North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva

Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, the distinct mountain communities of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire that reside in Jackson County, NC are among the country’s premier outdoor destinations. Rising to an elevation of more than 3,800 feet, the area’s 500 square- miles of unblemished mountain and valley landscape are home to some of the Southeast’s most celebrated natural treasures. Lakes, rivers and streams abound, and the area is nationally known for the quality of our trout-fishing waters. The Tuckasegee River is viewed as a fly-fisherman's paradise and is part of the first and only fly fishing trail in the country, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail. Beautiful mountain lakes along the river's East and West forks, including pristine Lake Glenville, provide opportunities for boating and other outdoor recreation. The county contains or borders some 45 miles of the incomparable Blue Ridge Parkway and adjoins the Cherokee Indian Reservation, which boasts Harrah's Cherokee Casino as well as heritage attractions including the outdoor drama "Unto These Hills" and Oconaluftee Indian Village. Just past Cherokee is Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its half-million acres of unparalleled beauty.

Hiking, horseback riding, rafting, fly fishing, waterfall excursions, golf and water sports are drawing families and outdoor enthusiasts who want to “play on, ” as well as an all-star list of residents, including many world class athletes, with an equally elevated profile.

Alongside the wealth of natural wonders, man-made treasures including culinary and cultural attractions and seasonal events elevate the experience even further. Sweet spots include chef-driven and locally-sourced restaurants, nationally acclaimed culinary talent, award-wining craft breweries, and artisans and potters that bring out the flavor and traditions of the area.

For visitors, riverside or mountain-top, a wide selection of resorts, inns and vacation rental homes offer rooms with breathtaking views.
Mountain Communities

From the resort village of Cashiers to the authentic Smoky Mountain towns of Cherokee, Cullowhee, Dillsboro, and Sylva as you head north along the Tuckasegee River, each corner of Jackson County has its own personality and charm.

Cashiers: Multimillion-dollar homes and quintessential log cabins co-exist happily here alongside a plethora of antique and interiors shops and restaurants. A thriving arts community produces a number of festivals throughout the year.

Cherokee: Serving as the gateway to both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee offers a variety of activity options to visitors. History buffs will enjoy learning about the Cherokee culture while golfers can hit the links at Sequoyah National Golf Club and anyone can win it big at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

Cullowhee: Originally settled as a Cherokee village, Cullowhee is best known as the home of Western Carolina University, the fifth-oldest and one of the fastest growing campuses of the University of North Carolina system.

Dillsboro: Dillsboro is settled alongside the Tuckasegee River and is popular for its walkable main street and as a stopover on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains. Home of the NC Pottery Festival, Dillsboro has a strong arts community including numerous pottery shops and crafters.

Glenville: Once the largest town in Jackson County when it was incorporated in 1891, Glenville is now a popular lakeside community with many gorgeous homes dotting the shores of Lake Glenville, which was formed in 1941.

Sylva: The most photographed courthouse in the US, a quaint downtown, and a booming brew scene including Innovation Brewing, Sneaky Squirrel and Heinzelmännchen Brewing, rated “One of the Top 10 American Brewery Tours” by Trip Advisor, give a distinct groove to this historic mountain town located just one mile away from its sister city Dillsboro.

General Overview:
Tucked in the scenic western corner of North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains, Jackson County is a centrally located Southern mountain getaway that encompasses nearly 500 square miles from Cashiers on the southern end, just north of the NC/SC/GA borders, to Cherokee and the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway at the northern end.

The communities that comprise Jackson County - Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire - are within an easy 2.5 – 3.5 hour drive from most major Southeast cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Greenville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.

Getting there:
Flying:
Asheville Regional Airport (50 miles - 75 minutes)
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (72 miles - 1 ¾ hours)

Driving:
Accessible by Highways US 441, US 23, US 74, NC 107 and US 64
• Asheville – 62 miles/90 minutes
• Greenville, SC – 60 miles/90 minutes
• Atlanta, GA – 140 miles/2.5 hours
• Knoxville, TN – 140 miles/2.5 hours
• Charlotte, NC – 153 miles/3 hours
• Chattanooga, TN – 166 miles/3.5 hours

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Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, mountains, waterfalls, scenic drives, hiking, biking, destination weddings, natural surroundings, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, bed and breakfast inns, resorts, hotels, cabin rentals, vacation rentals, craft breweries and superb dining.