Jackson County J
ackson County, which includes the county seat town of Sylva and the high-altitude village of Cashiers, has some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular scenery. The county was established in 1851 from parts of Haywood and Macon counties and named after President Andrew Jackson. The Tuckasegee River winds through the county, boasting some of the best trout fishing in the region. In fact, Jackson County is home to the only Flyfishing Trail in the state, and a flyfishing trail map available from the Chamber of Commerce gives directions to some of the best spots to try and hook a prized trout. Jackson is also home to part of the Nantahala National Forest, the largest of the four national forests located in the state. Nantahala is a Cherokee word for “land of the noonday sun,” and the Nantahala Gorge in adjoining Swain County is considered one of the top whitewater rivers in the East. National Geograpic magazine called the river the number one water tourist destination in the country, and it attracts more than 250,000 paddlers a year. The 2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships will be held in the gorge at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Sylva has one of the most vibrant downtowns in all of Western North
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through October. Sylva’s tree-lined streetscape, dotted with benches, provides visitors with an afternoon of easy walking. There is even an official 1.2-mile tree walk, featuring 44 of the more than 50 species in Sylva, designated a Tree City USA. The Sylva Garden Club currently maintains the walk, which features a guidebook, map and small signs at the base of each tree indicating its common name. The walk officially begins in the shade of Bicentennial Park near the historic courthouse. Speaking of the Jackson County Courthouse, it is often called the most photographed courthouse in the state. And why not, as it sits atop a knoll accessed by 107 steps. The famous island hole at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers Those steps are what gives local (top photo) is the scene of thousands of photographs, as is the picturesque Jackson County Courthouse (above). PHOTO COURTESY highway N.C. 107 its name. OF HIGH HAMPTON INN AND COUNTRY CLUB • MARK HASKETT PHOTO Adjacent to the courthouse is a brand new library, historical museum and Carolina. It boasts an assortment of art performance space. What was the most galleries, furniture and clothing stores, beautiful courthouse in the state is now restaurants, a coffee shop, bakery, a considered by some the most beautiful brewery and more. public library in the state. Mill Street — better known locally as Friday Night Live brings music to Sylva Back Street, which is the other half of the and Dillsboro with an ever-changing list of one-way Main Street — is undergoing locations and bands. The popular Art After revitalization. It also provides access to the Dark gallery stroll is held on the first Friday town’s bustling Farmers Market, open of each month. every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, May