Jackson county's 491 square miles provide numerous ways for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether your interest is hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, exploring, fine dining, shopping, riding the rails or just plain relaxing, Jackson County is the place to be.

Jackson County is known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty. Founded in 1851 in the heart of North Carolina's mountains, the county strikes a nice balance between peaceful forests and vibrant downtowns. Jackson County is 50 miles from Asheville, 111 miles from Knoxville 50 miles from Gatlinburg, and only 150 miles from Atlanta. It's also convenient to Upstate South Carolina, and less than three hours from North Carolina's largest city, Charlotte.

The picturesque Tuckasegee River flows 40 miles throughout Jackson County. A moderate current makes it one of the best white-water rivers for beginners and families, and it is considered Western North Carolina's best stream for trout fishing. The county's 491 square miles encompass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southeast. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to more than 6,000 feet. The landscape is highlighted by waterfalls, rocky peaks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

North Carolina Highway 107 takes you north and south. U.S. Highway 64 takes you east and west. But it's the less traveled roads, like Whiteside Cove Road and Bull Pen Road, that take you through the mountains to the beautiful places...where you learn to know the craggy stone faces of Yellow Mountain, Rock Mountain, Chimney Top, and Whiteside...where you hear the thunder of the tallest waterfall in the Eastern United States... and where, from The Overlook, you see mountains upon mountains.