Cashiers, Sylva, Dillsboro - Jackson County

Jackson County is a world unto itself in the high country, it has green mountain valleys at 3,500 feet and higher, and mountain peaks raising to 5,000 above sea level. Jackson County is a land of dense forest, mountain lakes, white water streams and countless waterfalls. The county slogan here is, "take time, unwind and set your own pace."

Jackson County is in the far eastern Nantahala National Forest. The southern half of Jackson County North Carolina, like Oconee County South Carolina and Rabun County Georgia are on the east-side of the Eastern Continental Divide. This natural watershed guides the waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains east to the Atlantic Ocean, while watershed on the western side of the Eastern Continental Divide guides the mountain waters to the Gulf of Mexico.

The majority of the high country of the Blue Ridge Mountains is in Western North Carolina. North Carolina has the tallest and largest number of mountain ranges in the Blue Ridge Province. The eastern North Carolina mountains are under the protection and care of the Pisgah National Forest. The western North Carolina Mountains are under the protection and care of the Nantahala National Forest, with the massive range of the Great Smoky Mountains as a separate National Park.

Just over the state line into North Carolina, we immediately come to the exit for Whitewater Falls on the east side of the highway. The trail from the parking lot to the waterfall's viewing sight, is a 1/4 mile long. It's a paved path with an easy grade for walking. The overlook allows for a full viewing of the falls with a path to the left, that leads up to the top. There is also a path to the right that will take you to the bottom of the falls. Whitewater Falls is one the highest series of waterfalls in the eastern United States. Whitewater Falls plunges 700 feet and continues over a half a mile before it empties into Lake Jocassee. Don't miss this experience and bring the camera, the walk is mild enough to be refreshing.

Cashiers: is a most notable mountain town. Its charm is unparalleled. Cashiers has all the appeal of a artisan community. Their downtown shopping area at the crossroads of State Highway 107 and US 64 is a unique setting. Sprawling out in four directions, is a community of stylish rustic design. Every building has a character all its own. Specialty shops, antique shops, authentic mountain art galleries, along with a variety of dining and regional lodgings. Cashiers is unique due to what appears to be, its lack of early settlement progress. The towns' present commerce seems to have been born in the latter part of the 20th Century, with an ambience of pride and small town hospitality. There are many prime residential developments in this region of the county.

If you feel a need for an extra side trip, you can pickup State Highway 107 north of Cashiers and travel the high mountain back country of Jackson County. You'll come in contact with the high lake shores of Lake Glenville before you descend into the upper valleys of Jackson County. You will soon arrive in the sizable mountain town of Sylva. With the Great Smoky Mountains to the north and the Blue Ridge Parkway cresting the mountain peaks to the east, Sylva rest in the heart of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Sylva: As a railroad town and county seat, Sylva prospered into a thriving mountain community. There are several blocks of mostly brick buildings in its downtown shopping and dining district, that give Sylva the distinction of a, "designated Main Street town." The stately white courthouse, perched high on a hill is visible for miles against multiple mountain backdrops. A "short piece" up the road to the west is the perfect accent to the bustling town of Sylva, its the quaint village town of Dillsboro.

Dillsboro: it's charm dates back to its historical landmarks of the 1880's. The WNC Railroad passing through Dillsboro made this a prosperous community, until several floods caused many businesses to relocate to Sylva. The town has maintained its character with its center pieces being a popular hotel built in 1884 and the central offices of the Great Smoky Mountain Railway. Laced throughout this charming village are many shops and eateries creating a well rounded experience for a small town walk-about.

Cashiers • Sylva • Dillsboro • Jackson County • Western North Carolina Mountains

Travel • Real Estate • Horseback Riding • Lodging • Restaurants • Outdoor Adventure

Cashiers • Sylva • Dillsboro • Jackson County • Western North Carolina