Traveling more sustainably and minimizing the impact on our natural environment is easy! It’s part of a growing lifestyle movement called “green travel” and it begins with packing and planning ahead. Consider these tips:

Respecting Wildlife

Jackson County is centrally located between two of America’s favorite National Park Sites, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the temperate world, with over 19,000 documented species. This means wildlife is abundant and precious. To reduce your environmental impact and help protect wildlife, keep a safe distance and follow the tips below.

Elk – Since being reintroduced in 2000, the Great Smokies are home to a thriving and protected elk population that is frequently spotted on the North Carolina side of the park in Cherokee. These majestic creatures can stand up to 10 feet tall and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. So, it’s essential to view elk from the comfort and safety of your car, which can be done at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where they commonly graze the fields. Keep in mind that it is a federal offense to approach an elk closer than 50 yards, and elk, when threatened, can be dangerous creatures.

Black Bears – Jackson County is home to a thriving black bear population. Similar to elk, it’s 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 protective and even hostile. Stay BearWise with these tips: When hiking, keep children close by and dogs leashed. Do not wear earbuds. If you see a bear, remain alert and calm. Do not approach it, run from it or allow it to approach you. Always bring along proper gear for camping, including bear proof containers for storing food and trash and bear spray.

Salamanders – The Great Smokies are home to more than 30 species of salamanders, making it the “Salamander Capital of the World.” These cute little critters have a delicate ecosystem in the park and live primarily under rocks and by riverbanks in moist areas. It’s important never to move or stack rocks, as many of these salamander species – such as the endangered and entrancing hellbender – lay eggs under them.

On the Trail

Jackson County’s hiking trails draw adventurers from around the world. Areas such as Panthertown Valley in the Nantahala National Forest, Sylva’s Pinnacle Park and, of course, the two National Park Sites offer unique and breathtaking hiking experiences. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics offers seven principles of Leave No Trace™ a guideline for everyone exploring the great outdoors:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – Planning and preparation ensures every member of your group will have a fun and safe experience.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Make sure to stay on the trail while hiking to avoid damaging sensitive habitats.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly –Trash your trash and plan meals that avoid excess packaging to avoid carrying extra garbage.
4. Leave What You Find – Leave rocks, plants and archeological artifacts where they are.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts* – While camping in the 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.
6. Respect Wildlife – Do not approach or disturb wildlife. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is a federal offense to approach animals such as elk or bears.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Avoid making excessive noise while enjoying the outdoors. On the trail, the hikers heading downhill typically yield to those heading uphill.

*It’s 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 – Like Leave No Trace™, Recreate Responsibly is founded on six pillars to help visitors Recreate Responsibly while outside: Know Before you Go, Plan and Prepare, Build an Inclusive Outdoors, Respect Others, Leave No Trace and Make it Better. Learn more about the standards here.

#TrashTag – An environmental movement to remove litter and restore the environment, #TrashTag was founded by Steven Reinhold, a long-time resident of 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 use the hashtag #TrashTag when you post on social media.

OutdoorNC – To encourage the protection of North Carolina’s outdoor spaces, we’ve partnered with OutdoorNC. The best way to get involved in this movement is to follow its principle to “Leave it as you Find it.” For example, snap a photo instead of picking a flower. Avoid carving into trees. Leave rocks where you find them.

On the Water

Jackson County’s waterways are equally as stunning as its mountaintops and include the Best Lakes in the NC Mountains, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail®, and the “mom-approved rapids” 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 Sportsman’s Pledge – The WNC Fly Fishing Trail® has more than 92,000 fish stocked annually, bringing anglers from all over to cast a line in the pristine waters of the Tuckasegee. We ask users of the trail to follow this pledge: “As 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.”

Water Recreation – Taking a float trip down the Tuckasegee, relaxing on the lake, or even just sitting by the riverbank are great ways to kick back and relax in Jackson County. If you are out on the water, make sure to bring a trash bag along with you, leave with everything you brought and please be respectful of private property along the waterways.

Green Travel Partners  

In our towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva, sustainability is at the forefront as we seek to maintain a vibrant destination and community.

N.C. Green Travel – Several Jackson County businesses have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality as N.C. Green Travel certified, including local favorite City Lights Café and hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express and Best Western River Escape in Dillsboro, and the Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley. This program highlights restaurant and lodging partners who incorporate “green principles” in different aspects of their business.

Jackson County Green Energy Park – Tucked up on a hill in the artisan village of Dillsboro is the world-renowned Jackson County Green Energy Park, also part of the N.C. GreenTravel Map. 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.

Planning Your “Green” Trip

Sustainability and stewardship go hand in hand, and one of the best ways you can help with sustainability is by visiting during our “Secret Season,” from January through March.

Our Secret Season offers a peaceful mountain experience while also helping us maintain a vibrant and sustainable tourism scene. Benefits of visiting during this quieter time of year include hiking your favorite trails in solitude, little to no waits at your favorite restaurants and enjoying the beauty of frosted or snowcapped peaks in the distance. As an added bonus, many hotels offer lodging specials and deals, meaning you’ll love the savings and our communities will benefit from avoiding overcrowding and negative impacts on the environment. Similarly, consider visiting on weekdays, when fewer visitors are in the area.

Lend a Helping Hand – When visiting us, 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 as Friends of Panthertown offer trail cleanup days that are a great way to enjoy the trails and leave natural areas, hiking trails and public lands 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 N.C. 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