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You’re looking for a place that’s real and true and full of great things to do. And Jackson County…
Festivals & Events
Jackson County offers festivals and special events throughout the year, opening with downtown Sylva’s…
Trails
Enjoy short, family-friendly walks or more strenuous treks along the Appalachian Trail. With wildlife, waterfalls…
Events This Weekend
Looking for NC events this weekend? Jackson County, North Carolina, offers a lively mix of festivals, concerts…
Farmers Markets
Looking for local fare? The farmers markets of Jackson County offer homegrown produce, meats, baked goods, and…
About Us
Carved from portions of two adjoining counties in 1851, Jackson County is defined by its lofty vistas, fast-flowing…
Judaculla Rock
The Judaculla Rock is a soapstone rock with numerous Native American symbols etched throughout. It is deeply…
American Museum of the House Cat
The House Cat Museum is a collection of 30 years of everything dealing with the house cat. It started with a single…
Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains alongside the beautiful Nantahala River and Fontana Lake…
Bardo Arts Center
Newly restructured as a collective center for the arts, the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center is home…
Motion Makers Bicycle Shop
With locations in Sylva and Asheville, Motion Makers Bicycle Shop has friendly staff, expert technicians and a…
Artisan Shopper
From locally crafted goods and farmers markets, to antique treasures, Jackson County has a well-rounded, exclusive…
Balsam
Known for its historic mountain inn, Balsam includes the highest point along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in…
Things To Do
You don’t have to go far to find what you’re looking for here. Whether it’s a seasonal…
Shopping
Whether you are in the market for some homemade artisan arts and crafts, an upscale antique experience, or…
Waterfalls
You want waterfalls? We got ’em. Some can be spotted with just a short walk, while others take a little…
Hotel
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking mountain trails or exploring charming small towns, Jackson…
Visitor Guide
Sign up today for our free Visitor Guide and find out all there is to do in Jackson County.
Unto These Hills
The show portrays the unique story of the Cherokee from a historical perspective. The play traces the Cherokee…
Canyon Spa
Housed in the newly renovated Caretaker’s Cottage in the front of the 800-acre community, Canyon Spa offers a…
Balsam Lake
Built by Mead Corp. as a retreat for paper company executives, Balsam Lake passed to the national forest in the…
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Join us for a relaxing ride through the quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in Western North Carolina…
Dogwood Crafters
Located in historic Dillsboro, Dogwood Crafters is a mountain co-op that showcases the one-of-a-kind crafts of more…
Highland Excursion
We specialize in Smoky Mountain Land Rover excursions and back country survival training for individuals and small…
Tuckasegee River Greenway Biking
The one-mile trail (two mile loop) starts crossing a large footbridge, winds around a scenic stretch of the…
Avoid the Crowds
As you look to escape the crowds, the city and the worries of everyday life, look no further than the remote…
Cashiers
Situated on a high plateau, this Jackson County vacation paradise is home to some of the oldest mountains in the…
Outdoors
Jackson County offers 494-square miles of fun. We have adventures for all ages, challenges from easy to extreme.
Culture & Heritage
From mysterious petroglyphs and 11,000-year-old traditions of the Cherokee people to strolling Sylva’s…
Rivers & Lakes
The Tuckasegee River is a fly-fisherman’s paradise. And the beautiful mountain lakes along its east and west…
Cabin
Explore the many unique Cabin lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Getting Here
Jackson County is just a day’s drive for almost half of the U.S. population, making it a convenient escape…
Museum of the Cherokee People
Established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People shares Cherokee history, culture, and stories with over…
Cashiers Spa
Located within the heart of Cashiers, the Cashiers Spa helps visitors relax their body, mind, and spirit with…
Blue Ridge Snorkel Trial
Explore the underwater wonders of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail in Jackson County at East LaPorte River Park. The…
Gallery 1
Gallery 1 Sylva (formerly known as Jackson County Visual Arts Association) is open Tuesday through Friday from…
Lake Glenville Scenic Waterfall Cruises
Picture yourself in paradise along Lake Glenville, one of the highest lakes east of the Rockies, at 3,492 ft. in…
Panthertown Trail Mountain Biking
Comprised of more than 6,311 acres of rugged backcountry land in the Nantahala National Forest, Panthertown lies on…
Couple's Getaway
Some of the best peak moments are the ones you share. From sunrise on Whiteside Mountain to a candlelit table in a…
Cherokee
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains in the Qualla Boundary, Cherokee offers rich Native American history and…
Events
There’s a certain magic in Jackson County, NC, where every season brings its own celebration, every town…
Relaxation & Wellness
With world-class luxury spas in unparalleled natural settings, a moment to relax and rejuvenate is always close…
Fishing
Jackson County is home of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®, which maps out 15 prime spots to catch…
Inn
Explore the many unique Inn lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Maps
Ready to hunt for epic waterfall photo ops? Dig into local heritage? Cast the day away on the Fly Fishing…
Zachary-Tolbert House
Now home to a museum that exhibits unique “plain-style” furniture created by the builder of the home…
Fusions Spa & Wellness
At Fusions we have created a transformative healing experience in a nurturing and soothing spa environment. We all…
The Cashiers Ramble StoryWalk
While strolling through the Village Green, children can enjoy the Storywalk with regularly changing features! A…
Green Energy Park
The Jackson County Green Energy Park (JCGEP) utilizes clean, renewable energy resources to encourage economic…
Bigelow's Botanical Excursions
Join Adam Bigelow to learn about and enjoy many of the plants and flowers that call the Southern Appalachian…
Fire Mountain Trails
Located about 100 yards from the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, the trails interlace through the nearby…
Eat Like a Local
If there’s one thing that foodies know best, it’s that everything is better with food…
Cullowhee
Home of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee is an outdoor adventure paradise in the Great Smoky Mountains…
Food & Drink
Treat your tastebuds to a getaway in Jackson County, NC. With locally sourced cuisine and top-rated chefs, every…
Brewery Trail
Whether you enjoy sipping a smooth golden ale, a refreshing and hoppy IPA or a dark and robust porter, Jackson…
Rafting
Whether you’re looking for action-packed rafting on the Tuckasegee, a wild and scenic ride down the…
Camping and RV
Explore the many unique Camping lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Visitor Centers
Two great Visitor Centers are located in the county and are great resources for information regarding the area and…
Freedom Park
Sylva’s Freedom Park offers visitors a chance to see full-size replicas of the nation’s most-important…
Mandara Spa
Come and indulge in our 18,000-square-foot spa! Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is Mandara Spa’s newest…
Elk in Cherokee
The elk in Cherokee are truly a magnificent sight to behold. Elk can commonly be seen grazing the fields…
Jackson Arts Market
Every Saturday from 1-5 p.m., the Jackson Arts Market is a fun, funky, and free Arts & Music Festival. There…
Kids Bike Park at Tuck Greenway
The Jackson County Greenway Kids’ Bike Park features a 750-foot bike trail suited for beginner bikers…
Fall Getaway
As summer fades and the Blue Ridge Mountains begin their fiery transformations, Jackson County, North Carolina…
Dillsboro
This rustic, charming Western North Carolina town is the perfect relaxing getaway.
Places to Stay
Explore the many unique lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
For Kids
Jackson County is a prime spot for family-friendly fun. Whether it’s a lakefront beach or swimming hole…
Biking
With the variety of terrain and challenges for riders, Jackson County is the perfect weekend destination for…
Motel
Explore the many unique Motel lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Trip Ideas
Love to explore local artisan shops, to take on the great outdoors, or indulge in local fare? Or maybe you’re…
Appalachian Women's Museum
Even though mountain life in western North Carolina shines natural beauty, it wasn’t always easy for those…
Carole Lilly Massage
If you want to let go of stress, relieve muscle tension, and enjoy a full-body, deeply relaxing massage—our…
Grimshawes Post Office
Nestled in the shadow of Whiteside Mountain, stands a little one-room wooden shack. Grimshawes Post Office served…
Qualla Arts & Crafts
As the oldest Native American Cooperative, Qualla Arts and Crafts showcases the works of over 250 members. Using…
Western Carolina University Trail System
The WCU Multi-Use Trail system is 6.8 miles of narrow single-track trail designed for foot traffic and mountain…
Family Field Trip
Wasn’t the best part of going to school the field trips? From exploring museums to eating somewhere other…
Glenville
Located on Jackson County’s largest lake, Glenville is a popular community with gorgeous waterfront homes in…
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, experience Appalachian arts and culture, or simply…
Arts
Jackson County has long been a western North Carolina hub for arts and culture, from handmade Appalachian pottery…
Skiing
Just above 3,400 feet elevation, Sapphire Valley offers a 1,600-foot main run with a vertical drop of 200 feet and…
Breweries
For travelers who like to explore a destination one pint at a time, Jackson County’s craft beer scene offers…
Cottage
Explore the many unique Cottage lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Towns
With so many unique towns in close proximity, there are seemingly endless opportunities for history, fun, and…
Oconaluftee Indian Village
As you enter the soft trails of the village, it’s no longer the 21st century: you’re immediately…
Kid's Bike Park at Tuck Greenway
The Jackson County Greenway Kids’ Bike Park features a 750-foot bike trail suited for beginner bikers…
WCU Fine Arts Museum
The WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is located on the Western North Carolina campus. Open year-round, the…
Family Friendly
Fortunately, with easy-to-access waterfalls, fishing, outdoor concerts, locally-sourced dining options, and a range…
Sapphire
This quaint North Carolina community is best known for its resorts, including Sapphire Valley Ski Resort and the…
Golf
Looking to hit the links? Look no further. Our handful of signature courses are designed by golf masters like…
Resort
Explore the many unique Resort lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jackson County is right in the middle of everything there is to do in North Carolina. Located in the NC mountains…
Sylva Heritage Walk
Take a step back in time in this charming mountain town to learn about the rich heritage that helped to shape it…
Mountain Farm Museum
Located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mountain Farm Museum simulates a 19th-century farm, complete with…
Fly Fishing Retreat
Cast a line and reel in Jackson County’s best by exploring local fishing hotspots. From expansive lakes to…
Sylva
A charming downtown with a booming brew scene that TripAdvisor calls “One of the Top 10 American Brewery…
Blue Ridge Craft Trail
The Blue Ridge Craft Trail in Western North Carolina celebrates the rich artistic heritage and contemporary…
Vacation Rental
Explore the many unique Vacation Rental lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Mountian Heritage Center
The Mountain Heritage Center is a museum that engages WCU and the wider community in the study, preservation and…
The North Carolina Arboretum
With 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, family-friendly nature education programs, and 65 acres of cultivated…
Girlfriends’ Getaway
If you and your girlfriends are looking for the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, look no further than Jackson…
Accessible Attractions
Jackson County, nestled in the heart of western North Carolina, is a destination where everyone can revel in the…
Coffee Shops & Cafés
Whether you’re fueling up before a waterfall hike or enjoying a leisurely latte downtown, coffee in Jackson…
Pet Friendly
Explore the many unique Pet Friendly lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Pines Recreation Area
No rip tides or sharks to worry about in this glistening mountain lake. Take a swim or paddle board in the clear…
Midweek Traveler
With its convenient location to several major cities, why not play hooky and take a mid-week getaway to enjoy fewer…
Tours & Experiences
Dive deeper into the incredible, one-of-a-kind experiences that only Jackson County can offer with expertly curated…
Adventure
On land or on the water, in snow or in sun, Jackson County offers an abundance of opportunities to embrace, or even…
Vacation Rental Agency
Explore the many unique Vacation Rental Agency lodging options that are available in Jackson County North Carolina.
Outdoor Adventure
An elevated experience in the mountains of Western North Carolina, this outdoor adventure will take you from one…
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The train depot is a convenient, 20-minute drive from Sylva & Dillsboro, making it an accessible, fun…
Outfitters & Guides
Whether you’re looking for a guided whitewater rafting trip or an expert fishing tour, fly fishing gear or…
Lodging Specials & Deals
Looking for the perfect getaway? Enjoy a cozy midweek escape at the newly renovated Hotel Sylva, nestled in the…
Pet Friendly Getaway
The best travel companion has four legs. With miles of leash-friendly trails, breweries that welcome dogs and…
Historic Courthouse
As you walk along Sylva’s Main Street, you are greeted by the stately Jackson County Courthouse at the end of…
Birding in Jackson County
Explore Jackson County, NC—where mountain forests, rivers, and meadows offer some of the best birding in the…
Rainy Day
Although Jackson County is known for its outdoor beauty and boundless fresh air adventures, the area offers plenty…
Film Locations
Seems everyone is beginning to discover Jackson County. And that’s great. As for the Hollywood crowd…
Motorcycle Routes
The western North Carolina mountains are known for some of the most scenic motorcycle routes in the world. Whether…
Spring Getaway
Mild days, blooming wildflowers and waterfalls running at full force set the scene for an easygoing mountain escape…
Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino
Located on a 56-acre property near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah’s Cherokee…
Blue Ridge Parkway
Passing through 29 counties and 180 miles of national forest, Blue Ridge Parkway is a year-round sight to…
Summer Getaway
Escape the heat in Jackson County, where the mountain air runs cooler than cities across the Southeast and the days…
Biltmore
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt. Designed by Richard…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This 520,000-acre oasis is known for bio-diversity, beauty, and remnants of Southern Appalachian culture. Nearly…
Waterfall Weekend
Jackson County has one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the Southeast, from a 411-foot roadside giant…
Visitor Centers
Two great Visitor Centers are located in the county and are great resources for information regarding the area and…
Sustainability
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority dedicates itself to keeping Jackson County a clean, sustainable…
Wellness Retreat
With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, many biking and multi-use trails, and some of the most scenic vistas in…
Know Before You Go
We want you to have an enjoyable, memorable, and, most importantly, a safe trip to the North Carolina Mountains…
Winter Getaway
No matter the time of year, Jackson County is well-known for its endless active outdoor adventures and…
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Groups & Meetings
Host your group in Jackson County and enjoy the scenic NC mountains as your backdrop. With venues for any size…
Weddings
There is no better place to start your lives together than the majestic mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee…
Blog
Want to know the latest news on what's happening in the Western North Carolina Mountains? Click here to get the…
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TDA
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority was established in 2013 by an act of the North Carolina General…
About the JCTDA
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority was established in 2013 by an act of the North Carolina General…
Contact
Have a question about Jackson County, or would you like to speak with someone about your upcoming trip?
Strategic Plan
The Jackson County TDA Board will be engaged in two primary functions: A) Providing proper oversight related…
Media
We are happy to assist the media in obtaining any information or images of Jackson County, NC.
Sustainability
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority dedicates itself to keeping Jackson County a clean, sustainable…
Grants
The JCTDA provides grants to assist with projects that generate overnight guests and increase tourism, while…
TCPF
The Tourism Capital Project Fund’s (TCPF) purpose is to provide leveraged investment in tourism projects that…
JCTDA Social Media Policy
The Jackson County TDA uses official social media accounts to promote tourism-related information, events, and…
Occupancy Tax FAQ
If you rent out your home or vacation property the State of North Carolina and Jackson County law requires you to…
Tourism Impact
The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties. This study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by…
Get listed
If you are a Jackson County Occupancy Tax Remitter and are not listed on our website or in our Visitor Guide, we…
B2B Resources
Jackson County offers a wealth of tourism opportunities to visitors and residents. Through the marketing efforts of…
Publicity and Media Room
We are happy to assist the media in obtaining any information or images of Jackson County, NC.
Contact Us
Contact us with questions related to Jackson County board members, meeting minutes, agendas and public records…
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Visitor Guide
Sign up today for our free Visitor Guide and find out all there is to do in Jackson County.
Newsletter Signup
Join Our Newsletter. Sign up for our newsletter and receive Jackson County news in your inbox!
Film Locations
Seems everyone is beginning to discover Jackson County. And that’s great. As for the Hollywood crowd…
Visitor Centers
Two great Visitor Centers are located in the county and are great resources for information regarding the area and…
Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Trail
The Blue Ridge Craft Trail in Western North Carolina celebrates the rich artistic heritage and contemporary…
Jackson County, NC Facts
Nestled in the serene mountains of southwestern North Carolina, Jackson County is known for its natural beauty…