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 →
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Visitor Galleries
Maps
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
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
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!
Upcoming Events
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
December 3 @ 5:00 pm — Journey back to the days of yesteryear. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! 2,500 luminaries light your …
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.
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Pet Friendly
As a pet-friendly destination, Jackson County has plenty of accommodations that welcome pets of all shapes and sizes with open arms.
No Fido left behind! Check out all the restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Jackson County that offer pet-friendly spaces.
Weddings
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:
