Jingle All the Way to Jackson County
Jingle All the Way to Jackson County
The holiday season is just getting started, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in the picturesque Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County. While the region’s mountains certainly provide breathtaking scenic views, especially when coated in nature’s snowy blanket, there’s much more to enjoy here throughout the holiday season.
Jackson County Will Light the Way to a Perfect Holiday Getaway
Jackson County Will Light the Way to a Perfect Holiday Getaway
The holiday season is nearly upon us, which means it is almost time for twinkling lights, hot cocoa with marshmallows, family traditions and warm memories. Located in Western North Carolina in the quaint mountain town of Dillsboro, the 35th Annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries allows you to experience all of the above in a magical winter wonderland!
Top Tips for a Winter Getaway to the Mountains of Jackson County
Top Tips for a Winter Getaway to the Mountains of Jackson County
As temperatures continue to drop, Jackson County in the Western North Carolina mountains is heating up with plenty of things to do, see and experience during a winter mountain getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the clear, brisk conditions in the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Sylva and Dillsboro, where they can get outside to get their blood pumping as they explore the area’s many outdoor activities.
Six Places to Catch a Sunset in Jackson County
Six Places to Catch a Sunset in Jackson County
With rolling mountain peaks, tumbling waterfalls and scenic valleys, Jackson County, N.C. is home to a wealth of gorgeous scenery. The panoramic views from the mountaintops are some of the most beautiful in the country – it’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful, but as the sun begins to lower and the sky fills with rich hues of orange, yellow, red and purple, adding a glow to everything in its path, the view becomes more breathtaking than ever.
Insider’s Guide to the WNC Fly Fishing Trail®
Insider’s Guide to the WNC Fly Fishing Trail®
Brook, Brown and Rainbow … oh my! The angler’s paradise of Jackson County, N.C., is home to all three of these trout species and the best trout waters in N.C. Located in the western N.C. mountains, Jackson County is also home to the country’s first and only fly fishing trail, making it a must-visit for any and all fishermen. Jackson County’s WNC Fly Fishing Trail® will take anglers through a variety of fly fishing experiences, from wade fishing to float fishing, from small streams to big water. Along the trail, guests will experience 15 prime fishing stops, more than 4,600 miles of streams and 1,100 miles of hatchery supported waters. The natural beauty of the area coupled with the well-stocked waters, make our county the ideal destination to cast a line. Julie Spiro, one of the creators of the trail said that it was “created to enhance what the area was already well-known for, but to not detract from the natural beauty.”
Find the Flavors of Fall Throughout Jackson County
Find the Flavors of Fall Throughout Jackson County
There’s a lot to love about fall throughout the Western N.C. mountain towns of Jackson County: cooler temps, festivals and, of course, the beautiful colors that take over the trees. But there’s something else everyone looks forward to when autumn is upon us: the return of seasonal flavors.
Shadow of the Bear Comes Out of Hibernation Each Fall in Jackson County
Shadow of the Bear Comes Out of Hibernation Each Fall in Jackson County
Fall is in full swing in the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County. That means crisp, cool air, breathtaking fall foliage and the annual return of the Shadow of the Bear. This one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon, an actual shadow of a bear, emerges every autumn on Cashiers Valley from behind Whiteside Mountain.
Best Fall Hikes in Jackson County
Best Fall Hikes in Jackson County
Once the fall colors descend upon the peaks and valleys of the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County, there’s no better way to enjoy this kaleidoscope of color than hitting the area’s many scenic hiking trails. Whether trekking up a mountain or leisurely strolling along a short, family-friendly path that includes vistas, waterfalls, old bridges and more, there’s a trail available for every age and skill level.
Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to Fall in Jackson County
Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to Fall in Jackson County
(Photo courtesy James Leithart) When it comes to enjoying the beauty of fall’s vibrant colors, nothing beats a leisurely road trip through the mountains of Western North Carolina. The crisp, cool air, scenic views and peaceful serenity allow visitors to take in what many say is their favorite time of year. One of the best routes to explore the area’s brilliant autumnal hues is along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Jackson County. Created in 1936 with the final 7.7-mile stretch completed in 1987, the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed to link the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, the road covers 469 miles, stretching from Virginia to North Carolina. More than 40 miles traverse our county, including the highest section of the entire Parkway. As a result, the area attracts leaf lookers each year who come to take in the rich colors of autumn in the mountains. 2018’s rainy summer will bring out warm hazel tones, siennas and golden yellows throughout Jackson County beginning in September. Dr. Beverly Collins, biology professor at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, is predicting peak color around the fourth week of October and expects color to extend through early November. Unlike portions of the Parkway farther north in the state, the section here is generally much less congested, making it more enjoyable to explore. Plus, because the Parkway speed limit is just 45 mph, with some areas seeing even lower limits, it’s easy to cruise along leisurely while taking in the […]
Celebrating Southern Appalachian Culture at Mountain Heritage Day
Celebrating Southern Appalachian Culture at Mountain Heritage Day
Autumn is nearly upon us, and that means fall festivals are on the horizon. One not-to-miss fall event is Mountain Heritage Day, which is held each year on the Western Carolina University campus. This annual festival celebrates the Southern Appalachian mountain culture that can be found throughout Jackson County and the rest of the surrounding Western North Carolina mountains. Mountain Heritage Day is a prime example of WCU’s community involvement, drawing more than 15,000 visitors to the area to experience continuous live entertainment, more than 130 food and craft vendors, an interactive children’s area, and nonstop family-friendly activities. Both admission and parking for the event are free, with free shuttle service provided.