Family-friendly vacation rentals in Highlands

Peaceful Lake Cabin - Close to Town - sleeps 6

Enjoy a peaceful cabin getaway on Apple Lake, 5 minutes from Highlands, NC. Highlands is a charming mountain town with great restaurants, spa, theater, music concerts, and shopping. Our cabin is very open with high ceilings, a huge wood burning fire place, two bedrooms downstairs, and two upstairs in an open loft. Minutes from scenic waterfalls, and hiking trails. Enjoy relaxing on the porch, cooking, fishing, and kayaking on the lake. Wonderful for family/friend vacations or a romantic getaway!

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

Luxury Log Cabin • Hot Tub • 7 min to Highlands

Retreat to the silent woods in meticulously restored original “Joe Webb” log cabins: Gilmer Lodge marries the nostalgia of original rustic period architecture with modern finishes, including completely new kitchen and bathrooms. Nestled beneath old-growth tree canopy, this design-forward property includes two separate log cabins – circa 1790 and early 1900s – that together function as a single home. The two cabins are adjacent to each other, connected exteriorly by a wrap-around covered porch.

Mountain Air Cabin

Adorable & freshly renovated cabin located in a private wooded community between Highlands and Franklin in the Nantahala National Forest. Our light & airy cabin is nestled on almost 4 acres of woodsy, mountainous terrain and is private and picturesque, yet still convenient to town. We love relaxing on the front porch, surrounded by nature and enjoying the sounds of the streams & views of the mountains. It is a peaceful cabin to relax & enjoy the cool breezes and scenery of the Smoky Mountains.

❤️Romantic Highlands Cottage❤️Trail Access to Town!

At 4000+ feet & only a 10 min walk to town on the Rhododendron Trail. Totally renovated 2017!! Light & sunny 3 bed/2 bath, 750 sq. ft. Originally built by my wife's g-grandmother in the 1940's. Floor to ceiling shiplap, 17 ft. ceilings, hardwoods, reclaimed barn wood, custom fixtures, heated marble/slate bath floors, tankless water heater, gas fireplace, porch, Wifi, TV, washer/dryer, kitchenette. Beautiful gardens! Classic Highlands charm with modern comforts! Hike, fish, shop, or relax!

Hide Inn Seek Hillside Treehouse 1.5mi to Main St

Escape to luxury at the Hillside Treehouse brought to you by the biophilic hospitality brand 'Hide Inn Seek'. Located in Highlands NC, just 1.5 miles from main street, this newly built home sits boldly among the trees allowing you to indulge in nature while enjoying luxury accommodations. The 58 step ascent leads you up to a treehouse experience like no other. Check out our newly listed sister property, Bird Nest Treehouse, designed just for couples—complete with a full spa experience!

Mountain Gem Breeze Hot Tub and $1M Views

Perfect spot to get engaged! 13 proposals in 2025!!! Did someone mention endless million-dollar views! Perfect place to pop the question and we can help with extra decorations! Enjoy a stylish experience at this centrally located place. Mountain Gem Breeze @ Whiteside Cliffs is located inside a gated community. The hiking possibilities are endless! A short trip to downtown Cashiers or Highlands makes this central location a dream come true. Less than 5 minutes to Cashiers Sliding Rock!

Cabin I Private hiking trails | Hot Tub I Sauna

Welcome to your private mountain escape in Lake Toxaway, NC! This 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom cabin is a one-of-a-kind retreat, offering breathtaking sunset views, a peaceful wooded setting, and unique architectural details. Unwind in the hot tub under the stars, relax in the sauna, challenge your partner to air hockey, or cozy up by the fire pit—all while enjoying the beauty of nature. Plus, enjoy exclusive access to 3 miles of private hiking trails, perfect for exploring the great outdoors!

Love Shack

This is the best view of Whiteside Mountain, you will find no better. The Love Shack is a unique one of a kind property located in one of Highlands most desirable areas less than 2 Mi from town. The screened porch and king size bed overlook Whiteside, oldest mt in the world. There's a private waterfall and garden. The grill and fire/meditation garden hold a powerful energy to calm and heal. Beautifully furnished, marble and barn wood kitchen and bath. Tub for two under sky light.

Affordable charm on 3 private rolling acres

A vacation haven! This Scaly Mountain cabin is perfect for a couple looking for an adventurous and/or romantic weekend in the mountains! You can check out the waterfalls at Glen Falls, head up to Sunset Rock, or choose from over a dozen other trail options. If hiking isn’t your thing, this cabin is five minutes from Sky Valley Golf Course, Highland Outpost Adventure Park, and numerous fishing spots. Centrally located twenty minutes from Highlands NC, Franklin NC, and Clayton GA.

Hydrangea House - Close to Main St!

Experience a lovely blend of nature and convenience at this beautifully updated mountain retreat. You’ll feel the tranquility of the mountains while being just a short (3/4 mile) distance from the charming main street of Highlands, NC. Enjoy easy access to delightful restaurants, unique shops, and all the local attractions (check out our guidebook for recommendations!). This home is easy to find off highway 64 and provides a mountain getaway with the excitement of a quaint town.

Bright & cheery! Modern, quiet, peaceful.

Discover a bright mid-century inspired cabin nestled on 4+ private acres near Cashiers & Highlands, NC. Thoughtfully designed with clean lines, natural light, and positive vibes, this stylish retreat features a screened-in covered porch, fire pit, gas grill, and a spacious deck for lounging or stargazing. Surrounded by nature yet close to town (20 minutes drive), it’s the perfect blend of mid-mod design, comfort, and mountain seclusion. Book your unforgettable escape today!