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Embrace the Secret Season: Winter Wonder and Holiday Charm in Jackson County, NC Learn more

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Welcome to Jackson County

Labor Day Giveaway

Your Great Escape

The North Carolina Mountain Towns Of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro And Sylva

You’re looking for a place that’s real and true and full of great things to do. And Jackson County, North Carolina, is the perfect spot. No matter what your idea of adventure is. All you have to do is jump right in. It’s all here, so come ready to Play On.

Discover Jackson County

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Discover the authentic experiences and places that can only be found in Jackson County, North Carolina.

🎄 Ready to turn your holiday shopping into a magical getaway? Dillsboro, NC is calling your name! 🎁 Step into this charming, Hallmark-like town, where twinkling lights, cozy shops and festive vibes await! Wander through local boutiques filled with unique treasures, indulge in delightful treats and take in the heartwarming holiday spirit. ✨And why not make it an overnight trip? 🛏️ Stay in one of Dillsboro's quaint inns, comfortable hotels or nearby accommodations for the full winter wonderland experience. Plan your festive escape today! #HolidayGetaway #SmallTownCharm #ChristmasShoppingSpree #DiscoverJacksonNC #HolidayShopping #DillsboroNC #JacksonCountyNC MB01AUYT0ECPEAV
🎁 Holiday Shopping in Dillsboro, NC
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Looking for a fresh-baked treat❓ You'll find plenty along the sidewalks of downtown Sylva, NC. From focaccia and croissants 🥐 to cinnamon rolls and cupcakes, 🧁 you'll satisfy your sweet tooth in between your holiday shopping. 🛍️ Stop by Little Cove Bread, City Lights Cafe, Cotton Leigh Bakery or another of our cafes and restaurants - and don't forget your ☕! MB018LBBYNPJD7L
🧁 Bakeries in Jackson County, NC
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🔔 Thanksgiving Weekend is almost here – the official kickoff to the holiday season! 🎄 From a road race to Christmas parades to tree lightings, Jackson County, NC is packed with events to bring joy to everyone. ❤️ Join the joy! MB015PURM8UTENR
🤶🏼 2024 Holiday Kickoff Events – Jackson County, NC
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From gorgeous leaf color to breathtaking mountain vistas to waterfalls to grazing elk and more, it's easy to fall for fall in Jackson County, NC! ⛰️ Come what we're all about. MB01O1KQWP5X2CY
🍂 Falling for Fall in Jackson County, NC
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Whitewater Falls is spectacular, any time of year! 🧡 We visited a few days ago and found the parking lot, paved access and the viewing platform in good order after the storm. Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest with a drop of 411 ft., Upper Whitewater Falls offers the highest series of falls east of the Mississippi River. 🚗 MB01QHJMBPQICM0
Whitewater Falls - Jackson County, NC - Fall 2024
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We couldn't wait to get back on the Blue Ridge Parkway after it reopened! We saw beautiful vistas on Wed., Oct. 30. 🏞️ The open overlooks and trails along the NC stretch near Jackson County, NC include: 📍 Mileposts 423.2 (Beech Gap - NC 215) to 469 (Oconaluftee - US 441 near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee). This section includes the 📍 Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store (Milepost 451.2), which will remain open until November 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 🌄 Make plans to see the sun rise or set and purchase Parkway momentos at this treasured spot! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who worked hard to restore access to some of our favorite mountain views! It's time to take your fall road trip! 🚙 * MB01TN2FCYDBLNL
🍂 Blue Ridge Parkway Reopening - Jackson County, NC
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Don't miss Shadow of the Bear, a naturally occurring phenomenon that happens between mid-October and early November. 🐻 On sunny days around 5:30 p.m., the shadow appears for just 30 minutes. It can be viewed from U.S. 64 near Cashiers, NC, close to the Rhodes Big View Overlook. (Just be careful and watch out for traffic when parking and leaving the site.) 🚙 Enjoy this recent video of the bear emerging from the mountain! * MB01GMWN5BRRRRK
🐻 Shadow of the Bear - Jackson County, NC
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With Soco Falls, you always get 2 for 1! 🧡 And you get another bonus when it's framed by autumn's display, as it was a few days ago. 🍂 Make plans to take the short (but steep) hike down, or view it from the platform. Learn more here ➡️ https://jax.onl/See-Soco * Waterfall Safety - Heed posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails. Never climb on rocks or around waterfalls, and never play in the water above a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery, and it’s easy to lose your balance, especially with bare feet. Take no chances, only photographs for memories. * MB01BWSSEWFJ2UI
🍁 Soco Falls - Jackson County, NC
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One of the oldest mountains in the world, Whiteside's wide views of autumn's display are unmatched, as seen in this recent capture. 🍂 The trail to the top of its high vertical cliffs is two miles, round trip. Plan your trip to the top today! Learn more here: https://jax.onl/HikeWhiteside
🍁 Whiteside Mountain in Fall - Jackson County, NC
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The Balsam Mountain Inn, along with the mysterious petroglyph Judaculla Rock, is part of the new North Carolina Haunted Trail. 🎃 Called the Balsam Mountain Springs Hotel when it opened in 1908, the Jackson County, NC mountain property was once home to seven springs, which were said to provide water with healing properties. 🚪 A few phantom footsteps and twisting doorknobs later, the owners supposedly began documenting the odd incidents. But you be the judge - if you dare. 👻 #freakyfriday #NCFirstInFlight #VisitNC #NCHauntedTrail #JacksonCountyNC #discoverjacksonnc #spookystays #hauntedhotels #halloween #nchotels #historichotels MB01RJANP3FILZ3
🛎️ Balsam Mountain Inn - Jackson County, NC
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Just a few days ago on Oct. 16, we saw the beginnings of color pop at Pinnacle Park! 🍂 Located in Sylva, NC, Pinnacle lives up to its name; the climb to the top along an old logging trail pays off with glorious views for miles. It just doesn't get better! ⛰️ To hike to the pinnacle, plan to start early and pack plenty to eat and drink. We encourage hikers to Leave No Trace® and Visit Thoughtfully as the WNC region continues to recover from Helene. 🧡 #visitthoughtfully #discoverjacksonnc #hiking #fall #leaves #wnc #wncmountains #sylvanc #pinnaclepark MB019RSHINHUVXB
🍂 Pinnacle Park in Sylva - Jackson County, NC
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🍁 This weekend, celebrate fall in the WNC Mountains and help those in need at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival! 🎨 Dozens of regional artisans will display their works Oct. 11-13 at The Village Green. To help those impacted by Helene in the Cashiers, Glenville and Sapphire areas, 10% of the vendor booth fees, along with proceeds from the annual Cashiers Christmas Ornament, will be donated to the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation's Hurricane Relief Fund. Additionally, disaster relief supplies will be collected, and legal representatives will be onsite to help residents complete their FEMA applications for disaster relief funding. 💙 This free event will take place this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit thoughtfully - and join us! 🍂 MB01GTNMZ8WEP82 #discoverjacksonnc #fall #autumn #visitthoughtfully #visitnc #cashiersnc #fallfest #fallfestival #leaffestival #helene
🍂 Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival 2024
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🚶‍♀️ A one-mile stretch of paved and gravel paths, the Cashiers Greenway Ramble offers a new way to explore our mountain village! ⛰️ Beginning and ending at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce building on U.S. Hwy. 64, the gentle trail takes you on an easy and scenic route to shops, restaurants and natural spaces, such as The Village Green. 🌳 Make your plans to ramble through Cashiers! MB01UGUP0O4Q42M
Cashiers Greenway Ramble
YouTube Video VVVBRkY3eTVVYmUwX1ZSOUV3SnBSRkZnLkl5Z0ZVUDZqRVBR
4️⃣ Falls for Fall 🍁 Plan your trip to see these natural wonders in autumn's mountain glory! 🍂 Waterfall Safety - Heed posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails. Never climb on rocks or around waterfalls, and never play in the water above a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery, and it’s easy to lose your balance, especially with bare feet. Take no chances, only photographs for memories. #discoverjacksonnc #travel #playonnc #hiking #waterfall #waterfalls MB01U3YYMTHSS6W
4 Waterfalls for Fall in Jackson County, NC
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Considered an easy hike, Wet Camp Gap Trail is accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Bear Pen Gap Overlook (Mile 427.6). 🏞️ Part of a lovely, high-elevation meadow on Rich Mountain, the out-and-back hike is about three miles, with delightful wildflowers, native plants and blueberries along the way. 🌼 At the end of the trail, an overlook offers a view down the Caney Fork Valley towards Cullowhee, NC. 💙 Click here to learn more! https://jax.onl/WetCampGap MB01NGISEJQZQLL 1
Wet Camp Gap Hike 🏞️
YouTube Video VVVBRkY3eTVVYmUwX1ZSOUV3SnBSRkZnLmlrUTV2MHVBTkNr
One of the most beautiful restaurant settings in the country, Canyon Kitchen rests in a verdant meadow, encircled by thousand-foot granite cliffs and lush mountain forests. 🏞️ Located inside the Lonesome Valley community in 📍 Sapphire, NC (but open to the public), Canyon Kitchen offers an exquisite dining experience 🍽️ featuring local foods with ingredients curated from the kitchen gardens, in a sophisticated Appalachian Style. 🍷 Tip: Arrive with plenty of time before your reservation to enjoy a drink while soaking in the views of Cow Rock and Laurel Knob, known as the largest box canyon east of the Rockies. #canyonkitchen #discoverjacksonnc #sapphirenc #playonnc #discovernc #northcarolina #visitnc #explorenc #onlyinnorthcarolina #ncmountains #828isgreat #wncmountains #wnc #westernnorthcarolina #foodies #foodie #wineandcocktails #foodielove #dining MB01EPP84GOPHIF
Canyon Kitchen 🍽️
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With a 411-foot plunge, Upper Whitewater Falls near 📍 Cashiers, NC is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. 💧 (SC's Lower Whitewater Falls drops another 400 feet.) Open year-round, from dawn until dusk, the area includes 2 viewing overlooks, picnic tables and restrooms, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the majestic beauty! 🏞️ Here are your Pro Tips to get the most out of your visit to Whitewater Falls: 💧 Bring cash for the parking fee – $3 for a vehicle with 7 or fewer passengers. 💧 The walkway to the overlook begins at the end of the parking lot and is paved and accessible to wheelchairs. 💧 A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Whitewater is a popular fall, so plan your visit for the less-crowded morning or evening hours. 💧 Directions from Cashiers – Drive south on NC 107 for 9.3 miles. Shortly after crossing the SC line, turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls. Continue 2.3 miles to the intersection with SC 130, which becomes NC 281. Just beyond this point is a sign for the entrance. 💧Waterfall Safety - Heed posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails. Never climb on rocks or around waterfalls, and never play in the water above a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery, and it’s easy to lose your balance, especially with bare feet. Take no chances, only photographs for memories. MB01LJBOB3KGTWH
Summertime at Whitewater Falls 🌊
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Believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world, Whiteside Mountain near📍Cashiers, NC is a magical place to watch the sunset. 🌄 From the 4,930-foot crest of its two-mile loop trail, you'll soak in panoramic views of the valley below and maybe even catch a glimpse of a Peregrine Falcon. Plan your hike so you have plenty of time to head back down the trail before dark. For more information about Whiteside Mountain ➡️ https://jax.onl/Whiteside-Sunsets MB01Z0PWUEVRK7R
Whiteside Mountain at Sunset 🌄
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Where should you go for a cup of joe? ☕ You'll find several options in downtown 📍 Sylva, NC! Discover your perfect cup & coffeehouse, from the new & cool Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee to quaint & hip White Moon to warm & welcoming City Lights Cafe. 💙 Do you have a favorite? MB01WDMICK20OPP #discoverjacksonnc #discovernc #playonnc #coffee #cupofjoe #ineedcoffee #sylvanc #coffeeme #cafe #coffeehouse #visitnc #ncmountains #828isgreat #wncmountains #wnc #westernnorthcarolina #mountainlife
☕ Coffee Shops in Sylva, NC
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🌄 For superb sunset spectating, head to Waterrock Knob, located on the stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway bordered by Jackson County, NC. This beloved overlook offers a panoramic, four-state view that includes the Great Smoky Mountains. ⛰️ You'll also find a short but steep trail to the top of the knob as well as a Visitor Center and a comfort station. 🍉 Bring a picnic and plan to be amazed by mountain beauty! * MB01VK8KFOJRHIC
Sunset at Waterrock Knob
YouTube Video VVVBRkY3eTVVYmUwX1ZSOUV3SnBSRkZnLmdqNXNNWGRsTG9Z
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Outdoors

Know Before You Go
Outdoor Recreation Programs
Fishing
Waterfalls
Trails
Rivers & Lakes
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Motorcycle Routes

Attractions

Accessibility
Pinnacle Park wildflowers
Certified Forest Therapy Trail - Pinnacle Park
The Vordach Zip Line
Axe Throwing at Catamount Jaxe
Recreational & Rental Services
Culture & Heritage
Shopping
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Visitor Centers

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