About Us

The Southern Highlands Reserve is located in western North Carolina at an elevation of 4500'. The varied topography and forest types found on our 120 acres allow us to replicate many of the plant communities found in the higher reaches of the southern Appalachians.

From windswept cliffs to waterfall seep communities and red oak forests, the Reserve is home to a vast array of naturally occuring native plants. One of the largest natural stands of Rhododendron vaseyi is located here.

The Reserve is divided into two distinct areas, the Core Park and Natural Woodlands. The Core Park is home to destination gardens such as The Woodland Glade, The Azalea Walk, The Wildflower Labyrinth and Vaseyi Pond. These are manicured display gardens planted with native species and their cultivars.

The Core Park is surrounded by a 100 acre natural woodland that features waterfall and cliff communities. The few plants that are introduced in the natural areas are native species only and are placed in their natural habitats.

With an emphasis on education and conservation, The Southern Highlands Reserve is dedicated to celebrating the natural history of the Southern Appalachian Highlands.

Read the North American Land Trust statement regarding The Southern Highlands Reserve.