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)
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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
See All Maps →
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:
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
Assault on Blackrock
Sylva, NC’s extreme trail race The ninth annual Assault on BlackRock trail race has been set for Saturday, March 23, 2019. Trail running is extreme, and trail running in Sylva, …
Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon & 5K
Runners from across the country will meet in Cullowhee, N.C., located in Jackson County, at Western Carolina University to participate in the ninth annual Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon …
Sylva’s Brew Hop
Enjoy the Jackson County Ale Trail with Sylva’s Annual Brew Hop! In honor of NC Beer Month, join City Lights Café, Balsam Falls Brewing, Innovation Brewing, Mad Batter Food & …
The Easter Hat Parade
Come at 10:30 am to make a hat (Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street) – or bring your own. Get your face painted!. Meet the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts begin on …
West Fork of the Tuckasegee River Recreational Releases
Experienced paddlers from throughout the southeast turn out for the West Fork annual recreational releases. During the summer months, the Lake Glenville Dam releases whitewater into the west fork of …
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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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:
