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US 64: Highlands to Rosman, Blue Ridge Escarpment, North Carolina
Photo: Scott Long · CC BY 3.0

Drives North Carolina Asheville and the Blue Ridge

US 64: Highlands to Rosman

US 64, Rosman Highway · Highlands → Rosman

Twisty30 mi55 min2,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,200 ftOne way
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The drive

US 64 between Highlands and Rosman is part of the Waterfall Byway, a state scenic byway named for the roughly 200 waterfalls along its route. The 98-mile byway passes Cullasaja Gorge, Highlands, Cashiers and Lake Toxaway, and this drive covers the stretch from Highlands to Rosman, near Brevard.

It starts on 4th Street in Highlands, then runs through the Cashiers Crossroads and down toward Lake Toxaway. South of the highway between Highlands and Cashiers is Whiteside Mountain, a Forest Service recreation area with a day-use fee. The drive is 29.5 miles and takes about 55 minutes, with three twisty stretches.

Along the way

  1. Highlands
  2. Cashiers Crossroads
  3. Lake Toxaway
  4. Rosman (US-178)
Elevation
2,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,200 ft
HighlandsRosman
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
HighlandsRosman
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Whiteside Mountain's parking area charges a day-use fee; the Nantahala Ranger District can give the current amount.
  • The Waterfall Byway's NC 215 junction is just outside Rosman.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NCDOT DriveNC: traffic and road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does US 64 from Highlands to Rosman take?

US 64 from Highlands to Rosman is 29.5 miles and takes about 55 minutes.

What is the Waterfall Byway on US 64?

The Waterfall Byway is a 98-mile North Carolina scenic byway named for about 200 waterfalls along the route, and it passes Highlands, Cashiers and Lake Toxaway.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of US 64: Highlands to Rosman, from Highlands to Rosman