This year, the hip new travel trend is the mini-cation, where more and more people are taking short vacations that are nearby and easy to squeeze into a few hours or a few days.
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains only 2.5-3.5 hours away from the Southeast’s largest cities, Jackson County, N.C., gives visitors the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and take a short hiking, kayaking or climbing mini-cation through some of the Eastern United States’ most stunning wilderness.
Day One: Hit the Hiking Trails
When you arrive in Jackson County, get to know the lay of the land by hiking one of the county’s 50 beautiful trails, 675 miles of which lie within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These trails are flanked by spectacular views, cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, including Whitewater Falls – the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi.
Outdoor lovers can even download the county's new hiking map which includes directions to 19 waterfalls, nine hiking trails, three multiple-use trails for riding or biking, five semi-private or public golf courses, three whitewater rafting and water sports outfitters, three horseback riding locations and eight recreational rental service locations.
Day Two: Put in Upstream
Jackson County is also home to four whitewater rivers, as well as numerous calm lakes, making it perfect for experienced and beginner kayakers alike. The Tuckasagee, Chattooga, Oconaluftee and nearby Nantahala Rivers offer rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV, with many more difficult rapids appearing during the summer releases of the Glenville Dam.Releases are regularly scheduled on April 18, April 19, May 23, June 20, July 4, August 1 and August 22 during the summer. Visitors looking for a more leisurely float can launch their boats at Lake Glenville, Bear Creek Lake or Wolf Creek Lake for a fun-filled evening on the water.
Day Three: A River Runs Through It
Anglers of all skill levels flock to Jackson County to fish the first and only fly fishing trail in the U.S. – the
.
Made up of more than 70 miles of rivers and streams, the picturesque trail features some of the best trout waters in the crystal-clear streams of the Great Smoky Mountains. The WNC Fly Fishing Trail allows anglers to easily download a map, descriptions and GPS coordinates for
for catching brook, brown and rainbow trout. Last fall, the river was stocked with 19,600 trout so the fish are certainly biting!
About Jackson County, North Carolina:
Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire are the distinct towns that make up Western North Carolina's Jackson County, a place of lofty peaks, rushing water and spectacular scenery. Each of these Blue Ridge Mountain towns provide rich natural beauty that invites visitors to experience the idyllic North Carolina Mountains. Explore miles of hiking trails surrounded by unspoiled forests or discover the area's shopping, dining, culture, and hometown atmosphere. Experience the thrill of river rafting and tubing or the more laid back adventures of fly fishing, boating, golf, or a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For more information, visit mountainloversnc.com.
WSBTV
