Two hours north of Atlanta, tucked into the Nantahala National Forest, Trailborn Highlands has emerged as one of Highlands, North Carolina’s most talked-about new stays — not because it’s flashy, but because it quietly reimagines what mountain lodging can feel like.
Opened in late 2024, the 63-room property occupies 4.5 wooded acres near downtown Highlands, offering the calm of a cabin stay with the ease of a small hotel. It’s part of a broader push by Trailborn Hotels & Resorts to bring thoughtful, community-rooted lodging to scenic destinations across the country.
A Familiar Escape, Revisited
Highlands has long been an easy retreat for Atlantans — a two-hour drive that trades traffic for trailheads, antique shops, and waterfall hikes. Trailborn’s version keeps the relaxed pace but updates the surroundings: a large central lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, a Nordic-style spa with a sauna and cold-spritz showers, and outdoor decks framed by fire pits and gardens.
Inside, New York studio LOVEISENOUGH led the renovation, introducing natural wood finishes and a color palette drawn from the surrounding forest. The atmosphere feels more handmade than high-end, with quiet attention to texture and space.
A Historic Cabin Finds New Life
Earlier this year, the hotel completed its transformation with the opening of Highlands Supper Club, located in a 1930 log cabin built by local craftsman Joe Webb. Webb’s signature details — chestnut beams, wide-plank floors, and stone fireplaces — remain intact, joined by simple furnishings, rhododendron-patterned wallpaper, and soft lighting.
The restaurant serves an understated menu centered on local ingredients: Carolina shrimp and trout in tomato broth, buttermilk-fried chicken, and North Carolina Pecan Trout with brown butter. Wines and cocktails are straightforward, and the dining room opens onto a patio overlooking the trees.
Subtle Touches, Local Roots
Guest rooms favor practical comforts: cherry wood furniture, neutral walls, and woven textiles that reference the region’s quilting traditions. Amenities include Parachute robes, Grown Alchemist bath products, and locally sourced snacks. A recurring wildflower motif — from seed packets at check-in to seasonal floral workshops — ties the property back to the landscape.
A Steady Draw for Atlantans
With its manageable drive and unhurried setting, Trailborn Highlands has become a natural weekend option for Atlanta residents seeking cooler air and quieter surroundings. The appeal lies less in luxury and more in pace — a place that feels designed to exhale.
