Southern Highlands Reserve

Southern Highlands Reserve SHR is a private native plant arboretum and research center accessible by reservation only.

The Southern Highlands Reserve is dedicated to sustaining the natural ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the preservation, cultivation and display of plants native to the region and by advocating for their value through education, restoration and research. Located in Western North Carolina at an elevation of 4500 feet, the varied topography and forest types found on our 120 acres allow

us to emulate many of the plant communities found in the higher reaches of the southern Appalachians.

09/09/2026

Trade the scroll for a stroll today. ☀️

09/08/2026

The sounds of a season changing. 🍂 Fall color may still be ahead, but the Blue Ridge is already beginning to feel different.

09/02/2026

We spend a lot of time looking out at these mountains.
Every once in a while, it’s worth seeing what they see. 💚

Currently in SSS mode:Sunbathing. Slithering. Swimming.☀️🐍💦
08/31/2026

Currently in SSS mode:
Sunbathing. Slithering. Swimming.☀️🐍💦

08/28/2026

Strong trees start with strong roots.🌲

Root Maker pots naturally prune the roots of our young red spruce, creating more robust root systems and helping us shave nearly a year off the propagation process.

A small change in how we grow can make a big difference in how much we’re able to grow.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to the four-legged friends who make every trail, porch and patch of sunshine a little better. 🐾🌿

Flowers for Dolly. 💜Today, we honor Dolly Parton and her deep love for the Smokies, the Southern Appalachians, and the n...
08/25/2026

Flowers for Dolly. 💜

Today, we honor Dolly Parton and her deep love for the Smokies, the Southern Appalachians, and the natural world she worked to protect. She once put that love simply:

“We should pay more attention. We’re just mistreating Mother Nature — that’s like being ugly to your mama. We need to take better care of the things that God gave us freely. And that we’re so freely messing up.”

In her memory, we plant flowers at the view site — a small tribute to someone who brought so much beauty, kindness and joy to the world.

Adding this to the mood board. 🍄
08/20/2026

Adding this to the mood board. 🍄

08/19/2026

A little wooden path leading somewhere worth wandering. 🌿✨

Address

558 Summit Ridge Road
Lake Toxaway, NC
28747

Telephone

+18288852050

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Southern Highlands Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Southern Highlands Reserve:

Shortcuts

Share