Carolina Waterfalls and Highlands Private VIP Boutique Tour
Description
Escape into the beauty of Western North Carolina on this full-day private mountain adventure featuring waterfalls, charming towns, scenic overlooks, and natural treasures. Departing Asheville, your day begins with a scenic drive to the historic Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva for panoramic mountain views. From there, we’ll head toward Highlands, stopping at Cliffside Lake for an optional easy stroll. Nature takes center stage at Dry Falls, where guests can walk behind a roaring waterfall, followed by iconic Bridal Veil Falls. Guests will have time for lunch and exploring Highlands before continuing through the Pisgah region toward Brevard, known for its white squirrels. The adventure continues with Pisgah Visitor Center, an easy visit to Looking Glass Falls, and an optional sweet treat at Dolly’s Dairy Bar before returning to Asheville. Because this is a private tour, the pace is flexible and tailored to your group.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at Dry Falls in Highlands, NC. Step behind the breathtaking curtain of rushing water as you walk through a rock cave. Witness the power and beauty of the falls without getting wet. Don't miss this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the stunning natural wonder of Dry Falls.
Prepare to be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Bridal Veil Falls in Highlands, NC. Watch as a delicate curtain of water gracefully flows down a 120-foot rock face, resembling a bridal veil. Drive behind this mesmerizing waterfall for a truly unique experience. A must-visit destination for those seeking nature's breathtaking wonders and picturesque moments.
Escape to paradise at Cliffside Lake in NC. This hidden gem offers a serene oasis surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountain views. Whether you're into fishing, kayaking, or picnicking by the water, Cliffside Lake has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty and create unforgettable memories in this tranquil haven of relaxation and outdoor recreation.
Discover the enchantment of Looking Glass Falls in NC. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this picturesque waterfall as it cascades over ancient rock formations. Capture the perfect Instagram-worthy photo, cool off in the refreshing pool, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere. Lose yourself in the tranquility and natural splendor of Looking Glass Falls.
Experience the allure of Highlands, NC, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This charming mountain town captivates with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant downtown, and a thriving arts and dining scene. Discover outdoor adventures, quaint shops, and indulge in the area's natural beauty. Let Highlands charm you with its warm hospitality and endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Callasaja River Gorge in Highlands, NC. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of the deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Hike along scenic trails, discover hidden gems, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature at its finest in this picturesque and enchanting destination.
Our journey begins in the charming mountain town of Sylva, home to one of Western North Carolina’s most photographed courthouses. Perched high above downtown at the top of a grand staircase, the historic Jackson County Courthouse offers sweeping views over the surrounding mountains and the picturesque streets below. Guests may choose to climb the steps for the full panoramic experience, admire the courthouse from below, or, time permitting, enjoy a short stroll through Sylva’s quaint downtown with its local shops, cafés, and classic small-town Appalachian charm. It’s the perfect introduction to the beauty and character of Western North Carolina.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(32)
Our guide took us to see waterfalls and other interesting sites in the area. A.J. was very personal and accommodating. We had a great time even though it rained a bit. The rain had made the waterfalls especially majestic.
We were so looking forward to this trip. However, 3 days before the trip we were phoned by Globetrekkers who canceled it. Apparently only one tour guide available and he was ill. Now stuck with no tours for this day.
We regret this situation happened. Unfortunately we currently only have 1 guide in the Asheville region until mid Sept. As much as we would like to be able to offer alternatives, in this case we were unable to do so. We have no control over sickness, especially highly contagious illnesses. When this happens we don't have much choice in cancelling the tour. We do truly regret that we were unable to provide the tour as planned and we did reach out immediately when we received the information about the guide in hopes you could make alternative plans for your time in Asheville.
The waterfalls were beautiful, hikes were challenging in places but doable. Lee our guide was great, very amiable and flexible to what we wanted to do and prepared, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and fantastic snacks! The time in the car driving to each location was longer than we thought it would be.
Lee was our guide for today, she was just wonderful. So patient, engaging and resourceful. If not for her and left to us on our own, we wouldn't have navigated even 1/10th of what we saw today. Many thanks to her and the tour operator. I would strongly recommend this tour.
The whole experience was amazing!! Adrianna was our guide and she was fantastic!! She was extremely knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to be with.
It was a terrific day. Adriana made it very enjoyable. She was very knowledgeable about the region and some very interesting history facts. She really made the day. The fall colors were vibrant. In addition to the waterfalls and fall foliage, there were rainbows over the mountains. Excellent day!
We loved being driven around so we could look at the scenery and enjoy the ride. Adriana, was very personable, accommodating and an excellent driver. Her vehicle was very comfortable. She had a box of snacks and a cooler of soft drinks and water. We did wish she had told us more about what we were seeing and the history of the area. I live not far from the area we travelled so perhaps she didn’t feel the need but my traveling companion is not local. But overall, we enjoyed our day very much.
I have previously booked private tours through "Trip Advisor". Each experience has been 5 Stars with the exception of this one. Private tours are pricey but I am willing to pay for the enhanced experience or so called VIP experience. This one has caused me to question whether further private tours through "Trip Advisor" are in my future. Objectively, the tour provided all per the description. However, the area is rich with natural beauty and steeped in history. The information concerning both was lacking. The conversation, as stated by my fellow trip advisor traveler, Nancy, was not appropriate to say the least. During a five hour tour, conversation and some personal information is expected and welcome. The content of the conversation on this tour far exceeded this. At times, the conversation made us feel uncomfortable. The level of disclosure compromised the enjoyment of the tour touched on themes not appropriate for a family. As this is advertised as a VIP tour, it is reasonable to assume a level of professionalism and decorum. Additionally, knowledge is expected concerning the content of the tour. The vehicle needed some attention. It was not mal odorus, but it had a stint that was less than pleasant to endure for five hours. The lunch stop was Tex Mex or Mexican. I, mistakenly, assumed that the stop would be at a restaurant that was not cuisine specific as I do not care for Tex Mex. Had I been given a heads up, I would have opted for another restaurant.
Dear Ms. Philippe-Auguste, We regret to learn of the disappointing experience you encountered during our tour, and we would like to extend our sincere apologies. We greatly value your feedback and take any concerns raised by our guests very seriously. Upon reviewing your comments, we have thoroughly investigated the matter and taken appropriate measures to address the issue at hand. We understand that our guides should always maintain a high level of professionalism, ensuring that personal boundaries are respected and that guests feel comfortable throughout their tour experience. It is with deep concern that we acknowledge the particular incident involving the imparting of personal information and the assumption of your interest in extraneous topics beyond the tour itself. Having engaged in a constructive conversation with the guide involved, it became apparent that her conduct did not align with the standards and expectations we set for our team members. Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to part ways, ensuring that such behavior does not recur in the future. We believe it is imperative to maintain a welcoming environment for our guests, where they can fully immerse themselves in the tour's intended experience without distractions or discomfort. We genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process. It is our utmost priority to provide you with a memorable and satisfactory visit. As an organization committed to continuous improvement, we will be implementing additional training and reinforcement programs to further instill the values and professionalism expected of our guides. By doing so, we aim to ensure that all future interactions with our guides are characterized by the utmost care, respect, and dedication. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Kind regards, Dennis Dunnam Globe Trekkers Tour Co.
The whole day was perfect. Laurie really made the trip! She was so knowledgeable about not only the waterfalls but also things going on locally. I would give her and the trip a 10+ if I could. The number of waterfalls was amazing and some very near the road. The scenery was spectacular. Laurie is a professional photographer and she took some pictures of us that she forwarded to us that were really good. We are not photographers, so that was a real plus for us as well,
The waterfall tour was great. And the views of both the falls and surrounding area was breathtaking. Above all our tour guide Lori was amazing. Knowledgeable, interesting and entertaining. We have been on dozens of tours over the past few years and none more scenic or enhanced by such a wonderful tour guide.
