Other Activities Fishing Highlands has outstanding fishing available. Contact The Highland Hiker at 526-5298 for more information. A license is required and may be obtained locally. Horseback Riding Scenic mountain trail rides for 30 minutes to two hours, catering to novices as well as experts. Giddy Up N Go Riding Stable has well trained quarter horses and a lovely picnic area. They can be reached at 526-4531. Gem Mining Franklin is known as the Gem Capital and there are many "Gem Mines" located in the Cowee Valley north and west of Franklin. Below are a few in the area. The first is on Hwy 64 half way between Highlands and Franklin, and the rest are in Franklin, NC. Jackson Hole Gem Mine and Trading Post www.jacksonholegemmine.com 828-524-5850 Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine 828-369-5271 Gem World www.rokgem.com 828-349-5411 Gold City Gem Mine www.goldcityamusement.com 828-369-3905 Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine www.masonsrubyandsapphiremine.com 828-369-9742 Rose Creek Mine www.rosecreekmine.com 828-349-3774 Sheffield Mine www.sheffieldmine.com 828-369-8383 Biking The Highlands area and the Nantahala National Forest have many wonderful hiking areas. For the best information check with the U.S. Forest Service at 526-3765 or stop by their Visitor Center on East Main Street. Both outfitters and bookstores in Highlands have informational books and detailed maps. Information on trails is also available at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. U.S. Forest Service Recreational Facilities The U.S. Forest Service operates the recreational facilities in the Nantahala Forest, to include the waterfalls and the hiking trails. The Cliffside Lake Recreational area has hiking trails, picnic tables and pavilions. Fishing and swimming are permitted. A NC fishing license and trout stamp are required for all over 16 who wish to fish. Reeves Hardware sells licenses. Cliffside also has a cold water shower and flush toilets. Van Hook Glade Campground area has hiking trails and 17 family camping units, each equipped with a parking space, fireplace, table and space for a tent. The parking space will only accommodate pull through or pop-ups. Flush toilets are located on site. There is a limit of 14 days to prevent overuse. Additional primitive camp sites are also available. For more information, please call (828) 526-3765. Skiing and Tubing Cataloochee Ski Area - Maggie Valley www.cataloochee.com - 828-926-0285 Sapphire Valley Ski Area www.skisapphire.com - 828-743-7663 Scaly Mountain - Tubing only www.scalymountain.com - 828-526-3737