Top 5 Ways to Help Protect Jackson County, N.C.’s Natural Beauty

Top 5 Ways to Help Protect Jackson County, N.C.’s Natural Beauty

Jackson County, N.C. is known and loved for its unparalleled beauty — from the mountain valleys and peaks to glistening lakes and rivers and breathtaking vistas in-between. Protecting our natural resources is key to keeping our mountains enjoyable for future generations. Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or a season, you can play a role in preserving and sustaining our natural areas. Here’s how: 1 – Know and Practice the Principles of Leave No Trace® A set of ethics promoting conservation of the outdoors, Leave No Trace® (LNT) began decades ago in response to ecological damage caused by wilderness recreation. Finalized in 1999 and embraced by an array of organizations, the seven principles to follow include: Plan ahead and prepare. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Minimize campfire impacts. Respect wildlife. Be considerate of other visitors. 2 – Plan To Visit Midweek Want to avoid the crowds, a budget efficiently and lessen the impact on our outdoor spaces? Then plan to travel between Sunday and Thursday! Hotels, inns and cabins even offer special rates for stays during the week. And if your travel plans include visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway or other highly-popular attractions, you will be less likely to sit in traffic – another preservation plus. Find tips and an itinerary for midweek travel here! 3 – Consider “Shoulder Season” Travel A term for the less crowded travel months, “shoulder season” in Jackson County, […]

Keeping it Cool This Summer in the Jackson County, N.C. Mountains

Keeping it Cool This Summer in the Jackson County, N.C. Mountains

As the temperatures begin to climb, Jackson County, NC offers your escape. Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park with stunning natural landscapes, our trails, rivers, lakes and waterfalls provide ample opportunities to stay cool. Whether you seek solace or crave the adrenaline rush, we have your Top Six Ways to Beat the Heat in the N.C. Mountains, so plan your trip today! 1 – Chase Waterfalls Jackson County is home to breathtaking waterfalls that offer a refreshing retreat from the summer sun. Embark on an adventure to discover these natural wonders, such as Whitewater Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, or Silver Run Falls, known for its easy hike and crystal-clear pool at the base. The misty air and cool waters will rejuvenate your spirit as you bask in the beauty of these cascading treasures. In search of a swimming hole to splash around in all day? Then take the family to Cashiers Sliding Rock, a natural waterslide surrounded by beauty. A safety note: Remember to abide by posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails. Never climb on or around waterfalls and never play in the water above a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery and it’s easy to lose your balance, especially with bare feet. Currents near waterfalls can be extremely swift even in areas further upstream. Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools at the base of waterfalls.  2 – Hike a Mountain Trail […]

What’s New This Season in the Mountains of Jackson County, N.C.

What’s New This Season in the Mountains of Jackson County, N.C.

Summer is here and the days are long providing ample time to make new memories in the North Carolina Mountains. Located about an hour west of Asheville, our mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva have welcomed several new experiences, businesses, and lodging options to enjoy on your next visit. From the revival of signature events like Greening Up the Mountains to the addition of a new Beer Treks brewery tour, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Escape the heat and crowds of the city and head to the crisp, clean, and cool mountain air of western North Carolina.

In Full Bloom: Your Ultimate Guide to the Flowering Season in Jackson County, N.C.

In Full Bloom: Your Ultimate Guide to the Flowering Season in Jackson County, N.C.

Ideally situated in the Western North Carolina mountains, Jackson County is home to rare and endangered species, colorful wildflowers and lush forests. Because of our elevation, we have one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the temperate world! With more than 1,500 species of flowering plants spread across 494 square miles of spectacular landscape, Jackson County offers endless opportunities to experience the season’s most picturesque blooms. We’ve created this Ultimate Guide to the Blooming Season to help you along your journey. So, grab your hiking boots and prepare to immerse yourself in nature and discover the spectacular flora that comes alive each spring! Here’s what you’ll find: Rhododendron (March – July) – A stunning, evergreen shrub known for its brilliant blooms, Rhododendron ranges in color from pure white to deep red and purple. One of the best places to find this iconic flowering plant is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to a variety of Rhododendron species, including the Pinxter, Catawba and Carolina. Specifically, the Oconaluftee River Trail, Mingus Creek Trail and the Clingmans Dome Trail are popular areas to see rhododendrons in bloom during the spring and early summer. Dutchman’s Breeches (March – June) – This wildflower is known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and unique, pantaloon-shaped flowers that resemble tiny pairs of breeches hanging upside down from a clothesline. Dutchman’s Breeches prefers moist, shady habitats, and can often be found growing in the understory of deciduous forests and along the edges of streams and creeks. Whiteside Mountain Trail […]

Join the Outdoor NC Movement

Join the Outdoor NC Movement

Join the Movement Jackson County, North Carolina has joined the Outdoor NC Movement Jackson County is a proud partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance and we’re thrilled to share our commitment to stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces with you. We have joined the Outdoor NC movement to preserve and protect our cherished outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. Our goal is to actively promote stewardship and responsible recreation in the outdoors, which will ensure our state is the world-class destination we know and love, forever.  The goal is simple – it’s a call to action for both residents and visitors to embrace responsible recreation and leave things better than you found them. Our partnership with Outdoor NC encourages those visiting to minimize their footprint and impact on the environment. Our goal is simple – to ensure these mountains are pristine and enjoyable for future generations to come. About Outdoor NC Outdoor NC is a movement that is committed to promoting stewardship throughout North Carolina, inspiring everyone to not only experience the outdoors, but embrace and protect it as well. It provides a wide variety of resources which educate outdoor adventurers on how they can recreate responsibly, respectfully, and safely. As an Outdoor NC Alliance partner, we actively encourage everyone to join our collective movement to protect our beloved, shared outdoor spaces.  It’s easier than you think to join the movement. It can be as simple as following the Leave No Trace® Seven Principles. Or you can get more […]

Your Guide to the Best Springtime Celebrations in the N.C. Mountains

festival with a lot of people in jackson county

Your Guide to the Best Springtime Celebrations in the N.C. Mountains

Spring has sprung in the Western North Carolina mountains, making it a fantastic time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. One of best ways of doing just that is by attending the popular Greening Up the Mountains festival in downtown Sylva. Now in its 22nd year, this highly-anticipated annual event celebrates the arrival of spring, making it the perfect time for a spring weekend getaway.

Stay Inside and Play On!

Stay Inside and Play On!

Jackson County is known for its beautiful outdoors, but there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors, too – especially when Mother Nature brings cool or rainy weather. To help you navigate those inside days, we’ve created this Guide to Amazing Indoor Adventures in Jackson County, NC! Catamount Jaxe – Cullowhee Can you hit the bullseye? A new addition to the Jackson County entertainment landscape, Catamount Jaxe Axe Throwing Social House offers the thrill and fun of competition. Located in Cullowhee within the Prospect residential community, Catamount Jaxe is a professionally designed venue combining the rustic charm of a lodge with the vibrant energy of a social hangout. It’s the perfect place for a date night, a group outing or a special celebration. The venue features a full bar, special trivia and karaoke nights as well as patio games (when the weather allows). “Axe-perts” are on hand to guide you through the skill of axe throwing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. (Children age 10 and older are permitted to axe throw with a waiver signed by their parent.) So, unleash your inner lumberjack in a mountain setting and get ready for an “axe-ceptional” time! The Zachary-Tolbert House – Cashiers Learn about early settlers to the Cashiers Valley! Located on 107 S., the historic Zachary-Tolbert House is home to the most extensive collection of “plain-style” furniture in the world. The house itself — an outstanding example of a vernacular, Greek Revival residential structure — has remained largely unaltered […]

Six Ways to Celebrate the One You Love in Jackson County, NC

Six Ways to Celebrate the One You Love in Jackson County, NC

February is the month of love, and there’s no better place than the North Carolina Mountains to celebrate your valentine. Against our spectacular mountain backdrop, it’s easy to fall in love all over again during your romantic getaway to our quaint and charming towns. We’ve made planning your escape easy with our Six Ways to Celebrate the One You Love in Jackson County, NC! 1 – Sweets for Your Sweetie Whether it’s the exclamation point at the end of a fine meal or a token of affection, a Valentine’s Day sweet treat is the perfect touch to your romantic celebration. Jackson County has two chocolatiers waiting for you: Baxley’s Chocolates in Sylva or Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, where you’ll find a variety of small-batch, handmade confections. Indulge in truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, caramels, fudge and more, all guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Take home treats in small box that are much tastier than what you’ll find in a big box store! 2 – Table for Two Our thriving culinary scene means Jackson County offers plenty of romantic choices for an intimate table for two. Consider The Orchard Restaurant in Cashiers, a 1900s-era farmhouse featuring dining featuring seasonal dishes with Southern flavor. In Sapphire, Mica’s Restaurant & Pub has been a local favorite for more than 35 years, offering a full menu served year round. Enjoy the warm blazes of the stacked-stone fireplace in the large dining room while dining on prime steaks, fresh-caught trout or even made-from-scratch NY-style pizza. At Lulu’s […]

Our ‘Secret Season’ Is Whispering to You

Our ‘Secret Season’ Is Whispering to You

Jackson County, NC has a secret – one that’s well worth sharing. A visit to the area between winter and early spring offers benefits you won’t find any other time of the year. From lower lodging rates to clear mountain views to amazing dining and winter sports experiences, you’ll find it here, during our serene “Secret Season.” Here are our top suggestions for taking full advantage of it! Lower Temps = Lower Rates Let’s start with pricing. As the temperatures fall, so do the rates for lodges, hotels, cabins and cottages. Simply put, you’ll get more mountains for your money! Additionally, many properties offer seasonal specials. Consider the iconic High Hampton Resort, which offers its lowest rates of the year during January and February. Or the 20% discount when you book three nights at Hotel Cashiers, a pet-friendly mountain inn. In Whittier, close to the national park, Outland Chalet & Suites Great Smoky Mountains also offers a discounted rate for stays of three nights or more. Cozy Cabins and Cottages Speaking of lodging, let’s talk about how wonderful it feels to snuggle next to a crackling fire with views of snow-capped mountains on the other side of your window. No other time of year offers the same feelings of coziness and relaxation. Whether you prefer a log cabin, historic lodge, charming cottage or unique hotel, it’s waiting for you in Jackson County. Select a property with a hot tub, fireplace or fire pit and create that perfect mountain moment. Pick […]