Highlands & Cashiers, NC
Plateau resorts — waterfalls, upscale villages & cool elevations
🚗 3–3½ hours from Johnson City · ~140 miles from Johnson City · Johnson City via I-40 W toward Sylva, then US-64 to Highlands
Best season: Summer heat escape; peak foliage Oct
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Highlands, NC. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
Highlands and Cashiers sit on the Blue Ridge escarpment where Atlanta weekenders meet serious waterfall country — Bridal Veil Falls (drive-under), Dry Falls, and cliff-lined US-64.
The towns themselves are boutique-shopping and restaurant destinations; budget for upscale pricing.
Highlights
- Bridal Veil Falls & Dry Falls (US-64 waterfall alley)
- Highlands downtown dining & galleries
- Whiteside Mountain cliffs (fee area)
- Cashiers Valley scenic drives
Sample one-day itinerary
US-64 west from Sylva — waterfall pull-offs en route.
Reserve popular spots on summer Saturdays.
Short cliff overlook hike if time; long return via I-40.
Know before you go
- Mountain roads twist — motion-sensitive passengers beware.
- Whiteside and some falls have stairs — check mobility needs.
- Overnight sensible — 7+ hours on the road same-day from Tri-Cities.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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