Your Trip

YOUR MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, experience Appalachian arts and culture, or simply relax in a secluded cabin, Jackson County has it all. Start planning your getaway with the resources and ideas below. See you soon!

About Jackson County

Fast Facts

One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet
One of the highest lakes east of the Rockies Lake Glenville at 3,500 feet above sea level
More Mountain Heritage Trout waters than anywhere else in the state (Jackson County has 3)
More mountains – 185 named summits and Whiteside Mountain, which boasts the highest vertical cliffs in the Eastern United States, is considered by some geologists to be the oldest mountain in the world. (390 to 460 million years old)
More waterways – 250 named creeks and rivers – with the most Mountain Heritage Trout waters than anywhere else in the state (Jackson County has 3) – plus more fish are stocked in our streams than anywhere else in the state (92,800 in 2016)
More miles of Blue Ridge Parkway – 70+ – and the highest point along Blue Ridge Parkway – Richland Balsam overlook (6,053 ft.)
The highest continuous cliff east of Rockies is at Laurel Knob (best viewed from Lonesome Valley). It is 1,200 feet of continuous rock cliff.
Largest box canyon east of the Rockies – Lonesome Valley
The only place in the country you can see the ‘Shadow of the Bear’
Smallest U.S. Post office – Grimshawes (1903-53)

Learn More About Jackson County →

Fun Facts About Jackson County →

Get The Guide

Visitor Galleries

In addition to these visitor galleries, check out our favorite panoramic views →

Maps

family walking through the streets of jackson county

With so many ways to Play On in Jackson County, you might just want a guide. From awesome waterfall hikes to historic landmarks, we have plenty of maps to help you navigate your next mountain adventure.

Waterfall and Hiking Map
Cashiers Attractions, Adventures & Waterfalls Map
Fire Mountain Trails
Cashiers Shopping & Dining Guide
Cashiers Historical Society Heritage Trail
Sylva Map
Sylva Heritage Walk
Dillsboro Map
Fly Fishing Trail® Map
Tuckasegee River Map
Whitewater Falls Map
Whiteside Mountain Map
The Village Green Visitor Guide
The Jackson County Ale Trail
Jackson County Map

See All Maps

Safety Guide

We want you to have an enjoyable, memorable, and, most importantly, a safe trip to the North Carolina Mountains. We have collected many safety tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Waterfall Safety
Hiking Safety
Camping Safety
Wildlife Safety
Permits
Voluntourism
Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Best Time to Visit

View The Safety Guide

Visitor Centers

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
773 W. Main St.
Sylva NC 28779
Phone: 1-800-962-1911
info@mountainlovers.com

Cashiers Area Chamber and Visitor Center
202 Highway 64 West
Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: 828-743-5191
info@cashiersareachamber.com

Trip Ideas

There are so many ways to Play On in Jackson County! Ranging from adventurous to indulgent and everything in between, here are a few trip ideas to help you get started:

Family Field Trip →
Avoid the Crowds →
Winter Getaway →
Outdoor Adventure →
Eat Like A Local →
Girlfriends’ Getaway →
Fishermen’s Retreat →
Artisan Shopper →
Mid-Week Traveler →
Rainy Day →

Prefer to get a firsthand perspective of Jackson County from a local? Choose from an incredible selection of tours or create your own!

Book A Tour Or Ride Today

Upcoming Events

Colorfest! Arts & Crafts Walk

October 2 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm — This unique historic town welcomes visitors to enjoy this year’s Arts & Crafts Walk. Although the event has been changed a little this year, attendees will still enjoy meeting and …

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Towns

Balsam

Known for its historic mountain inn, Balsam includes the highest point along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Cashiers

Situated on a high plateau, this vacation paradise is home to some of the oldest mountains in the world.

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Cherokee

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee offers rich Native American history and culture.

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Cullowhee

Home of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee is the go-to spot for water sports on the flowing Tuckasegee River.

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Dillsboro

This rustic, charming Western North Carolina town is the perfect relaxing getaway.

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Glenville

Located on Jackson County’s largest lake, Glenville is a popular community with gorgeous waterfront homes in the mountains.

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Sapphire

Activities in the family-oriented resort area of Sapphire will keep you coming back year after year.

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Sylva

A charming downtown with a booming brew scene that TripAdvisor calls “One of the Top 10 American Brewery Tours,” this historic mountain town has a distinct groove.