Wellness is about being the best version of you, both physically and mentally. When visiting our mountain towns and being surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature, you will find many opportunities to enjoy a relaxed, yet adventurous vacation that will leave you feeling revitalized.

Relax the Worries Away

From Cherokee to Cashiers, our county’s spas offer a wide variety of rejuvenating services that will help you to both look and feel amazing. Each spa has its individual specialties and all reflect the relaxing and charming feel of our mountain communities. From massages to facials to body treatments and much more, our local spa treatments provide a wonderful way to rest and recharge your body, mind, and spirit.

While in Cashiers, spend a day at Lonesome Valley’s Canyon Spa. Canyon Spa offers exclusively handcrafted nurturing treatments using only the finest natural farm-fresh ingredients grown on the property’s very own garden. Located in the heart of Cashiers is Cashiers Spa. Offering services ranging from Swedish Massage to Thai Herbal Poultice, Cashiers Spa is an ideal way to relax and unwind.

In Sylva, be sure to stop by Fusions Spa & Wellness. Located conveniently in downtown, Fusions offers signature experiences and therapies to bring you transformational wellness in a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Situated within the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Mandara Spa offers world-class services within an 18,000-square-foot spa. Visitors of the resort will find an exotic Balinese inspired menu that features the professional Elemis spa-therapy.

Wellness Tours and Meditation

For something a bit more uniquely therapeutic, immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with Shinrin-Yoku, a guided nature therapy walk with Pinnacle Forest Therapy. Dr. Mark Ellison will lead you to a place of relaxation and oneness with nature as you reconnect with the restorative powers of the surrounding landscape. Each walk ends with a tea forged safely from the local land.

Sometimes, we all need some space to find our center. Fortunately, The Mediation Center will give you just that. The Mediation Center offers a spiritual-based learning environment in which visitors can deepen their connection with the truths that guide from within. Stop by anytime for a space to breathe or keep an eye on their website for guided sessions.

Hit the Trails

Located within the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jackson County offers hundreds of miles of scenic hiking, biking, and multi-use trails. Known as the “Yosemite of the East,” Panthertown Valley, located just outside of Cashiers, offers more than 6,295 acres of protected public land in the Nantahala National Forest. With countless waterfalls and over 30 miles of U.S. Forest Service-designed mixed-use trails, visitors can enjoy deep gorges and broad valleys, mountain bogs, and granitic rock domes.

Also, a hiker’s favorite, Whiteside Mountain, displays the highest vertical cliffs in the eastern United States. Whiteside’s 4,930-foot crest can be attained by a loop trail that offers fully panoramic views. To truly take it all in, find the perfect place hang your hammock, kick back and relax. Whiteside Mountain is also a favorite for sunrise yoga and meditation.

While in Cullowhee, make sure to check out Western Carolina University’s Trail System. A favorite amongst mountain bikers and trail runners, this multi-use trail system offers more than 10 miles of thrilling pumps, jumps, and berms. Another mountain biker’s favorite is Cherokee’s Fire Mountain Trails. Spanning more than 10.5 miles, the trails nice flow, 20+ switchbacks, and quick hits of elevation are a mountain bikers dream.

Sylva’s Pinnacle Park boasts a 7-mile round-trip trek ascending more than 3,000 ft. in elevation. More rewarding than the endorphins and physical challenge, is the panoramic view of Sylva and the surrounding mountains that await at the top.

Eat Well

Jackson County’s thriving culinary scene offers flavors and accommodations for all tastes and dietary needs. While in Sylva, also make sure to check out Lulu’s on Main along with City Lights Café for delicious farm-to-table offerings, local cuisine, and delicious vegan and vegetarian options.

Fine dining on the Cashiers Plateau is plentiful. Canyon Kitchen in Lonesome Valley offers a humble, yet extraordinary selection of food with ingredients sourced from local and regional farms, as well as its on-property garden. The Library Kitchen + Bar offers delectable farm-to-table dishes crafted by Michelin-star trained chef, Chef Johannes. Located in a beautifully refurbished iconic historical setting, the Library’s offerings rotate seasonally.

If cooking is your thing, bring home the taste of locally grown organic produce at one of Farmers Markets, for a truly farm-to-table experience.

Sleep Well

A good night’s sleep is the foundation for a well-rounded day. With plentiful accommodations for every lifestyle and budget, Jackson County is the perfect setting to relax, sleep in and embark on your wellness retreat. Let us help you plan your trip by checking out our Visitor Guide to get started.