Top Things to do in Jackson County
Top Hotels in Jackson County
- 1. Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites
- 2. Brook Trout Inn
- 3. Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers-Sapphire Valley
- 4. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sylva Dillsboro Area
- 5. Blue Ridge Inn
- 6. Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites
- 7. Comfort Inn
- 8. Fairway Forest Resort
- 9. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sylva Western Carolina Area
- 10. Hotel Cashiers
What to do and see in Jackson County, North Carolina Mountains: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Jackson County, United States including Whitewater Falls, Lake Glenville, Gorges State Park, Oaks Gallery at the Riverwood Shops, The Village Green, Panthertown Valley, Silver Run Falls, Gorges State Park, The American Museum of the House Cat, Judaculla Rock.
Restaurants in Jackson County
1. Whitewater Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
A favorite spot for hikers and picnickers, this scenic area features the Whitewater River dropping more than 400 feet in a series of cascading falls.
Reviewed By mhgolf - Decatur, United States
Simply amazing. The best $3 I have paid in quite awhile. This may be the best combination of an easy walk; on a paved walk way to a fabulous waterfall in the world. Just awesome. At the end of the walkway, take the 150 steps down to an even better view.
2. Lake Glenville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
This 1,462-acre lake offers motorboating, sailing, swimming, canoeing, fishing, skiing, and sunbathing. Our place is on the water with boat dock, grills & Deck & patio. lakeglenvillenc cabin is perfect for a Couples retreat or bring the Family. Relax, & Enjoy. There lots to do in the area.
Reviewed By Y62DLjamesb
A wonderful and historic place to visit. Anyone traveling up or down 07 between Cashiers and Sylva NC must stop and visit the Lake Glenville Historic Museum. What a treat
3. Gorges State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By wvlivingston - Brevard, United States
This is one of the most impressive visitor centers that I've seen in any state: impressive architecture with an emphasis on the environment, clean restrooms, plenty of parking, helpful staff. We only go here for the Rainbow Falls/Turtleback Falls Trail. The trail is well maintained, about 4 miles out and back if going to Turtleback. There's another fall further, but it's not that impressive if don't want to go further. The trail is a long descent and then a long ascent both ways -- not excessive, but need to be in pretty good shape. Rainbow Falls is always impressive. If you want to see the "rainbow" pick a sunny day, which are limited as Gorges State Park is a micro-rainforest and can get over 130 inches of rain a year. Do NOT climb on or near this falls -- numerous deaths have occurred here. Turtleback Falls is nice but not as impressive. Despite warnings, often in the summer there will be some climbing and sliding down Turtleback Falls -- not recommended during high water or for those who don't like cold water. Depending on the time of year, there's lots of wildflowers. April 23 we saw trillium, lilies, yellow magwarts, aster and other small flowers. If you want to avoid crowds, avoid weekends and start early. We never go on weekends. When we began hiking on a Friday morning at 9:45, we were the 3rd car in the lot. When we left at 12:15, there were 30 cars in the lot, and this was a cool day.
4. Oaks Gallery at the Riverwood Shops
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Norahsings
Excellent pottery shop that is family owned. They have a nice diverse selection. Please support and visit as the gallery and other shops are sold and closing.
5. The Village Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
The Village Green is a 12.5 acre privately owned park open year around for public use and enjoyment for the entire community. The Village Green is located in the heart of Cashiers, at the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107. The Village Green is the venue for community events such as concerts and festivals. The park also features a giant wooden children's playground.
Reviewed By MSH28 - Plantation, United States
My husband and I have been coming to Highlands / Cashiers for years with our 4 kids. Now all in college we adopted a puppy and brought him with us. We have walked him at this park almost everyday. It is so beautiful. Art sculptures, colorful flowers, gardens, bridges, benches, picnic tables, grills, pavilions, huge community center and a fantastic wooded playground area that our kids would have LOVED. So much open space that is very well maintained. Perfect place for our daily walks.
6. Panthertown Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By tumbleweedchris - Asheville, United States
I visited Panthertown and took an all day hike up, down, and around mountains and waterfalls. I purchased the map you can find online by Burt Kornegay, and have a hard time imagining hiking without it. The trails have scant blazing and there are many social trails. You can easily get turned around if you are not prepared. As an added bonus, the map will include the social trails that will lead you to hidden waterfalls that very few people visit. I have lots more exploration to go at this park, but it's the most fun I have had outdoors in West Carolina. The best part is that this park is less frequented by others and you are likely not to see many people during the day. This is a must do when venturing into nature in the area.
7. Silver Run Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By 776sharin
The last time I was able to swim in an ice cold waterfall swimming hole my was in Hawaii! Didn’t know I could do it right here in NC. Absolutely beautiful and amazing experience. Water is ICE COLD ... woulda been even better had it been super hot out! So exhilarating.. and super easy walk to it! Parking can b dangerous cuz it’s basically on the side of a highway.
8. Gorges State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By H5858CHmichelec - Las Vegas, United States
Well-maintained hiking trails with gorgeous scenery! Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and park water. Dogs allowed on Rainbow Falls trail.
9. The American Museum of the House Cat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
The American Museum of the House Cat is a museum dedicated to Cat Lovers everywhere. It is an Art Gallery which traces the History of the House Cat in America. The museum is the private collection of multi media art relating to House Cat that tells the story encompassing fine art, folk art, art in advertising, 3D art as well as collectables and antiques.
10. Judaculla Rock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
Mysterious hieroglyphics, supposedly carved by Indians, adorn this large boulder.
Reviewed By SkeetC - Kingsport, United States
The place was easy to find and the caretakers have done an amazing job to showcase the rock and make it user friendly. The family who has preserved this awesome archeological find has done us all a great service by making this public. It’s a beautiful area.
