Things to do in Jackson County, North Carolina Mountains: The Best Nature & Parks

January 26, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best top things to do in Jackson County, United States including East LaPorte River Access Park, Whiteside Mountain, High Falls, Pinnacle Park, Bear Creek Lake, Whitewater Falls, Whitewater Falls, Horsepasture River and Nature Trails, Lake Glenville, Ralph J. Andrews County Park.
Restaurants in Jackson County

1. East LaPorte River Access Park

Nc-107, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

East LaPorte River Access Park

2. Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain Rd Cashiers, NC, NC 28717 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/recarea/?recid=48664&actid=62
Excellent
82%
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5.0 based on 376 reviews

Whiteside Mountain

Expert rock climbers are attracted to Whiteside Mountain, which offers some of the highest cliffs in the east, rising more than 2,100 feet to its summit at 4,930 feet.

Reviewed By pianohiker - Sarasota, United States

Yes worth the drive (for us, from Franklin), and the slightly strenuous walk. Do use the gravel trail up on the left, it's a mile incline to the top. Then take the harder trail down, not gravel at all, but through the woods, rocky and fun. The views you will get from the "harder" trail are simply amazing and you will miss them if you just use the gravel trail up and then down (unless you have kids or are not stable on your feet). The summit at 4930 is along the Eastern Continenal Divide and there is a marker explaining that up top. Also info about the "pluton" rocks from 470 million years ago. Great teaching tools. Small fee for parking.

3. High Falls

Glenville, NC https://www.romanticasheville.com/high_falls_glenville.htm
Excellent
75%
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

High Falls

Reviewed By Nucorfrank - Blytheville, United States

I read the reviews, and decided to give it a try. I am 60 with moderate degenerative disk decease and was able to make the trip. The root are tiny and easily avoidable. There was one tree across the trail, maybe 16" high, again easily stepped over. The Water Fall is spectacular. It has rained here the last couple days, so it may have been bigger than usual but so beautiful. I will be coming back again to see it in the spring and the fall. My 17 yr old son decided to cross the rocks and get closer look. Fell in, water is quite cold he reports LOL. There is a nice spot for frolicking in the warmer weather shortly before the fall. I am taking my wife and 3 daughters back today. ENJOY

4. Pinnacle Park

2110 Fisher Creek Rd, Sylva, NC 28779-6002 https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/outdoors/trails/pinnacle-park-trail/
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Pinnacle Park

Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States

We took our dog for a hike at Pinnacle Park and had a great time. It was right after snow the park was winter wonderland. We made a loop with East Fork and West Fork Trails to go up to the Pinnacle for stunning views of the mountains and Sylva far down below. We also made a detour to Gina Falls and Fisher Falls. The waterfalls are off trail and somewhat difficult to find, though Fisher Falls is visible from East Fork Trail. The going was slow in the snow, but if we return, I'd like to also hike to Blackrock Mountain.

5. Bear Creek Lake

Hwy 281, Tuckasegee, NC
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Bear Creek Lake

6. Whitewater Falls

Cashiers, NC https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5188436
Excellent
89%
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Whitewater Falls

Reviewed By LaurieLu - Pine Mountain, United States

A short walk up a paved path brings you to A stunning waterfall. There is an optional stairway that takes you down to the bottom for a whole different perspective.

7. Whitewater Falls

Sapphire, NC http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/
Excellent
75%
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4.5 based on 442 reviews

Whitewater Falls

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.

8. Horsepasture River and Nature Trails

Sapphire, NC
Excellent
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4.5 based on 23 reviews

Horsepasture River and Nature Trails

Scenic nature trail that features five waterfalls and plenty of wildlife.

9. Lake Glenville

425 White Squirrel Trl, Glenville, NC 28736-8307 +1 404-409-9688 [email protected] http://www.lakeglenvillenc.com
Excellent
76%
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4.5 based on 38 reviews

Lake Glenville

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

10. Ralph J. Andrews County Park

Glenville, NC
Excellent
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Ralph J. Andrews County Park

This site offers both RV and tent camping, as well as hot showers, a boat ramp and picnicking.

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