Often, we find ourselves needing a break after the holiday chaos and January happens to be a perfect time to plan a getaway. Kick off the New Year on the right foot and find solitude far, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Take in Yours Surroundings, Uninterrupted

Here, we trade traffic for trees. Jackson County takes up nearly 500 square miles of Western North Carolina in which are overflowing (pun intended) with waterfalls, beautiful trails, and of course, breathtaking mountain views. For hikers on the hunt for a scenic overlook via a worthwhile trek, be sure to add our more advanced trails like Yellow Mountain or Panthertown Valley, comprised of more than 6,311 acres of rugged backcountry, to your itinerary. If you seek something easier and family-friendly, Waterrock Knob or Black Balsam are great options. And then there’s accessible and paved paths like the Tuckasegee River Greenway, which are ideal for a leisurely stroll on a beautiful day. We’ve got something for everyone, and you’ll find more on these hikes and all our best trails here.

For a one-of-a-kind meditative experience in nature, don’t miss out on a therapy tour of the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, aka “forest bathing,” led by Dr. Mark Ellison at Pinnacle Park, which just recently became the first Certified Forest Therapy Trail in the state of North Carolina. Dr. Ellison has led hundreds of these tours, and each time he guides his participants to spend intentional time in nature through the senses, by listening to the water, smelling the flowers, etc. It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and be present without life’s everyday worries getting in the way.

We are also home to the nation’s first and only fly-fishing trail, the picturesque Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®. No matter your skill level you can enjoy the uninterrupted, soothing nature of casting a line on more than 4,600 miles of serene water. If you’re new to fly fishing, take our advice and book a session with Brookings Anglers or Tuckaseegee (Tuck) Fly Shop – they provide the gear and a guide to ensure your first experience is a breeze.

Pamper and Unwind

Sometimes the best way to relax is by doing nothing at all. And the best place to do nothing is on the massage table! Let our experts pamper you how you deserve with facials, hydration treatments, deep tissue massages and more. Some of our favorite spots include

Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley housed in a cozy Caretaker’s Cottage over in Cashiers, or Fusions Spa & Wellness in Sylva offering innovative wellness techniques.

If yoga and meditation suit your fancy, check out The Meditation Center offering guided classes to help you clear your mind, or any of our top yoga studios like Yoga Mill or Cashiers Valley Fusion Yoga & Wellness.

Fuel Your Body

Sylva has an unexpected foodie scene with several local restaurants offering organically sourced cuisine and vegan-friendly options. Restaurants to visit include Guadalupe Café with fresh flavors and a tropical twist, Foragers Canteen with menu items featuring farm-to-table ingredients, and City Lights Café, which is attached to a beloved bookstore and offers wraps, pasta salads, hummus, and more.

Over in Cashiers, don’t miss Zookeeper Bistro, a casual local favorite that has feel-good menu options like the California Burger. While it’s currently closed for the season, family owned and operated Cashiers Farmers Market will open again in April and it’s the best spot in town for fresh produce from local growers.

Get to Planning

Do you hear the mountains calling you yet? It’s time to take a break from the return-to-work madness and get to planning your wellness getaway to Jackson County! Here’s a tip: Come any time between now and March to enjoy some of the best lodging rates in the region during our “Secret Season.” Use our Trip Planner for more.