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Itinerary
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Whitewater Falls
Begin your Jackson County getaway at one of the highest waterfalls in the Eastern US — 411-foot Whitewater Falls — which is near the state line just off Highway 281, south of Cashiers. Follow the quarter-mile paved trail from the parking lot to picnic spots and the upper overlook. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the lower overlook that's down 154 wooden steps.
Whiteside Mountain
Next up is Whiteside Mountain, with 740-foot vertical cliffs that are the tallest in the East. It’s part of the panoramic view you’ll enjoy on the 2-mile loop trail that includes the 4,930-foot peak. Watch for peregrine falcons during the first half of the year. The cliffs are a nesting site for the raptors, which grab their prey from the sky.
Silver Run Falls
For a quick but stunning stop, the trailhead for Silver Run Falls is on Highway 107. It’ll take you about 5 minutes to trek the accessible trail to the falls. At the bottom of its almost 40-foot drop is a sandy-bottomed pool. Take a dip there on a hot summer day or enjoy the view; nature photographers love it.
Cornucopia
You’ll always find a great meal in Cashiers. Settle on the brook-side porch at Cornucopia, where a pan of fresh cornbread starts your meal. Then enjoy a large burger, hearty soup or a Bloody Mary at Sunday brunch. Choose your favorite sauce and toppings for the New York-style crust at Slab Town Pizza, or try a house specialty pizza, sandwich, pasta or salad.
Canyon Kitchen
Dinner at Canyon Kitchen isn’t complete without a stroll around the property, which is in the second-home community of Lonesome Valley, surrounded by forests and granite peaks. The spectacle continues inside the restaurant, where the dinner menu changes with the seasonal ingredients gathered from local farms. Food & Wine even included Canyon Kitchen on its list of "The Most Romantic Restaurant in Every State."
High Falls
Below the dam that creates Lake Glenville, popular with boaters and anglers, is 150-foot High Falls. It’s a three-quarter-mile hike (easy going down, but strenuous coming back up), with stone and wood steps helping you navigate the 650 feet of elevation change from the trailhead. A second trail provides access to the fall’s base.
Waterrock Knob
North Carolina’s most famous roadway — the Blue Ridge Parkway — starts north through Jackson County, and you can find the highest elevation visitor center at Milepost 451.2. From the parking lot, follow the fairly steep 1.2-mile trail to the 6,292-foot summit of Waterrock Knob. Your effort will be rewarded with views that stretch 50 miles across Maggie Valley to the Great Smoky Mountains. It also offers an unencumbered vantage for sunrises and sunsets.
Richard Balsam Trail
About 20 miles farther north on the Parkway is the Richland Balsam Trail. The uphill 1.5-mile loop climbs about 700 feet as it winds through fragrant Fraser and Balsam fir trees.
Pinnacle Park
You’ll find 1,000-acre Pinnacle Park between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Sylva, the county seat. Follow the old logging road to Pinnacle Bald. The almost 7-mile round trip requires significant effort, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. You can see the bald just above the tree line from Sylva, where a trail leads to refreshing destinations.
Innovation Brewing
Sylva’s booming downtown brewery scene includes microbreweries such as Innovation Brewing and Balsam Falls Brewing. Walk along Main Street to explore the shops and other attractions downtown. If you're looking for lodging here, cozy resorts and bed and breakfasts can be found tucked among the area mountains.
LuLu’s on Main
When you’ve worked up an appetite after great mornings or afternoons of exploration, you’ll be pleased with Sylva’s restaurants too. Choose among popular staples, such as crab cakes, from Lulu’s on Main’s deep menu.
Haywood Smokehouse
But you can’t spend time in North Carolina and not try the barbecue. Many restaurants across NC are revered for their pork that’s lovingly smoked over a hardwood fire for hours. In Dillsboro, a few minutes’ drive from Sylva, Haywood Smokehouse is one of only a few barbecue restaurants statewide that also prepares beef brisket. It’s served with tender collard greens, creamy coleslaw and baked beans studded with burnt ends.
This article was produced in partnership with Jackson County TDA.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Whitewater Falls
Stop 2
Whiteside Mountain
Stop 3
Silver Run Falls
Stop 4
Cornucopia
Stop 5
Canyon Kitchen
Stop 6
High Falls
Stop 7
Waterrock Knob
Stop 8
Richard Balsam Trail
Stop 9
Pinnacle Park
Stop 10
Innovation Brewing
Stop 11
LuLu’s on Main
Stop 12