Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands is one of two Rainforests in North America and known as “the land of waterfalls”. Explore all that Highlands has to offer.

Hide Inn Seek Treehouse Hike

Take a Hike.

If hiking is your thing, Highlands is your place. One of our favorites is Glen Falls. The hike runs along a triple waterfall with four great scenic stops along the roughly 2-mile round trip journey. It’s only a 12 minute drive from the Hillside Treehouse and in the same neighborhood as the new Bird Nest Treehouse. For more hikes, stop in The Highland Hiker on main street for all the pro tips and gear before hitting the trails.

Hide Inn Seek Treehouse Creek

Play in a Creek.

Looking to skip some stones, hunt for crawfish, or just get your feet wet? Everyone loves a babbling creek. We think this one is pretty great. It is located just off of Highway 64 at Goldmine Road.

Hide Inn Seek Treehouse Waterfall

Climb a Waterfall.

Highlands is “the land of waterfalls” and in our opinion this one tops them all. Cullasaja Falls is located off of Highway 64 about 18 minutes from Hide Inn Seek. The crowds tend to stay away from this one because there is not a trail down to it and parking is scarce. After a scramble down a fairly steep descent with loose dirt and rocks, you’ll be at the base of this refreshing waterfall. Once you make it down you can hop boulders and explore the river for as far as you care to go. The difficulty to access it has kept it wild & undisturbed. It’s epic.

Hide Inn Seek Treehouse Priority Bike

Take a Bike Ride.

Take a ride on our belt drive cruisers (courtesy of Priority Bicycles) and explore the area. Main Street is a little over a mile from Hide Inn Seek Hillside Treehouse and Glen Falls is just down the road from Hide Inn Seek Bird Nest. After walking the bikes down the approach it’s smooth riding from there out to either destination.

Hide Inn Seek Treehouse Culinary Adventure

Go on a Culinary Adventure.

With 7 restaurants awarded by Wine Spectator, Highlands isn’t your average mountain town. While there are many fare favorites, here are our go-to’s:

Highlands Smokehouse—Our favorite bbq place in Highlands/Cashiers and right down the street from Hide Inn Seek Hillside Treehouse.

Oak Steakhouse—Our favorite restaurant anywhere…amazing food and service + strong mountain vibes. You’ll want a resy for this one!

Four65—Can always count on great pizzas and salads…owned by Old Edwards.

Ristorante Paoletti—Fine dining that feels like family. The team here is every bit as warm and welcoming as their out-of-this-world Cioppino. Get a resy!