The Mountains Are Calling Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, an escape from the heat, or challenging outdoor adventures, Jackson County, North Carolina is an easy getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. By Lisa McGinnes
he four quaint communities of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva in Jackson County, North Carolina welcome you with small-town hospitality in the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Just 2 ½ hours northeast of Atlanta, the area is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains’ natural paradise. Options for active exploring, tranquil relaxation or extreme sports allow you to choose your own adventure.
All photos courtesy of Jackson County Tourism Development Authority
Take a Hike
With summits of 6,000+ feet, hiking in Jackson County offers incredible views, challenging elevation gains and cooler air. You’ll enjoy blooms for days depending on when you go—delicate ephemerals such as trillium and lady slipper orchids this time of year, redbud and dogwood later in the spring, then the mountain laurel and rhododendron fill the forests in May and June. Do stop and smell the flowers. Trails are everywhere, and you can choose from several moderate to strenuous hikes that lead to breathtaking summits. At Pinnacle Park in Sylva, an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet over a 7-mile loop trail provides the ultimate reward—360-degree, panoramic views of the valley and mountain peaks rising beyond. The mountain streams offer more than two dozen waterfalls in and around Jackson County. It’s a short walk to the lovely Silver Run Falls just outside Cashiers. The 25foot waterfall cascades into a cool, clear swimming hole. For the ultimate immersive nature experience, slow down and take a guided forest therapy walk. Mark Ellison of Pinnacle Forest Therapy is trained in the Japanese practice of forest bathing, which is a calm, mindful stroll through Pinnacle Park, staying at lower elevations and experiencing the restorative power of nature. March ‘20
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