Overland Unlimited has a Federal Special Use Permit to operate in the National Forests as an official Outfitter and Guide Service. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture Policy Overland Unlimited is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Trip Advisor “Things To Do” – 5 Stars
Had a wonderful time. Justin was a great tour guide! Have been coming to Highlands for years and didn’t realize there was so much more to see than the shops and restaurants. Highly recommend when you are visiting this area.
We laughed, learned much more about the area, and saw some new points of interest (in addition to our two hikes/stops) that had been right under our noses! No matter how familiar you are with Highlands, I highly recommend Highland Excursion for a fun day in the mountains!
Justin and Aussie were wonderful and took us on some great hikes to beautiful locations. The picnic with a spectacular view was a highlight as well. Justin if very flexible with many different options along the way to cater to the group he’s working with.
Justin and Aussie are both awesome!! Mom and I had a great time seeing Sunset Rock, BROOKS FALLS and Pickleheimer Rock House. It was exhilarating!
We specialize in custom, private Rainforest Tours within the Nantahala National Forest for individuals and up to 14 guests. Your tour starts in the quaint town of Highlands or Cashiers. North Carolina’s hidden jewels just 2 hours drive north of Atlanta surrounded by the Nantahala Rainforest and situated atop a plateau. Experience mother natures’ four seasons, explore scenic drives in our open air Pinzgauer, stroll beneath waterfalls, drive through a rare North American Temperate Rainforest, see massive 400 year old trees in the shadow of the oldest mountains in the world. A Highland Excursion is one of the best things to do in Highlands NC.
We put your safety and comfort first each vehicle is equipped with all the necessary gear for the back country. Your guide is an experienced certified medic, and an expert in mountain driving.
Over the years we have scouted hundreds of miles of back country roads. We can take you to amazing pristine places with breathtaking beauty.
Meet Our Team:
Justin Kingsland was born in North Wales, 1963. He graduated from Military college in 1979 and joined the Coldstream Guards. He trained in alpine mountain operations and cold weather survival in Norway and was selected for Special Forces.
Justin moved to the USA to work as a commercial helicopter pilot instructor. In 1991, he accepted a leadership position with BMW North America. Justin helped develop the BMW adventure off-road motorcycle school and their Smoky Mountain motorcycle adventure tours. In 2010, Triumph Motorcycle, a British Company, asked Justin to help develop their off-road motorcycle adventure program in the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains…
Jeff Burnette is a native of western North Carolina. He was born in Highlands, NC, at the Peggy Crosby Center, which was the Highlands Hospital at the time. Jeff grew up in the mountains above Lake Grenville.
After High School, Jeff joined the Marine Corps. Jeff spent the next four years traveling around the world with the Special Forces keeping us safe.
After Jeff’s time in the Marine Corps, he returned to the mountains with a longing to serve his community. In 1996 Jeff joined the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad and started his career in EMS. In 1998 Jeff graduated paramedic school.
Orlando Buck calls a little of everywhere home. He was born in Kansas, finished middle and high school in Alabama, and has enjoyed calling North Carolina home twice now.
After high school Orlando started college then left to join the United States Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps Orlando served as an intelligence analyst and intelligence instructor, providing support for many overseas operations and training Marines in the “art of intelligence” and the Marine Corps’ Weapons at Tactics Instructors School. Orlando’s ability to see and understand the information in front of him makes him a valuable asset to Highland Excursions
Kelly ” Picklesimer” Kingsland a native Highlander, raised in Dothan Alabama, and graduated from Auburn.
Kelly is the proud mother of two beautiful girls. Kelly loves the outdoors hiking biking and Kayaking. Kelly is an essential team member that works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our guests informed and our guides mission ready at all times.