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Jackson County, Sylva & Dillsboro

About Jackson County, Sylva & Dillsboro

Jackson County is located in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains, just 50 miles from Asheville, 111 miles from Knoxville, and 50 miles from Gatlinburg. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to more than 6,000 feet. The Tuckasegee River, a popular trout-fishing spot, flows 40 miles throughout Jackson County.

Sylva’s history rose with the construction of the Western North Carolina Railroad in the 1880s. The railroad’s route through Sylva made it a prime location for the county seat. Today, the Historic Jackson County Courthouse, located on a hill overlooking Sylva’s Main Street, is reputed to be the most photographed in the country.

Dillsboro, just west of Sylva, has an interesting array of businesses within its five square blocks of century-old stores, restaurants, galleries and inns. The founder Thomas Dills’ home still stands, as do many of the shops that first opened their doors in the 1800s.

Other nearby communities include Cullowhee – home to Western Carolina University (WCU) and Mountain Heritage Day held the last Saturday in September – and Cashiers, located on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Area Visitor Centers

Lodging, Dining, Things to Do

Stories from Jackson County, Sylva & Dillsboro

Brightly colored hot air balloons lift off from the ground in Rockbridge County, Virginia
Spring 2022 Events in the Blue Ridge
March 16, 2022
Arts & Culture, Wine Lovers, Craft Beer, Train Enthusiasts, Family-friendly, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Home & Garden, Live Music, Local Food, Nature & Outdoors
The trees are budding, the sun is shining, rain is falling (plus a few snowflakes, too!), and spring ephemerals are starting to peek out on the forest floor. It is spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Some sections of the Parkway may still be closed due to winter weather at high elevations, but check out all these amazing spring activities that you can enjoy without needing to access the Parkway!
A German Shepherd places its paws on a winery counter.
Traveling the Parkway with a Pet
January 18, 2022
Pet-Friendly
Would you like to travel the Parkway with a pet? Here are some tips for finding pet-friendly lodging, dining, and attractions near (or even on) the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Polly Woods hosted early travelers in her single story log home near the Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Discovering History & Heritage in the Blue Ridge
February 24, 2021
History & Heritage
A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself.
411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.
Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
September 9, 2020
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
The S-curve of the Linn Cove Viaduct is visible in the distance amid a slope covered in golden Autumn leaves.
Experiencing the Fall Leaf Change in the Blue Ridge Mountains
October 5, 2019
Autumn Foliage, Seasonal, Science & Technology, Primitive Camping, Farms & Agriculture, Accessible Facilities
October marks the official start of Fall Color Season along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This month is one of the most popular for visits to the region. A chance to see the Appalachian views awash in reds, golds and lingering shades of green is an experience on many people's bucket lists. Learn what's in store for you in Fall 2019.
Water spills over the wheel at Mabry Mill surrounded by Fall color.
Guide to Fall Color on the Parkway 2018
October 18, 2018
Autumn Foliage, Nature & Outdoors, Seasonal
When will the leaves be at peak color this Fall along the Blue Ridge Parkway? While it would be nice if we could forecast the moment Autumn foliage will dazzle us with peak vibrancy as reliably as we track the ocean's tides, just when and why the leaves change colors is a complex array of factors far less predictable.