# Discover Jackson County, NC

> The official tourism website of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA), promoting travel to Jackson County, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. The site helps visitors plan trips with information on outdoor recreation, lodging, dining, events, attractions, and the county's mountain towns: Balsam, Cashiers, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Dillsboro, Glenville, Sapphire, and Sylva.

Jackson County is a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for waterfalls, trails, fly fishing, Cherokee heritage, craft breweries, and small-town arts culture. Visitor centers are operated through the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center (773 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779) and the Cashiers Area Chamber & Visitor Center (202 Hwy 64 W, Cashiers, NC 28717). Many pages noted below with "(includes FAQ)" carry a published question-and-answer section covering common visitor questions such as drive times, fees, accessibility, safety, and what to do with kids.

## Plan Your Trip

- [Plan Your Trip](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/): Trip-planning hub for visiting Jackson County
- [Free Visitor Guide](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/visitor-guide/): Request or view the official visitor guide
- [Getting Here](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/getting-here/): Directions and travel information
- [Maps](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/maps/): Area and attraction maps
- [Visitor Centers](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/visitor-centers/): Locations and hours of staffed visitor centers
- [Trip Ideas](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/trip-ideas/): Curated itineraries (outdoor adventure, family, wellness, seasonal getaways, and more)
- [Towns](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/): Guides to the county's towns and communities
- [Webcams](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/webcams/): Live area webcams
- [Book Now](https://discoverjacksonnc.bookdirect.net/): Direct lodging booking portal

## Towns

- [Balsam](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/balsam/): Mountain hamlet near the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- [Cashiers](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/cashiers/): Resort town with waterfalls, golf, and Lake Glenville (includes FAQ)
- [Cherokee](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/cherokee/): Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee culture
- [Cullowhee](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/cullowhee/): Home of Western Carolina University (includes FAQ)
- [Dillsboro](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/dillsboro/): Historic artisan village of galleries and inns
- [Glenville](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/glenville/): Lakeside community on Lake Glenville (includes FAQ)
- [Sapphire](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/sapphire/): Mountain resort area
- [Sylva](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/sylva/): Walkable downtown with breweries, shops, and the historic courthouse (includes FAQ)

## Outdoors

- [Outdoors](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/): Overview of outdoor recreation
- [Trails](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/trails/): Hiking trails across the county
- [Pinnacle Park Trail](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/trail/pinnacle-park-trail/67e7154faf65b9b30598d3be/): Difficult 7-mile, ~3,000 ft round-trip hike on Sylva's 1,500-acre town-owned park (includes FAQ)
- [Panthertown Valley](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/insiders-guide-panthertown-valley-yosemite-east/): 6,311-acre "Yosemite of the East" backcountry area in the Nantahala National Forest, with granite domes, dozens of waterfalls (including Schoolhouse Falls), and 30+ miles of trails for hiking, biking, fishing, and dispersed camping (includes FAQ)
- [Waterfalls](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/waterfalls/): Guide to area waterfalls
- [Whitewater Falls](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/trail/whitewater-falls/67e734daaf65b9b30598d3fe/): One of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies, ~20 minutes south of Cashiers (Upper Falls ~411 ft in NC, Lower Falls ~400 ft in SC, ~811 ft combined); accessible paved upper overlook and 154-step lower overlook (includes FAQ)
- [Looking Glass Falls](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/trail/looking-glass-falls/67e72dc0af65b9b30598d3e8/): Roadside ~60 ft waterfall on US 276 near Brevard with an accessible viewing deck; a popular add-on for a Jackson County stay (includes FAQ)
- [Rivers & Lakes](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/rivers-lakes/): Tuckasegee River, Lake Glenville, and more
- [Fishing](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/fishing/): Fly fishing and the Western NC Fly Fishing Trail
- [Rafting](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/rafting/): Whitewater and river rafting
- [Biking](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/biking/): Mountain biking and greenway routes
- [Skiing](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/skiing/): Winter sports
- [Golf](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/golf/): Mountain golf courses
- [Birding](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/birding-in-jackson-county/): Birdwatching locations
- [Forest Therapy](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/forest-therapy/): Guided nature wellness experiences
- [Adventure](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/adventure/): Ziplining, climbing, and adrenaline activities
- [Outfitters & Guides](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/outfitters-guides/): Local guide services
- [Motorcycle Routes](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/motorcycle-routes/): Scenic riding routes
- [Blue Ridge Parkway](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/blue-ridge-parkway/): The 469-mile scenic route through the county
- [Great Smoky Mountains National Park](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/great-smoky-mountains-national-park/): Park access from Cherokee, NC
- [Sustainability](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/sustainability/): Responsible travel and stewardship
- [Know Before You Go](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/know-before-you-go/): Safety and preparation tips, including waterfall safety

## Things To Do

- [Things To Do](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/): Overview of attractions and activities
- [Festivals & Events](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/festivals-events/): Annual festivals and celebrations
- [Shopping](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/shopping/): Local shops and boutiques
- [Culture & Heritage](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/culture-heritage/): Historic and cultural sites
- [Judaculla Rock](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/culture-heritage/judaculla-rock/): Free ancient Cherokee petroglyph site near Cullowhee (includes FAQ)
- [Arts](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/arts-culture/): Galleries, arts centers, and craft markets
- [Brewery Trail](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/brewery-trail/): Self-guided craft brewery tour
- [Blue Ridge Craft Trail](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/north-carolina-blue-ridge-arts-craft-trail/): Regional artisan and craft trail
- [For Kids](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/for-kids/): Family-friendly attractions
- [Pines Recreation Area](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/for-kids/pines-recreation-area/): Free public swim beach on Lake Glenville, open dusk to dawn year-round (includes FAQ)
- [Jackson County Aquatic Center](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/listing/jackson-county-aquatic-center/602/): Year-round indoor pools in Cullowhee with a six-lane competition pool (80°F) and family recreation pool (86°F); $15 out-of-county day pass (includes FAQ)
- [Tours & Experiences](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/tours-experiences/): Guided tours and excursions
- [Great Smoky Mountains Railroad](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/great-smoky-mountains-railroad/): Scenic train rides
- [Relaxation & Wellness](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/relaxation-wellness/): Spas and wellness retreats
- [Harrah's Cherokee Hotel and Casino](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/casino/): Casino and entertainment
- [Film Locations](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/film-locations/): Movies and shows filmed in the county
- [Accessible Attractions](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/attractions/accessibility/): Accessibility information

## Food & Drink

- [Food & Drink](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/): Dining overview
- [Farmers Markets](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/farmers-market/): Local markets
- [Casual Eats](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/casual-eats/): Relaxed dining
- [Breweries](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/breweries/): Craft breweries
- [Coffee Shops & Cafés](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/coffee-shop-cafe/): Coffee and cafés
- [Breakfast & Brunch](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/waking-up/): Morning dining
- [Wine & Cocktail Bars](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/wine-cocktail-bars/): Bars and lounges
- [Food Trucks & Carts](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/food-truckscarts/): Mobile food vendors
- [Sweets & Treats](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/sweet-spots/): Desserts and confections
- [Pet Friendly Dining](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/food-drink/pet-friendly/): Pet-friendly restaurants

## Places to Stay

- [Places to Stay](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/): Lodging overview
- [Hotels](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/hotel/): Hotels
- [Cabins](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/cabin/): Cabin rentals
- [Inns](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/inn/): Inns and bed-and-breakfasts
- [Camping and RV](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/camping/): Campgrounds and RV sites
- [Resorts](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/resort/): Resorts
- [Vacation Rentals](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/vacation-rental/): Vacation rental homes
- [Pet Friendly Lodging](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/pet-friendly/): Pet-friendly stays
- [Lodging Specials & Deals](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/lodging/lodging-specials/): Current offers

## Events

- [Events](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/events/): Full events calendar (includes annual-events FAQ)
- [Events This Weekend](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/events/events-this-weekend/): Upcoming weekend events
- [Submit an Event](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/submit-an-event/): Add an event to the calendar

## Groups, Meetings & Weddings

- [Groups & Meetings](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/meeting-event-spaces/): Meeting and event venues
- [Weddings](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/weddings/): Wedding venues and planning

## Blog & Media

- [Blog](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/blog/): Travel stories, tips, and itineraries
- [Fishing in Jackson County](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/blog/post/fishing-in-jackson-county/): Trout Capital® and WNC Fly Fishing Trail® guide (includes FAQ)
- [Splash, Swim & Stay Cool](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/blog/post/splash-swim-stay-cool-in-the-nc-mountains/): Mountain swimming holes guide (includes FAQ)
- [Media Room](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/media-room/): Press releases, media mentions, and resources
- [Press Release Archives](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/media-room/press-releases/): Official press releases

## Tourism Development Authority (TDA)

- [About the JCTDA](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/): Jackson County Tourism Development Authority overview
- [Strategic Plan](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/strategic-plan/): TDA strategic plan
- [Grants](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/funding/): Tourism grant funding
- [Occupancy Tax FAQ](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/occupancy-tax-faq/): Lodging occupancy tax information
- [Board Members](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/board-members/): TDA board
- [Budgets](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/budgets/): TDA budgets
- [Tourism Impact](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/tourism-impact/): Economic impact of tourism
- [Get Listed](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/get-listed/): Add a business listing
- [B2B Resources](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/tda-docs/b2b-resources/): Resources for tourism partners

## Contact & Policies

- [Contact Us](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/contact-us/): General contact information
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/privacy-policy/): Website privacy policy
- [Sitemap](https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/sitemap/): Full site map