becomes GA 365 and then US 441. Continue north through Tallulah Falls and Clayton to Dillard. At the light in Dillard, turn right onto GA 246, which becomes NC 106 at the state line. From Dillard it is about 20 minutes up the mountain to Main Street.

From Greenville, SC

Take US 276 north to SC 11. About four miles past the Lake Keowee bridge, turn right on SC 130 toward Cashiers and Whitewater Falls. SC 130 meets NC 107. Turn right, continue to the light at NC 107 and US 64 in Cashiers, turn left onto US 64 west and drive about 12 miles to Highlands.

From Asheville

The scenic route takes I-26 to the airport exit, NC 280 to Brevard, then US 64 west through Cashiers. The alternative takes I-40 west and US 23/74 toward Sylva, then US 23/441 to Franklin, where you pick up US 64 east through the Cullasaja Gorge. Both run about 1.5 hours, and the Brevard route can take longer in traffic.

From Knoxville

The quickest way is I-40 east into North Carolina toward Waynesville, then US 23/441 through Dillsboro and Sylva to Franklin and US 64 east. The scenic way through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee takes about an hour longer.

From Charlotte and Chattanooga

From Charlotte, most map apps route you west through Hendersonville and Brevard, then US 64 through Cashiers. From Chattanooga, routes cross north Georgia or follow US 64 through Murphy to Franklin, then climb US 64 east to Highlands.

Flying in

Asheville is closest. Atlanta has the most nonstop flights and often the best fares. There is no rideshare market to speak of up here, so rent a car or book a shuttle. The Highlands Chamber lists several private ride and shuttle services, and Macon County Transit offers public transportation.

Mountain road notes

• US 64 west (Cullasaja Gorge) to Franklin is narrow and winding, with waterfalls beside the road. NCDOT bans large trucks in the gorge. Expect slow drivers at Bridal Veil and Dry Falls.
• US 64 east to Cashiers is curvy but wider, and passes the Whiteside Mountain area.
• NC 106 to Dillard drops steeply past the Blue Valley and Osage overlooks.
• NC 28 runs north to Franklin and south toward Walhalla, SC.
• Closures happen. Storm damage closed part of US 64 in the gorge in January 2024, and NC 106 near Blue Valley Overlook was closed for slope repairs from October to December 2024. Check DriveNC before you leave.

Some passengers get carsick on these roads. Give them a front seat and take the curves slowly.

Winter driving

Highlands averages about 10 inches of snow a year, and January lows average in the mid 20s. Shaded curves and side streets can stay icy for a day or two after a storm. Arrive in daylight, keep a scraper and a blanket in the car, and be ready to wait out a storm rather than drive in it. All-wheel drive helps, though good tires and patience matter more.

Parking and getting around town

Downtown is walkable, and parking is the hard part on summer and October weekends. Look on Spring Street, Fourth Street and Carolina Way, which are a short walk from Main. The Welcome Center at 108 Main Street asks visitors to use the top lot. Public EV chargers are on Oak Street, Third Street and at the Welcome Center. If you are staying close to town, as at Fairview House, four blocks from Main, park once and walk.

For what to do when you get here, read everything to know before you go and the scenic drives guide.