There are many easy and beautiful hikes in Western North Carolina.

Here's a link to someone's top 10.
https://www.top-ten-travel-list.com/blog/recreation/waterfalls/10-easy-waterfall-hikes-near-asheville-nc/|

From Highlands, check out Panthertown Valley. It's best in the mid-late fall as the views there are up at the granite cliffs that surround the valley that has miles of crisscrossing trails and many are easy. Here's a brochure

https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/panthertown-valley/|

Looking Glass falls is huge, gorgeous and you can drive to it. If you choose you can take the stairs to the bottom of the falls. Bridal Veil falls and dry falls are smaller but are right off Hwy 64. In fact, there's a 98 mile stretch between Rosman and Murphy that has over 200 waterfalls.

You can't go wrong, there's is plenty for all skills and abilities!