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 →

Sign up for our free Visitor Guide to see all there is to do in Jackson County.

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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

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

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

Photo Credit: Blue Bend Photography

Looking for the perfect place to get married? Look no further. Jackson County offers a variety of venues to make your special day memorable.

Click on any of the venues below for more information:

Balsam Mountain Preserve →
Bear Lake Reserve →
Best Western Plus – River Escape Inn & Suites →
High Hampton Inn →
Lonesome Valley →
Sawyer Family Farmstead →
The Orchard Restaurant →
The Village Green →
Trillium Links and Lake Club →

View the Wedding Guide