Winter in Highlands, NC: What's Open, Snow Fun and Safe Driving

Winter in Highlands is quiet, cold and often clear. At over 4,000 feet the town gets snow some years and ice more often. Trails are empty, views open up once the leaves are down, and you can get a table on Main Street without a wait. The tradeoff is that some businesses close or cut back, and mountain roads need respect after a storm.

What’s open, and what isn’t

Highlands slows down in winter. Many shops shorten their hours from January through March, and some close on certain weekdays. A few well-known restaurants take an annual winter break. In early 2025 that included Ristorante Paoletti’s, Lakeside and On the Verandah, according to Plateau Magazine. Others run shorter winter hours. Call ahead before you plan a group dinner, and have a backup.

The town’s anchors stay open. The Bascom keeps its galleries and shop open Tuesday through Saturday. The Highlands Biological Station botanical garden is open year-round from dawn to dusk and is free. The station’s Nature Center was listed as temporarily closed when we checked. Stock up on groceries when you arrive in case a storm keeps you off the roads for a day.

Snow and ice fun

Ice skating in town

The outdoor rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park runs from November 19, 2026 through February 28, Thursday through Sunday, weather permitting. It stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights. Skate rentals are included. See the Chamber’s holiday page for this season’s hours.

Snow tubing at Highlands Outpost

Highlands Outpost on NC 106 in Scaly Mountain runs snow tubing in winter when conditions allow. It also has the Scaly Mountain Screamer mountain coaster. Snow tubing depends on the weather, so check the website or call (828) 526-3737 before you load up the cars. Walk-ins are welcome, and it takes group reservations.

Ski Sapphire Valley

Ski Sapphire Valley, past Cashiers, is a small ski area with a 1,600-foot main run, a 200-foot vertical drop, a quad lift, a learning slope and the Frozen Falls tube park. It opens when it is cold enough to make snow. Last season it ran mainly Friday through Sunday plus holiday Mondays. It is a good fit for beginners and kids. Experienced skiers will want a bigger mountain. Call (828) 743-7663 for this season’s schedule.

Sledding

After a real snowfall, locals sled on Hickory Street, known as “Monkey Hill.” Bring your own sled and boots.

Driving in winter

Most winter days the roads are fine. After snow or a freeze, they are not. The main routes into Highlands are mountain roads with tight curves and shaded stretches where ice lingers after the sun is out.

• US 64 / NC 28 through the Cullasaja Gorge toward Franklin is narrow and winding beside a steep drop to the river. Avoid it in snow or ice.
• US 64 east toward Cashiers and NC 106 toward Dillard climb and curve too. Shaded curves stay icy longest.
• Check conditions on DriveNC.gov, NCDOT’s road conditions site, before you drive up and before you leave.
• Time your arrival for daylight. Black ice is worst after dark and early in the morning.
• Bring the right car. All-wheel or four-wheel drive helps. If a storm is forecast for check-in day, consider arriving a day early or a day late.

Our getting to Highlands guide covers the main routes in.

Frozen waterfalls: look, don’t climb

On very cold days, the spray at Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls freezes into ice along the rock. It is worth seeing. It is also dangerous. The US Forest Service warns that rocks at Dry Falls may not look icy but can be coated with ice and extremely slippery, and that a fall above the falls can be fatal. Dry Falls is open year-round from dawn to dusk.

• View from the overlook or parking area when there is ice. Skip the trail behind the falls.
• Never climb on rocks or walk above any falls.
• Wear boots with real tread. Traction cleats help on icy trails.
• Hold small kids’ hands, and keep grandparents on paved paths.

See our waterfalls guide for each falls.

Cozy indoor ideas

• A show at the PAC. The Highlands Performing Arts Center on Chestnut Street shows live broadcasts of opera, theater and ballet through the colder months. Fairview House is across the street.
• The Bascom. Rotating gallery exhibits and a studio barn with classes. Good for a group that wants to make something.
• Hot chocolate on Main. Walk Main Street, warm up in a cafe, and loop back by the rink.
• A slow day at the house. Puzzles, a long brunch and a big pot of chili. Winter is the season when a group actually sits together.

Walks that work in winter

When the roads are clear, short walks are at their best in winter. With the leaves down you can see farther. The loop around the lake at the Biological Station’s botanical garden is flat and close to town. The Highlands Greenway Trail is another easy option close to town. Dress in layers, since it can be much colder on exposed ridges than on Main Street.