This week, USA Today announced Jackson County is one of the top 10 destinations to visit for fall foliage. Nominated by a panel of industry experts and voted on by people around the country, Jackson County was designated as one of ten winners among an impressive pool of destinations across the United States. The designation comes less than a week after biologists said the NC Mountains are in store for a spectacular leaf season.

Located in the Western North Carolina mountains, Jackson County, comprised of the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva is less than a 3-hour drive from Atlanta and Charlotte. Known for its stunning mountainside displays of autumn color, the area has long been heralded as a top leaf-peeping destination in the South. It is uniquely positioned between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the perfect spot for vibrant autumn hues.

Based on the elevation profile, ranging from 2,000-6,000 ft. in elevation, Jackson County boasts one of the longest fall seasons in the Southeast. With countless scenic hiking and biking trails, the highest number of named peaks in North Carolina, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s no wonder that the area is a fan favorite for leaf-chasers.

Other destinations which were also awarded the ‘10Best’ Fall Foliage destinations include: Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, New York’s Catskills and Finger Lakes, Vermont’s Green Mountains, Washington state’s Okanagan Valley, and last year’s reigning champion, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

With fall projected to last into mid-November, visitors have more time to plan the perfect mountain, leaf-peeping getaway. Uncover the magic of Jackson County and experience all that these vibrant towns teeming with local flair have to offer. From shopping from local artisans; to dining at locally sourced, farm-to-table eateries; to sipping craft brews at one of six breweries that call Jackson County home; to fly fishing on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®, Jackson County has you covered!