
Leave No TraceĀ® in Jackson County, NC
Simply stepping outside, seeing the grandeur of the mountain peaks, and breathing in the clean mountain air can make you feel right at home in the heart of Appalachia. The best mountains of the region are located an hour west of Asheville. Our mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva have natural beauty and distinct mountain amenities, many of which can only be found here, that have made this region one of the most revered in the country for a reason.
As you gear up for your next trip toĀ western North CarolinaĀ please be environmentally mindful and help us to keep our mountains āClean and Greenā for generations to come. Curious where to start? Below is a list of the simple ways in which we can all do our part.
Respecting Wildlife
Jackson CountyĀ is centrally located between Americaās two favoriteĀ National ParkĀ Sites, theĀ Blue Ridge ParkwayĀ and the Great Smoky MountainsĀ National Park. The Great Smokies are the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the temperate world, with over 19,000 species documented in the park. A great way to reduce environmental impact is to give wildlife their space and enjoy them from a distance.
ElkĀ ā Since being reintroduced in the park in 2000, the Great Smokies is now home to a thriving and protectedĀ elk populationĀ that can frequently be seen on the North Carolina side of the Park inĀ Cherokee. These majestic creatures can stand up to 10 feet tall and weigh over 1,000 pounds. For this reason, itās essential to view elk from the comfort and safety of your car, which can be done at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where elk commonly graze the fields. Keep in mind thatĀ it is a federal offense to approach an elk closer than 50 yards, and elk, when threatened, can be dangerous creatures. Additionally, elk that begin to socialize and approach humans for food may be put down by park officials. Please make sure to never approach these creatures and to take photos from a safe distance.
Black BearsĀ āĀ Jackson CountyĀ is home to a thriving black bear population, especially in the Great Smokies, where they can commonly be seen. Similar to elk,Ā itās illegal to approach a bear at a distance less than 50 yards, and for a good reason. Although bears are typically harmless to humans when undisturbed, mother bears with cubs can be very hostile. If you see a bear, make sure to remain alert and calm and do not approach it or allow it to approach you. Always bring along proper gear for camping, as well as bear proof containers for storing food and trash.
SalamandersĀ ā The Great Smokies are home to overĀ 30 species of salamanders,Ā making it the āSalamander Capital of the World.ā These cute little critters have a delicate ecosystem in the park and live primarily under rocks and by riverbanks in moist areas. Itās important never to move or stack rocks, as many of these salamander species, such as the endangered hellbender, lay eggs under them.
On the Trail
Leave No Trace® – The trails found inĀ Jackson CountyĀ are some of the country’s most scenic and beloved hikes. For areas likeĀ Panthertown ValleyĀ in theĀ Nantahala National Forest, these principles are becoming even more important as it was recently named an “LNTĀ Hotspot.” āLNT Hotspotsā are defined as areas that have been suffering from overuse but can be revived with Leave No TraceĀ® solutions. TheĀ Leave No TraceĀ Center for Outdoor EthicsĀ offersĀ seven principles ofĀ Leave No TraceĀ® which we encourage everyone to adhere to in ourĀ backcountryĀ wilderness.
- Plan Ahead and PrepareĀ ā Planning and preparation ensures every member of your group will have a fun and safe experience.
- Travel and Camp onĀ Durable SurfacesĀ ā Make sure to stay on the trail while hiking to avoid damaging sensitive habitats.
- Dispose of Waste ProperlyĀ āTrash your trash and plan meals that avoid excess packaging to avoid carrying extra garbage.
- Leave What You FindĀ ā Leave rocks, plants, and archeological artifacts where they are.
- MinimizeĀ Campfire ImpactsĀ ā While camping in theĀ backcountry, consider cooking with a light stove, if possible, to avoid the negative impacts of excessive burning. Always check weather conditions before lighting a campfire and adhere to any burn bans in the area.
- Respect WildlifeĀ ā Do not approach or disturb wildlife. In the Great Smoky MountainsĀ National Park, it is a federal offense to approach animals such as elk or bears.
- Be Considerate of Other VisitorsĀ ā Avoid making excessive noise while enjoying the outdoors. On the trail, theĀ hikersĀ heading downhill typically yields to those heading uphill.
*Itās important to note that campfires and camping are only permitted in designated camping areas. Make sure to acquire proper permits for the area and to research the selected location before you arrive.
Recreate Responsibly āĀ LikeĀ Leave No TraceĀ®, Recreate Responsibly is founded on six pillars to help visitors Recreate Responsibly while outside: Know Before you Go, Plan and Prepare, Build and Inclusive Outdoors, Respect Others,Ā Leave No Trace, and Make it Better. Learn more about the standardsĀ here.
#TrashTagĀ āĀ #TrashTag, the environmental movement to remove litter and restore the environment, was founded by Steven Reinhold, a long-time resident ofĀ Jackson County. To participate, bring along a trash bag on your next hike and collect any pieces of trash that you may see along the way. Snap a photo of what you picked up and hashtag #TrashTag when you post on social media!
OutdoorNCĀ āIn an effort to encourage the protection of North Carolinaās outdoor spaces, weāve partnered withĀ OutdoorNC. The best way to get involved in this movement is to follow its principle to āLeave it as you Find it.ā This means snapping a photo instead of picking a flower, avoiding carving into trees, leaving rocks where you find them, etc.
On the Water
Jackson Countyās waterways are equally as stunning as its vistas and include the Best Lakes in the NC Mountains, the WNC Fly Fishing TrailĀ®, and the āmom-approved rapidsā of the Tuckasegee River. Spending time on the water is a great way to enjoy the mountains, but please keep the following in mind.
Fly Fishing Trail Sportsmanās PledgeĀ ā the WNC Fly Fishing TrailĀ® has over 92,000 fish stocked annually bringing anglers from all over to angle the pristine waters of the Tuckasegee. We ask users of the trail to follow the pledge: āas a true sportsman, I pledge to never litter and to avoid trespassing on private lands. I will respect the rights of property owners, and always leave the streams in better conditions than I found them.ā
Recreating on the WaterĀ ā taking a float trip down the Tuckasegee, relaxing on the lake, or even just sitting by the riverbank can all be great ways to enjoy R&R inĀ Jackson County. If you are out on the water, make sure to bring a trash bag along with you, and please be respectful of private property along the river.
On the TownĀ
In our towns ofĀ Cashiers,Ā Cherokee, Dillsboro, andĀ Sylva, sustainability is at the forefront as we seek to maintain a vibrant destination and community.
NC Green TravelĀ ā many of our local businesses have been recognized by the NC Department of Environmental Quality as NC Green Travel certified. Favorites includeĀ SylvaĀ restaurants like Guadalupe and City Lights CafĆ© and hotels like the Holiday Inn Express and Best Western River Escape in Dillsboro. This program highlights restaurant and lodging partners who incorporate āgreenā principles in different aspects of their business, as well as having learned sustainability best practices.
Jackson CountyĀ Green Energy ParkĀ ā Tucked up on a hill in the artisan village of Dillsboro is the world-renownedĀ Jackson CountyĀ Green Energy Park. The JCGEP harnesses otherwise harmful methane gasses from the old town landfill and uses them to fuel artisan studios for local potters, blacksmiths, glass blowers, and more, and it is the only of its kind in the world.
Doing Our Part Together
Sustainability andĀ stewardshipĀ go hand in hand. One of the best ways you can help with our effort of sustainability is by visiting during our āSecret Season.ā
Our āSecret Seasonā from January ā March offers a peaceful mountain experience while simultaneously helping our county maintain a vibrant and sustainable tourism scene. Benefits of visiting our āSecret Seasonā include hiking and enjoying your favorite trails all to yourself, no waits at your favorite restaurants and enjoying the beauty of snowcapped peaks in the distance. During this time of year, many hotels offer lodging specials and deals, meaning youāll love the savings and our towns will benefit from avoiding overcrowding and negative impacts on the environment. We understand if summer and fall are more your pace, but please keep in mind one of the best ways to help spread the love during busier times of the year is to visit on weekdays.
Lend a Helping HandĀ ā When visitingĀ Jackson County, please consider getting involved in our many green efforts, such as Cleaning Up the Mountains, the Tuckasegee River Cleanup, or taking part in the #TrashTag challenge on your next hike. Organizations such asĀ Friends of PanthertownĀ offer trail cleanup days that are a great way to enjoy the trails and leaveĀ natural areas,Ā hiking trails, andĀ public landsĀ better than you found them.
Every effort no matter how big or small is a step in the right direction to maintaining a clean future for the NC Mountains. Are you ready to get involved? Check out our Trip Planner for lodging, trip ideas, inspiration, and more.
Header Image Courtesy of Ben Robinson