Resolve to Explore the N.C. Mountains in 2024

Resolve to Explore the N.C. Mountains in 2024

Life is short. You only live once (or YOLO). No matter how you say it, the notion that time and opportunities pass quickly is not new. January offers us a brand-new year and the perfect time to make resolutions and plans. So, make it your 2024 New Year’s resolution to visit Jackson County, N.C.! To help plan the perfect getaway and cross off those “bucket list” items no matter what time of year you visit, we’ve created this Jackson County, N.C. Guide to its Must-See Sites Each Season. Winter: Clear Views to Clear Your Mind   It’s happening now. From December through early April, our mountains offer quiet solace, fewer crowds, open views – and the chance of a snow flurry or two. Without the leaves, it’s your chance to see how the mountains rise and fall. This is a great time to hike the trails that usually see more foot traffic. Pinnacle Park tops this list and comes with a special designation: the state’s only Certified Nature Forest Therapy Trail. Located in Sylva, Pinnacle offers more than 1,500 acres of unspoiled natural beauty and contrasting options for trail experiences. Looking for a challenge with a great payoff? Then, choose its seven-mile West Fork Trail that ascends more than 3,000 feet in elevation from the edge of the Plott Balsam mountain range. Here, you’ll find “the pinnacle” for which the park is named – a sharp-topped ridge perched above 5,000 feet. Its panoramic view is the exclamation point at the […]

Walking (or Hiking) in a Winter Wonderland

Walking (or Hiking) in a Winter Wonderland

As the seasons change and the temperature lowers, so do the mountain views which open  up after the leaves fall. Hikes can become winter wonderlands, with frosty mountaintops and icy cascades from area waterfalls. As the temperatures fall, so do the prices of lodges, hotels, cabins and cottages – a bonus during this “Secret Season.” While hiking, always remember the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace®: 1 – Plan ahead and prepare. 2 – Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3 – Dispose of waste properly. 4 – Leave what you find. 5 – Minimize campfire impacts. 6 – Respect wildlife. 7 – Be considerate of other visitors. The experience of hiking to a frozen fall is not without some risk, so take precautions as you explore. Be aware of slippery rocks and trails. Remember: Take no chances, only photos for memories (from a safe distance, of course). Here are our Top 5 Waterfalls for Winter Wonder! Whitewater Falls – Sapphire, N.C. Our list starts off big and tall – 411 feet, to be exact. Iconic Whitewater Falls nestles in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers and Sapphire. One of the highest cascades east of the Mississippi River, it embraces its larger portion of winter weather each by creating glorious, large ice sculptures. An easy, quarter-mile hike takes you to the viewing platform. Have your camera ready! Pro Tips: Bring cash for the nominal parking fee and plan to arrive early to enjoy the amazing views without a crowd. For […]

Best Swimming Holes & More in the NC Mountains

Silver Run Falls located in Cashiers, NC

Best Swimming Holes & More in the NC Mountains

Our towns stay much cooler in the summer and are scenically nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the day, take advantage of our many natural swimming holes or lakes for a refreshing dip. In the evenings, temperatures can drop into the low 60’s, providing plenty of mosquito-free nights. In some of the highest elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can find blueberries along the hillsides and some of the best long-range mountain views in the country alongside these pleasant temperatures.

Beat the Heat in the NC Mountains

Beat the Heat in the NC Mountains

Y’all, it’s hot outside! Summer is a delightful time of the year and although the temperatures may be peaking, there is a place not too far away where you can escape and beat the heat of summer. The North Carolina Mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva not only offer a wide array of outdoor adventure options to explore, but they also provide the ideal temperatures to enjoy them comfortably. While urban cities can expect an average August temperature of 90-plus degrees, morning temperatures in Jackson County start around 60 degrees and in higher elevations maintain a comfortable mid-70s all day long.

Top 10 Must-See Waterfalls in the North Carolina Mountains

Top 10 Must-See Waterfalls in the North Carolina Mountains

In Jackson County, North Carolina, waterfalls abound, and are open year-round for your viewing pleasure. The mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva, are home to some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country, all with their own story and beauty to discover. From one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies, to gentle cascades with sandy swimming holes perfect for the family, here, you will experience the ‘Top 10 must-see waterfalls in the NC Mountains.’

48 Hours of Fun in the NC Mountains

panthertown

48 Hours of Fun in the NC Mountains

After months of being cooped up, many of us are ready to safely get out and explore again. With 494-square miles of awe-inspiring vistas, wide open spaces, multi-level trails and more, you’ll enjoy a plethora of natural socially distant activities in the NC Mountains. To give you a head start, we’ve compiled the best way to spend a weekend in the mountains – from hiking the oldest mountain in the world to enjoying award-winning craft beverages along the Jackson County Ale Trail. Forty-eight hours is the perfect amount of time to explore the very best places in Jackson County’s mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva.

Exploring Underrated Mountain Towns in Jackson County, NC

Exploring Underrated Mountain Towns in Jackson County, NC

While those of us who call Jackson County home or have had the chance to visit understand the beauty of the region, it’s always wonderful to see the first-hand impression of a new visitor. We recently partnered with Matt Van Swol, a blogger and outdoor enthusiast, for an experience visit to Jackson County. In addition to sharing beautiful images and video on his Instagram profile, Matt shared the following blog post highlighting his weekend getaway to Jackson County.