Things to do in Western North Carolina

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce - Things To Do

Jackson County, nestled amongst the Great Smoky Mountains, is a wonderful place to plan a getaway to and explore North Carolina. See what is happening in our nearby towns and communities. The County features a balance between peaceful forests and vibrant downtowns.

Concerts on the Creek

Some of the world’s finest musicians have come from Western North Carolina and that rich tradition carries on today. Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the concert and food truck vendors.

Rafting & Watersports

Swimming, sailing, water skiing, boating, tubing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing are all available in Jackson County. There are four whitewater rivers, the Tuckasegee, Chattooga, Oconaluftee and the nearby Nantahala, with difficulty ranging from Class I to Class VI. Commercial companies rent rafts, canoes, kayaks and tubes. Canoes and boat rentals are available on Lake Glenville, near Cashiers. 

Trout Fishing

 It also features the state’s longest contiguous stretch of N.C. Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Jackson County is the home of the state record for the largest rainbow trout ever caught. 
Jackson county has 31 public access points for fishing; supports fishing classes for children, is home to the nation’s largest river cleanup day in the country; and plays host to its own chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Fly Fishing the Smokies

Fly Shop and Guide Service Bryson City NC, (828)-421-6378 6-time winner of Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine’s Best of the Blue Ridge, Fly Fishing Guide Service, and best Fly Shop and Outfitter. It also features the state’s longest contiguous stretch of N.C. Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Jackson County is the home of the state record for the largest rainbow trout ever caught, with 31 public access points for fishing.

Fire Mountain Trails

The network of trails is more than 10.5 miles total, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to recreate safely and responsibly. The trails interlace through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains, so you already know the views and terrain will take your breath away. 

Golf in The NC Great Smoky Mountains of Jackson County

Jackson County offers a superb selection of classic mountain golf courses that are both challenging and scenic. A daily fee and semi-private layouts host thousands of golfers each year. From Cashiers’ world-renowned resorts and courses in the south to the picturesque Sequoyah National Golf Club in the county’s north end, the area is replete with one-of-a-kind mountain golf in a variety of awe-inspiring settings.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian Mountain culture, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is America's most visited national park. 

Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill

The Mountain Farm Museum is a unique collection of farm buildings in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park assembled from locations throughout the park. Visitors can explore a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse, and a working blacksmith shop to get a sense of how families may have lived 100 years ago. 

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Their scenic rail excursions take you from their historic depot in Bryson City, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina. The variety of train options and special event trains make them perfect for making memories! Dine in their First Class Cars with private attendants and breathtaking views or take it all in while riding in an Open-Air Gondola! Step on board for your next rail adventure!

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino!

Slots and live card action, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort invites you to join in on the fun and excitement of the casino, wide diversity of restaurants, concerts, spas and more!

Oconaluftee Indian Village

The faint smell of wood smoke wafts by as you are led by a Cherokee cultural expert will show you the way through winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites. Delight in cultural dances and interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and other daily activities from the 1760. 

Appalachian Women’s Museum

For many women, life in the Southern Appalachians was hard with raising children on very little means, caring for families and making a living in an isolated part of America. No matter the circumstances, these women faced whatever came their way with determination, grit and grace.

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Experience the 11,000-year-old Cherokee Indian story vividly.  Inspired by the beauty and ingenuity of the Cherokee people, this is a cultural and historical tour one fused with interactive video, intriguing displays, and a full sensory experience. Discover the Cherokee people’s spirit of inventiveness, resilience, and will to survive. 

Brewing Companies

Innovation Brewing - Sylva and Dillsboro, NC

Balsam Falls Brewing Co. - Sylva, NC

Nantahala Brewing Co. - Bryson, NC

Lazy Hiker Brewing Company - Sylva, NC