Throughout Jackson County, forested mountain passes and switchback turns lead travelers past a tapestry of waterfalls and striking views. Hikers climb to new heights, joyriders navigate the Blue Ridge Parkway, and avid fly-fishers flock to the Tuckasegee River on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. Within the wild and remote landscape, the small mountain towns of Sylva, Cashiers, and Dillsboro draw travelers looking to unwind and explore their scenic surroundings. These walkable towns each have their own feel — whether you’re looking for eclectic small-town charm, a resort-level retreat, or Appalachian creativity in a down-home setting. Smaller in size but home to significant cultural attractions, Balsam, Cherokee, Sapphire, and Cullowhee each offer distinct experiences to incorporate into your visit. So, grab your hiking boots or reel, bring your camera and appetite, and read on to discover where to go in Jackson County.
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Historic Downtown: Along Main Street, coffee shop lovers, antique hunters, and rare book aficionados bounce around from one only-in-Sylva shop to the next, scoring unique finds with a strong sense of place. There are two musically inclined shops: In Your Ear Music Emporium sells CDs, LPs, and more, as well as equipment for your pristine vinyl collection, and Underground Sylva presents a robust selection of new and vintage vinyl.
Explore Sylva’s bustling downtown along Mill Street. photograph by Nick Breedlove
Sylva Heritage Walk: On this walking tour of Sylva’s 20th-century downtown buildings, stately architecture is on full display. Pick up a printed brochure with all the stops from the Jackson County Chamber & Visitor Center, then start your journey at the 1914 Jackson County Courthouse — the most photographed in the state. The different stops along the tour reflect how the city has blossomed over the decades while retaining its sparkling character.
For spectacular views, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to Waterrock Knob, the highest elevated visitor center along the parkway. photograph by Jared Kreiss
Zoom to the Blooms: Spectacular stretches along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in Pinnacle Park transform into firework displays of wildflowers during the summer. As you plan your wildflower hike, consult this page for seasonal blooms you can spot during the spring and summer.
After a hike, unwind with a flight of locally brewed craft beers at Innovation Brewing. Photography courtesy of Innovation Brewing
Unwind at a Brewery: Gather with friends or family to try the suds at Innovation Brewing, Lazy Hiker, or Balsam Falls Brewing Co. On blue-sky days in the social district, take a beer to-go as you enjoy a sunny walk to the next brewery.
At Ilda, you can sample dishes that blend Italian recipes with Appalachian flair. photograph by Tembo Hospitality Group
A New Wave of Flavors: Ilda features award-winning Italian classics rendered with Appalachian flare. The owners bring combined restaurant experience from New York City home to their Sylva roots, suffusing the dishes and wine list with love and culinary passion. For down-home, from-scratch flavors, the team at Lulu’s on Main is ready to make sure no one in your crew leaves hungry. The French onion soup is a locals-favorite and a perfectly cozy start, but you’ve got lots of options from sandwiches and burgers to sumptuous steaks and seafood.
The Village Green: As the weather warms, join the Cashiers locals for events and merriment at this central gathering place. During the Groovin’ on the Green concert series, this 13.2-acre park features native wildlife and plants, seasonal farmers market produce, and live music.
Stretch your legs with a lap around Cashier’s Village Green or a gentle trek to the overlook at Whitewater Falls. Photography courtesy of Jackson County TDA, Stacy Redmon
Waterfalls: Throughout the mountains around Jackson County, hikers are rewarded with a variety of waterfalls. Nothing makes breaking in hiking boots more satisfying than turning a corner and seeing Whitewater Falls in all its thunderous pageantry. And you can bring swimming gear to Silver Run Falls’ swimming hole in the Nantahala National Forest.
Hike for Views: When it comes to Jackson County’s iconic mountain views, it’s hard to beat the 700-foot cliff walls at the top of Whiteside Mountain. While this trail is beloved year-round, mid-June hikers are treated to the fragrant aromas of the blooming Mountain Laurel.
Kick Your Feet Up: At the end of an eventful day, settle in for the night at a local resort or boutique accommodation. High Hampton Resort, Hotel Cashiers, and The Wells Cashiers blend beautifully with their natural surroundings, all while offering luxurious amenities and comfortable, aesthetic rooms.
Within the chestnut-paneled Dining Room at High Hampton, guests enjoy elevated presentations of seasonal ingredients alongside views of Rock Mountain. Photography courtesy of High Hampton Resort
Dine: In the historic private community of Lonesome Valley, Jennings Barn is home to Canyon Kitchen. Guests enjoy the beauty of lofty ceilings, warm wood tones, and a magnificent stone fireplace as they savor plates of filet mignon, sea scallops, or a delicate squash risotto. If you prefer a casual slice and a craft brew, stop by Slab Town Pizza, one of the best-kept secrets in Cashiers. Locals rave about The Duke, a pie piled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ricotta along with mozzarella and their signature red sauce.
Dogwood Crafters Cooperative: Embrace the talents of Jackson County’s thriving community of folk artists at Dillsboro’s quaint log-cabin-like arts and crafts gallery. Whether you’re shopping for handcrafted jewelry, paintings, home decor, or gifts, you’ll find locally made items that keep the artistic traditions of this region alive.
Dillsboro’s proximity to the Tuckasegee River and its tributaries make the region a haven for fly-fishers. photograph by Nick Breedlove
Western NC Fly-Fishing Trail: The first and only of its kind in the country, Western North Carolina’s Fly-Fishing Trail presents a scavenger hunt to 15 Jackson County destinations where you can cast your line to reel in brook, brown, and rainbow trout. With this detailed map, you can choose your own adventure or hire a knowledgeable local guide to take you out and help you perfect your back cast.
Events: Dillsboro’s artistic spirit is on full display during the annual Front Street Arts & Crafts Festival. Held on a Saturday in July, the event brings more than 40 regional artists to downtown Dillsboro. Mosey between the booths while enjoying festival foods and entertainment. Come October, Colorfest! brings artists back to Front Street to show off their colorful pieces against a backdrop autumn leaves in their peak season glory.
Try Northern Thai dishes at Dalaya Thai like krabong (vegetable fritters) and kaeng hung leh (a flavorful pork curry). photograph by JB Media
From Curry to ’Cue: Inside the humble red restaurant at the Dillsboro-Sylva border, Dalaya Thai serves upscale, authentic Thai flavors. Peer out the floor-to-ceiling windows for a view of Scott Creek as you try pineapple salad, savory catfish in curry sauce, or any of the varied vegetarian dishes. Back in town, follow your nose to Haywood Smokehouse, where hickory-smoked meats transport your tastebuds to the Lonestar State. Sink your teeth into brisket smoked between 16 and 20 hours, bright and creamy coleslaw, and a variety of daily or weekly specials.
Cherokee: Visit cultural attractions like the Museum of the Cherokee People and the Unto These Hills performance at this town situated at the edge Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Ten miles from Cherokee, you’ll find the double waterfall Soco Falls. Photography courtesy of JACKSON COUNTY TDA
Cullowhee: This college town is home to Western Carolina University and the historic grandeur of Judaculla Rock, an example of Cherokee petroglyphs carved into soapstone.
Balsam: While the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Jackson County, Balsam is your Parkway entry point. Capture the views through your camera lens when you stop at Richland Balsam Overlook.
Sapphire: This is your gateway into Gorges State Park, where you can explore the impressive backcountry terrain as you hike and camp.
Cool off on a warm day with a dip into Greenland Creek at Schoolhouse Falls. photograph by Stacy Redmon
In a small Jackson County town, where trout fill the mountain streams and traffic is confined to the trails, the pull of community calls to both natives and newcomers.
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This story was published on Apr 23, 2025
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