JACKSON COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA IS A NEARBY WONDER

By Bill Vanderford

            Driving into Dillsboro and Sylva, North Carolina is like going back into a forgotten era when good moonshine was the king of drinks, quilting was a favorite pastime, and simply enjoying life in these beautiful mountains brought happiness. Today, the streets are paved, electronic devices are seen everywhere, and hiking or fly fishing for trout are drawing more people to this community. Yes, the oldtimers can still tell you all the stories of the moonshine running days and even point out the old powerhouse that appeared in Robert Mitchem’s famous movie “Thunder Road” from the 1950s about illegal whiskey, but Jackson County North Carolina has so much more to offer!

            Right at the turnoff on Highway 441 into Dillsboro one can’t help but notice the stately old Jarrett House, which was built in 1884 and is on the National Historic Register. For more than 125 years, this establishment has been renowned for fine food and great lodging. The most modern lodging in Dillsboro, however, is the Best Western River Escape Inn overlooking the pristine Tuckasegee River. This beautiful facility has spacious rooms, great service, free hot breakfast, and all the modern conveniences. For information or reservations, call 828-586-6060.

            Less than a mile from Dillsboro is the larger town of Sylva which is the County Seat of Jackson County. The old Courthouse sits high on a hill overlooking Main Street with all of its unique shops and local businesses, and is the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina. 

            Residents here are very proud of their community that was named for President Andrew Jackson in 1851 and are more than happy to welcome visitors. This area is part of the Great Smoky Mountains and is at the Southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Jackson County has some of the most spectacular mountain and river vistas in America with elevations ranging from 2000 to more than 6000 feet, is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year, and has many gorgeous, natural waterfalls.

            Hiking has become extremely popular in and around Jackson County in the past few years...especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. At milepost 431, a 1.5 mile loop takes hikers to the 6,410 foot summit of Mt. Richard Balsam, which is one of the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi River. At milepost 427, visitors can make an easy hike to a mile-high meadow at Wet Camp Gap or travel to milepost 450 for a much harder roundtrip climb of 2.4 miles to experience picturesque views of the Great Smoky Mountains from 6,292 foot high Waterrock Knob.

            Other than the great numbers of students that come and go from Western Carolina University, the largest draw to Jackson County since 2009 has been the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. This is the first designated fly fishing trail in the United States and incorporates many of the best trout waters in the Great Smoky Mountains. More than fifteen prime locations vary from larger rivers to very small natural streams teeming with brook, brown, and rainbow trout of all sizes. The Trail website...www.FlyFishingTrail.com...provides a downloadable map with descriptions and GPS coordinates for all the spots, plus a gallery for users to upload photos of their catches. It also includes a weekly fishing report.

            The best place to receive up-to-date info, the hottest flies and tackle, and great fishing guide service is Hookers Fly Shop in downtown Sylva. From personal experience, I can assure you that these guys are the best! You can contact them at: (828) 587-4665 or by email at hookersflyshop@yahoo.com. While visiting Hookers Fly Shop, step across the street for a great meal and interesting conversation at the Saphire Mountain Brewing Company, which is more like a local tavern with great food and any kind of beverage that you might desire. Contact them at Phone: (828) 587-0220.

            Because of its location right in the middle of the community, easy accessibility, larger size, and moderate flow, the beautiful Tuckasegee River is the most popular tributary in Jackson County. It flows more than 40 miles from southeast to northwest across the county and has been referred to by the Charlotte Observer as: “Western North Carolina’s best trout stream for fly anglers!”

            For those not interested in pursuit of trout, Jackson County offers the serenity of small, high mountain lakes like Bear Lake, Wolf Creek Lake, and Lake Glenville. These impoundments are fun for small boat activities and produce largemouth bass, small mouth bass, walleye, and many smaller panfish.

            With the extension of 985 all the way through Clayton, Georgia via Highway 441, Jackson County, North Carolina is barely more than two hours by car from the Atlanta area. With only 40,000 residents, this magnificent mountain paradise is not only a place of solitude for the fly angler and hiker, but a unique picture of the past mingled with many experiences of the present for all visitors. It is a nearby plateau of beauty that can be enjoyed repeatedly, and for me...I can’t wait to go back!

             For more information on things to do and see around Jackson County, contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at: 828-586-2155 or toll-free 800-962-1911. Their website is: http://www.mountainlovers.com

Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at 770-962-1241 or at his web site: www.fishinglanier.com