Scaly-Highlands Surrounding Area

Scaly Mountain is a small municipality located in Macon County, North Carolina, in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The Scaly-Highlands area is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and charming small-town atmosphere. Here are some tourist-related activities and attractions in Scaly Mountain and the surrounding areas:
The Scaly Mountain/Highlands area is rich in natural beauty and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Scaly Mountain and the surrounding areas are home to many notable natural mountains and landmarks.

Whiteside Mountain: Located near Highlands, Whiteside Mountain is a popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It features the highest sheer rock face east of the Mississippi River and is a designated National Recreation Trail.

Chimney Rock State Park: Located about an hour and a half from Scaly Mountain, Chimney Rock State Park features a 315-foot granite monolith that offers panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The park also has several hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas.

Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that runs through the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and passes through several notable landmarks, including Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell.

Cashiers Valley: Cashiers Valley is a beautiful mountain valley located near Highlands. It is known for its scenic views, waterfalls, and hiking trails, including the popular Whiteside Mountain Trail.

Dry Falls: Dry Falls is a 65-foot waterfall located near Highlands. Visitors can walk behind the waterfall and experience the rush of water as it cascades over the rocks.

Cullasaja Falls: Cullasaja Falls is a 250-foot waterfall located near Highlands. It can be viewed from the side of the road on Highway 64, which offers a scenic drive through the Cullasaja River Gorge.
Highlands, NC is a charming town located near Scaly Mountain, NC that is known for its dining, music and art scene. There are many popular restaurants in Highlands that are worth checking out. Whether you're looking for fine dining or a more casual atmosphere, there's something for everyone in this charming mountain town.

Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro: Wolfgang’s is a fine-dining restaurant that specializes in European cuisine, with a focus on French and German dishes. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden: Madison’s is a farm-to-table restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently to reflect the seasonal availability of ingredients. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor garden area for dining.

On the Verandah: On the Verandah is a classic American restaurant that has been a Highlands institution for over 30 years. The menu features a variety of dishes, including steaks, seafood, and pasta. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Cyprus International Cuisine: Cyprus is a Mediterranean restaurant that features a variety of dishes from Greece, Italy, and Spain. The menu includes fresh seafood, lamb, and vegetarian options. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and a lively bar area.

Wild Thyme Gourmet: Wild Thyme Gourmet is a casual restaurant that offers sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as gourmet cheeses and meats. The restaurant has a small outdoor seating area and a market where visitors can purchase specialty foods and gifts.

Four65 Woodfire Bistro & Bar: Tasty woodfire pizza and inviting atmosphere. Just down from Old Edwards Inn.

Sweet Treats Ice Cream & Highlands Deli: Great, super casual sandwich shop that offers traditional deli favorites and scoops. Quick and delicious for adults and kids alike. They even have an outstanding PB&J!
Dillard is a small town located in Rabun County, Georgia, just a few miles south of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina. There is plenty to offer visitors looking to experience the natural beauty and Southern hospitality of the North Georgia mountains.

Attractions: Dillard is home to several notable attractions, including Dillard House, a historic restaurant and inn that serves up Southern cuisine, and the Dillard House Stables, where visitors can go horseback riding.

Outdoor activities: Like Scaly Mountain, Dillard is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The nearby Rabun Bald Trail and Bartram Trail are popular hiking destinations.

Festivals and events: Dillard hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Dillard Bluegrass and Barbeque Festival in August and the Dillard House Arts and Crafts Festival in November.

Shopping: Dillard is known for its antique shops, which offer a variety of unique finds, as well as several other shops and boutiques.

Location: Dillard is located just a short drive from other popular destinations in the North Georgia mountains, including Clayton, Helen, and Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Sky Valley Resort is a gated community and resort located near Scaly Mountain and Highlands, NC. The resort is situated in a beautiful mountain valley and offers a range of amenities and activities for visitors and residents. Sky Valley is a great place for golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The community is welcoming and friendly, and the amenities and activities are sure to provide something for everyone.

Golf course: Sky Valley Resort has an 18-hole championship golf course that is open to members and guests. The course features stunning mountain views and challenging terrain.

Tennis courts: The resort has several tennis courts where visitors and residents can play tennis.

Swimming pool: Sky Valley Resort has a large outdoor swimming pool that is open during the summer months. The pool area also has a snack bar and changing facilities.

Fitness center: The resort has a fitness center that is equipped with cardio and weight machines.

Trout fishing: Sky Valley Resort has several stocked trout ponds where visitors can fish for rainbow trout and other species.

Hiking trails: The resort has several hiking trails that lead through the surrounding mountains and forests.

Clubhouse: The resort’s clubhouse is a hub of activity and features a restaurant, bar, and event space.
Tallulah Falls is a small town located in Rabun County, Georgia, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Tallulah Falls is a beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to experience the natural beauty of the North Georgia mountains.

Tallulah Gorge State Park: The centerpiece of Tallulah Falls is Tallulah Gorge State Park, which features a spectacular canyon carved by the Tallulah River. The park offers several hiking trails, including a strenuous hike down into the gorge and across a suspension bridge.

Waterfalls: Tallulah Falls is named for the series of waterfalls that cascade down the Tallulah River within the gorge. Visitors can view the falls from several overlooks within the state park.

Whitewater rafting: The Tallulah River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, with several outfitters offering guided trips through the gorge.

Lake Burton: Located just a few miles from Tallulah Falls, Lake Burton is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Rabun County: Tallulah Falls is part of Rabun County, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is home to several other state parks, including Black Rock Mountain State Park and Moccasin Creek State Park.

Historic sites: Tallulah Falls has several historic sites, including the Tallulah Falls Railroad Museum, which tells the story of the railroad that once operated in the area.
Franklin, NC

Franklin, North Carolina is a classic slice of Small Town America. While considered the trade center of far Western North Carolina and home to national technology providers, you’ll find the lifestyle is relaxed and so are the people. Friendly smiles and hellos will greet you as walk through downtown area or along the Little Tennessee River Greenway that runs through the heart of Franklin. Franklin’s heritage is showcased in the three museums all located within walking distance of each other on Town Hill.

During the Spring and Summer months the Town sponsors Pickin’ on the Square with free, live entertainment downtown at the Gazebo on the square.
Cashiers, NC

Cashiers is a popular vacation destination in Jackson County and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, located just 10 miles from Highlands and about 63 miles from Asheville, along scenic Highway 64. Sitting at a high elevation of about 3,500 ft. in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest, this cool, lush area has plenty of beautiful spots for outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountain peaks of more than 5,000 ft., Cashiers averages 75 inches of precipitation, so the area is filled with rivers and waterfalls.

The center of the community is the intersection of NC Highway 107 and US Highway 64. Explore numerous apparel boutiques, antique shops, home furnishing studios and outstanding restaurants. Many are hidden a little off the highway, so park and walk. We reccommend stopping at Cashiers Farmers Market for a picnic lunch and enjoy at their picnic tables or on a nearby hike.
The area around Scaly Mountain and Highlands, NC is known for its diverse wildlife. These are just a few examples of the many native species that can be found in the area. Visitors to the area should be aware of these animals and take appropriate precautions when hiking or spending time in the outdoors.

Black bears: Black bears are common in the southern Appalachian Mountains, including the area around Scaly Mountain and Highlands. Keep you trash cans locked up to avoid these curious and hungry creatures!

 White-tailed deer: Beautiful white-tailed deer are abundant in the forests and fields around Scaly Mountain and Highlands.

Wild turkeys: Wild turkeys are often seen in the forests and fields of the area.

Red-tailed hawks: Red-tailed hawks are a common sight in the skies above the area.

Raccoons: Raccoons are nocturnal animals that can be found throughout the area. These bandits are skilled at robbing trash bins!

Bobcats: Bobcats are shy and elusive animals that can be found in the lush forests and mountains around the area.

Coyotes: Coyotes are adaptable animals that have become increasingly common in the southern Appalachian Mountains in recent years.

Eastern box turtles: Eastern box turtles are a native species that can be found in the forests and fields around Scaly Mountain and Highlands. If you find one, it is NOT lost. Using a built in magnetic field, they spend their entire lives within a 2 mile radius!

Timber rattlesnakes: Timber rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that can be found in the forests and mountains of the area.

Gray squirrels: Gray squirrels are common in the forests and woodlands around the area.

Groundhogs: Groundhogs are seen often. Keep a look out on the roadside for these large cute rodents as you drive along.