In Jackson County, NC (a ~3.5-hour drive from Columbia), the allure of wide-open spaces is hard to resist. The mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva offer 360-degrees of outdoor adventure — from action-packed whitewater rafting on the Tuckasegee River to leisurely hikes in search of hidden waterfalls. 🥾

But there’s more than just outdoor activities — the area also offers local artisan shops and Appalachian-grown food. (Read: There’s a getaway for every style.) In fact, these 9 different trip itineraries (created by local experts) offer tips on where to stay, eat, and things to do in Jackson County — whether planning for a girls' weekend getaway, solo day trip with the pup, or a week-long vacation with the family.

Jackson County Mountain Overlook | Photo provided

Book a vacation rental to use as your home base while you explore all that Jackson County has to offer. Here's a peek of what you'll find:

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the Blue Ridge Mountains. Instagram moments happen here. 🚗
Learn about local wildlife and nature in the 520,000-acre oasis that is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (More family-friendly ideas here.) ⛰️
Relax at a spa in Jackson County — anywhere from Cherokee to Cashiers — for a wide variety of rejuvenating services reflecting the relaxing feel of the mountain communities, each with its individual specialties. 🧘
Explore the Cashiers Farmers Market, a specialty market established in 1995 to provide a variety of high-quality local products, produce + more. 🥕
Cast a line at one of these local fishing hotspots. From expansive lakes to intimate waters, fishermen (and fisherwomen) can reel one in within a beautiful setting. 🎣

With any type of trip, Jackson County can help take visitors outside of their living room, outside of their comfort zone, and outside of the ordinary. Ⓟ

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