Private Rainforest & Waterfall Drive — Two Hours Through Highlands’ Temperate Canopy

HIGHLANDS PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE

Private Rainforest & Waterfall Drive — Two Hours Through Highlands’ Temperate Canopy

A two-hour private vehicle tour departing from Highlands that visits mountain vistas and local waterfalls in the Nantahala Temperate Rainforest; this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

Private Rainforest & Waterfall Drive — Two Hours Through Highlands’ Temperate Canopy.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Highlands
Operator
Highland Excursion
Category
Private
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Reserve a private two-hour Rainforest and Waterfall tour with Highland Excursion and discover Highlands and the surrounding Nantahala Temperate Rainforest by back road. The trip is built around a reserved adventure vehicle for your party, combines mostly driving with some easy walking, and is presented as suitable for all ages and mobility levels.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VIEW

Mountain Vistas and Waterfalls

Back-road climbs reveal expansive mountain vistas and visits to local waterfalls within the Nantahala Temperate Rainforest — an outing ideal for landscape photography.

THE FORMAT

Private Vehicle, Easy Walking

This is a private tour that reserves an adventure vehicle for your group; the itinerary is mostly driving with short, easy walks to viewpoints and cascade sites.

THE COMPANY

Pet-Friendly and Group-Centered

Customer dogs are allowed and the tour is offered as a private, customer-favorite experience that accommodates larger parties up to the operator’s vehicle cap.

What the day feels like

On the Road and Under the Canopy

Expect a compact, two-hour outing that begins in Highlands and moves along quiet back roads into the surrounding national forest. Guides share local facts about the town as the vehicle carries the party to scenic pullouts and waterfall access points; walking between stops is brief and intentionally easy to keep the focus on vistas and short hikes.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private outing suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Active FamiliesA family-friendly format that combines short walks with lots of in-vehicle time; children are welcome and ages 2 and under ride free.
2
PhotographersIdeal for photographers seeking accessible vistas and waterfall scenes without long hikes.
3
Dog OwnersPet-friendly: customer dogs are allowed on the tour, and guests may request the operator’s dog to join as well.
4
Large GroupsCan accommodate larger private parties up to the operator’s vehicle cap, but groups larger than 12 are asked to call the operator for arrangements.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

Two hours total.

Meeting point

The tour departs from Highlands.

What to Bring

Hiking shoes, long pants and a shirt, and a light rain jacket recommended.

Pricing & Capacity

Base price listed for an initial party (see operator): $392 includes 1–4 guests; additional guests charged per person. Ages 2 and under are free. Operator vehicle cap is 30 people; contact the operator if your group is larger than 12.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

What are the rates and how many people can join?

Pricing is listed as $392.00 which includes 1–4 guests, with additional guests charged at $98.00 per person; the operator’s vehicle cap is 30 people.

Are children and guests with limited mobility welcome?

Yes — the tour is described as suitable for all ages and mobility abilities and consists mostly of driving with some easy walking.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes — customer dogs are allowed on the tour; you can also request the operator’s dog to join your adventure.

What should I wear?

Wear hiking shoes, long pants and a shirt, and pack a light rain jacket.

Where does the tour begin?

The private Rainforest and Waterfall tour departs from Highlands.