By Jon Tharp, Broker · September 30, 2026
At a Glance
Highlands, at 4,118 feet, has organizations such as the Highlands Biological Station, the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust and The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center that make time outdoors easy to enjoy. The Highlands Biological Station offers classes, workshops and lectures, many free. The Highlands Cashiers Land Trust offers ecotours, guided hikes and workshops. The chamber also highlights Many Hands Peace Farm at The Mountain for opportunities to learn about wild edibles and growing mushrooms. Check each group for current schedules.
Highlands sits at 4,118 feet, and the Highlands Chamber calls it an ideal place to spend time outdoors, with mountain scenery and cool summer air.
The Highlands Chamber says organizations like the Highlands Biological Station, the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust and The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center make that easy.
What does the Highlands Biological Station offer visitors?
The Highlands Biological Station supports research, education and conservation of the natural heritage of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, which the chamber describes as a biodiversity hotspot. It offers classes, workshops and lectures, and many of them are free. In summer, the station holds events for all ages.
How can you explore the protected land around Highlands and Cashiers?
The Highlands Cashiers Land Trust protects and conserves the lands of the Highlands-Cashiers plateau that have the greatest number of rare and endemic plants and animals in the Southern Appalachians.
By attending the land trust's events and gatherings, you can learn about and explore the forests, wetlands and vistas that make up the plateau. Its events include ecotours, guided hikes and workshops. It posts updates on its Facebook page and website.
What happens at the Many Hands Peace Farm?
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is ecologically conscious and serves congregations, businesses, schools and other groups. It celebrates Unitarian Universalist principles and provides opportunities for celebrating nature through retreats, camps, classes, volunteer opportunities and more.
The chamber highlights events at Many Hands Peace Farm, located at The Mountain, as an opportunity to learn about wild edibles and growing your own mushrooms, or to feast on forest and farm foods harvested from the farm. Examples listed by the chamber included a Wild Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop, a Forest to Table Dinner and an Intro to Herbalism class. Check The Mountain's website for more classes and workshops.
Source: Highlands Chamber
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Zahner lectures in Highlands free?
Yes. The Highlands Chamber reports that the Zahner Lecture Conservation Series, listed among the Highlands Biological Station's offerings, is free and open to the public, with no registration required. Check the current schedule before planning a visit.
What does the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust offer?
The Highlands Cashiers Land Trust offers events such as ecotours, guided hikes and workshops. Its events and gatherings let you learn about and explore the forests, wetlands and vistas that make up the Highlands-Cashiers plateau. Updates are available on its Facebook page and website.
What is the elevation of Highlands?
According to the Highlands Chamber, Highlands sits at 4,118 feet, where visitors can enjoy cool summer air.
About the Author
Jon Tharp is a licensed NC real estate broker with Keller Williams. He's helped buyers and sellers across Western North Carolina for over 10 years, specializing in mountain homes, land, and short-term rental investments, with offices throughout WNC covering all mountainous areas. If something in this post has you thinking about a move, he's easy to reach — (828) 347-9055 or smokymountainhomes4sale.com or Jon@jontharphomes.com.
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