Highlands vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Highlands

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Shipping container in Walhalla

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 393 reviews

The Southern Cross at Hi Saw Gap

The quintessential Tiny Home experience at beautiful Hi Saw Gap! The Southern Cross is located cliff's edge with endless views over untouched natural beauty. Fabulous outdoor amenities compel you to be outside, including a glass enclosed shelter, propane fire pit, charcoal BBQ grill, and covered bistro deck with outdoor kitchen and prep station. Located just a half-mile from Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls, Yellow Branch Falls hiking trail, and the World class Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park.

Oct 17 – 24

€ 145 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Highlands

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 197 reviews

RiverBunk, Highlands Vintage Treasure

RiverBunk fronts Culasaga River in the historic Mirror Lake area on Hicks Road. 1 mi from downtown, shopping, restaurants, art, spa, wine garden and outdoor activities. Truly a one of a kind cottage that will bring you back and wow you with coziness and romantic memories. Perfect for the couple who wants to escape but tip out to one of the many eateries or waterfalls in the area. Hiking, zip-line, seasonal snow tubing and local galleries will keep you entertained. Amazing New Dock and Dingy

Mar 5 – 12

€ 437 per night
Guest favorite

Barn in Highlands, North Carolina, US

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 171 reviews

River Love ❤@ The Barn *Highlands Trout Fishing

This romantic retreat on the river will have you swooning for your love and wanting to stay longer. Nestled in a picturesque valley at higher elevations with views of the lower gorge and the Cullasaja river rapids as your playground, the open floor plan and abundant windows bring the outdoors in. Romantic is just the beginning as you sleep with views of the moon and stars over your bed in 1 of the master bedrooms. Or choose the enormous suite downstairs for views of the river and fireflies.

Apr 6 – 13

€ 338 per night

Popular amenities for Highlands vacation rentals

Stay near Highlands's top sights

Old Edwards Inn and Spa38 locals recommend
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern7 locals recommend
Mountain Fresh Grocery95 locals recommend
The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands98 locals recommend
Wild Thyme Gourmet60 locals recommend
Highlands Smokehouse25 locals recommend

Highlands house rentals

Guest favorite

Home in Highlands

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Peak Place - Mountain House 5 minutes to Main St!

Feb 13 – 20

€ 353 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Hayesville

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 327 reviews

Cozy Mill Creek Cottage with fantastic view

Jan 27 – Feb 3

€ 92 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Highlands

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Highlands home close to town on Rhododendron Trail

Jan 31 – Feb 7

€ 372 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Franklin

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviews

Russell Highlands Cabin Hideaway

Jun 13 – 20

€ 116 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Highlands

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviews

Scotchland. Wood burning fireplace. 5 min to town

Dec 22 – 29

€ 282 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Franklin

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

Cabin in Franklin, The Rusty Nail

Sep 9 – 16

€ 110 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Lake Toxaway

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 254 reviews

Treehouse with a Hot Tub, Hiking Trails & View

Jan 25 – Feb 1

€ 220 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Clayton

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 322 reviews

The Extra House

May 6 – 13

€ 125 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Highlands

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews

Spacious, In-Town Hideaway

Oct 5 – 12

€ 693 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Otto

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Cabin/relax to raging rapids/hiking trail/secluded

Dec 29 – Jan 5

€ 186 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Candler

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 344 reviews

Summit House - Modern Mountain Luxury

Nov 29 – Dec 6

€ 430 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Candler

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 306 reviews

Cozy Country Home

Apr 15 – 22

€ 119 per night

Highlands condo rentals

Guest favorite

Condo in Helen

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 205 reviews

Remodeled! Alpine Getaway, Walk to Helen and more!

Jan 26 – Feb 2

€ 121 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Helen

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 295 reviews

"Helen Hideaway," condo in beautiful Helen Georgia

Mar 10 – 17

€ 122 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Salem

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Beautiful Lake Keowee Condo with great Amenities

Feb 1 – 8

€ 198 per night
Superhost

Condo in Sapphire

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews

Foxhunt Townhouses 2 BR/2 BA a Mountain Retreat!

Mar 14 – 21

€ 447 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Waynesville

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

The BLUEBIRD Clubhouse Condo! NEWLY REMODELED!!!!!

Dec 7 – 14

€ 142 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Brevard

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 183 reviews

Penthouse Mountain View Condo Downtown Brevard

Aug 23 – 30

€ 189 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Bryson City

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

MooseLodge Hideaway… Home Away From Home!

Jul 27 – Aug 3

€ 118 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Clemson

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

4 Bdrm- Clean, Comfy & Modern condo

Apr 22 – 29

€ 135 per night
Superhost

Condo in Helen

4.76 out of 5 average rating, 169 reviews

Alan's apartment - 1b1ba - indoor fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, TV, Wi-Fi

Sep 28 – Oct 5

€ 168 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Robbinsville

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Luxury Suite # 1 in Mt View Home

Sep 28 – Oct 5

€ 163 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Helen

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews

Sleeping Bear Condo - Downtown Helen!!!

Aug 14 – 21

€ 416 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Highlands

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviews

Private Suite in Highlands

Jul 10 – 17

€ 138 per night

Other great vacation rentals in Highlands

Guest favorite

Loft in Highlands

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 311 reviews

Lunori | Loft 1 | Garden Patio

Oct 22 – 29

€ 332 per night
Guest favorite

Chalet in Highlands

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews

Live-in Art Gallery + King Suite + <1 Min to DT

Dec 21 – 28

€ 315 per night
Guest favorite

Cabin in Highlands

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

Redden's Retreat - 3 miles to Downtown Highlands

May 22 – 29

€ 629 per night
Guest favorite

Place to stay in Cashiers

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviews

Papa’s Perch. Rain forest getaway with hot tub.

Apr 3 – 8

€ 150 per night
Guest favorite

Cabin in Highlands

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

Whitewater Mountain Log Cabin

Nov 9 – 16

€ 708 per night
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Highlands

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

The Highlands Hideaway | 1-Mile from Town

Oct 29 – Nov 5

€ 537 per night
Guest favorite

Tiny home in Franklin

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

A Tiny Paw's (pause) A peaceful pause from life

Sep 5 – 12

€ 173 per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Highlands

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 211 reviews

WineTime

Nov 23 – 30

€ 232 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Highlands

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews

Mountain Rest

Oct 23 – 30

€ 205 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Franklin

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 206 reviews

Peaceful Mountain Cottage

Oct 15 – 22

€ 113 per night
Guest favorite

Cabin in Franklin

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews

Private Mountaintop Cabin with Gorgeous View

Feb 8 – 15

€ 103 per night
Guest favorite

Chalet in Highlands

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviews

Cozy Cottage w Hot Tub, 5 min walk to Main St

Feb 11 – 18

€ 384 per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Highlands

Total rentals

200 properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

80 properties have a dedicated workspace

Pet-friendly rentals

80 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

140 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

7.7K reviews

Nightly prices starting at

€ 74 before taxes and fees

Your guide to Highlands

All About Highlands

Highlands is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, located within North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. The surrounding Appalachian Mountains offer miles of hiking trails where you just may catch a deer drinking from a nearby stream, or raccoons meandering near a rushing waterfall. Occasionally people have reported seeing black bears in this rich ecosystem, which is home to a variety of birds as well.

While the area is known for its serene outdoor atmosphere, Highlands’ Main Street and the nearby town of Cashiers boast an assortment of unique shops and dining experiences. Clothing boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and bookstores line the wide sidewalks. Many of the restaurants feature live music, craft beers, local wines, and an eclectic menu of local produce courtesy of the fertile mountain soil.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Highlands

Due to Highlands’ elevation among the Appalachian Mountains, the summers remain cool and pleasant, making May through September the perfect time to book a Highlands vacation rental. You can enjoy the numerous hiking paths, as well as the outdoor dining opportunities available during this time. As the temperatures drop for the winter months, switch gears for ice skating and snow tubing. Warm clothes and waterproof boots will be necessary during this time, as snowfall is common during Highlands’ winter months. In addition to the regular activities found in Highlands, numerous events are held throughout the year. A multi-day music festival in April features performances from a variety of genres. The Highlands Food and Wine Festival is another popular event held in November, featuring an assortment of delicious food and wine, and more live music.


Top things to do in Highlands

Highlands Nature Center

The Highlands Nature Center features year-round exhibits, interactive displays, and special events that focus on the unique biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region. The onsite botanical gardens showcase nearly 500 species of wildflowers, mosses, ferns, shrubs, and trees. The wooded trails around the center’s lake and pond provide visitors with the chance to see some of the local wildlife.

Dry Falls

Located just minutes outside of Highlands, Dry Falls is a stunning 80-foot waterfall. The paved pathway from the parking lot makes Dry Falls easily accessible. Due to the way the water flows from the overhead cliff, you could have the unique experience of walking behind the falling water without getting wet, although when the rain volume is higher than normal, you just might get sprayed.

Secret Falls

Commonly referred to as Big Shoals Falls, this hidden 50-foot waterfall is located just 6.5 miles from downtown Highlands on Big Creek. The half-mile trail from the parking lot to the waterfall is only marked with one staked sign and blue rectangles on the trees, adding to the clandestine feel of the falls. Once you make the hike, a small sandy beach will be waiting for you, with shallow creek waters providing a place to wade and swim while enjoying the cascading waters from above.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Highlands?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 80 vacation rentals in Highlands featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Highlands?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Highlands. Choose from more than 80 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Highlands?

    Experience the best of Highlands with our house rentals, starting at about $130 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Do house rentals in Highlands have self check-in?

    Absolutely! We offer over 60 house rentals with self check-in in Highlands. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Highlands have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 90 house rentals with wifi in Highlands. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Highlands have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 80 house rentals with a bbq area in Highlands. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there family-friendly house rentals in Highlands?

    Highlands has more than 90 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Highlands?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 60 homes with self check-in, over 90 homes with wifi, over 80 homes with a bbq area, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. North Carolina
  4. Macon County
  5. Highlands