The secret is out. From January to March, Jackson County transforms into a winter wonderland, offering cozy retreats, outdoor adventures, and indoor fun. Make the most of your winter and start checking off your Jackson County bucket list when you visit during the secret season.
See the Shadow of the Bear From the Rhodes Big View Overlook
Every year, the natural phenomenon known as the “Shadow of the Bear” comes out of hibernation. Casting an uncanny bear-shaped silhouette against Whiteside Mountain, the bear’s shadow can be spotted from mid-February until early March between 5:30-6:30 pm each day. Witness the magic of Mother Nature for yourself at the Rhodes Big View Overlook and capture the moment before the bear goes back to sleep.
Go Stargazing at Scenic Mountain Overlooks
Dark skies are on display all year long, but winter is the best time of year to stargaze in Jackson County. Clearer air and longer nights, combined with limited light pollution and limitless sky, make for stunning starry scenery. Watch a meteor shower from Waterrock Knob Overlook, camp under the Milky Way in Panthertown Valley, or try a nighttime hike to the Devil’s Courthouse Overlook for unparalleled twilight views.
Savor Authentic Appalachian Dishes at Local Restaurants
Explore seasonal flavors and the local culinary scene during your stay for a taste of the real Jackson County. Grab a coffee at White Moon Cafe, warm up with a craft brew at Innovation Brewing or cozy up with a delicious meal at The Orchard. Indulge in Southern cooking and comfort foods at local favorites like Haywood Smokehouse for BBQ and The Well House for classic deli sandwiches. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at Dillsboro Chocolate Factory and Baxley’s Handmade Chocolates, family-owned and made straight from the heart.
Hit the Slopes at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
Only ten minutes from Cashiers, the Sapphire Valley Ski Resort is a classic winter adventure. Sapphire Valley eliminates long lift lines, allowing guests more time on the slopes. If you’re new to winter sports, make sure to check out Sapphire’s ski school or try tubing on the 500-foot run at Falls Tube Park. If you’re looking for a more local experience, The Great Outhouse Races is an annual event where participants race in decorated outhouses on skis that is not to be missed.
Take a Ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad this winter for seasonal excursions like The Polar Express, an immersive retelling of the classic Christmas story and a favorite for children of all ages. Sip on hot cocoa with Santa Claus as you travel by train through the North Carolina mountains and feel the holiday magic come alive during your ride to the North Pole. Tickets tend to sell out fast, so plan ahead and secure your seat early. Make a weekend of it with a stay in Dillsboro, a charming mountain town offering some of the best rates near the railroad.
Explore History at the Museum of the Cherokee People
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month this November with a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee People. Explore 11,000 years of history, culture, and stories in the heart of the ancestral homeland of the Cherokee people. With a collection that is constantly changing, showcasing contemporary works and debuting newly discovered artifacts, the museum is always offering new opportunities for learning.
Try Forest Bathing in Pinnacle Park
Take your winter retreat one step further with a visit to North Carolina’s first certified Forest Therapy Trail in Pinnacle Park. Each walk is a slow, guided experience through nature that connects with all your senses and the environment around you. Deepen your connection to yourself and the world around you with a meditative journey through nature.
Shop for Handmade Gifts Along the Blue Ridge Craft Trail
Give the gift of Appalachia when you visit the curated galleries and craft stores featuring local artisans along the Blue Ridge Craft Trail this winter. Find one-of-a-kind pieces of art and handmade goods that help support Appalachian heritage, indigenous art practices, and folk art throughout North Carolina.
Reach the Peak of One of the World’s Oldest Mountains
Considered by some geologists to be the oldest mountain in the world, Whiteside Mountain is an estimated 390 to 460 million years old. If you’re looking for a moderate winter hike, try the two-mile loop trail that features panoramic views from a nearly 5,000-foot crest and some of the highest cliffs on the East Coast. After you take in the views of the Nantahala National Forest below, look to the sky for quality birdwatching. In January, Peregrine falcons nest on nearby rock ledges and can be found soaring above the mountain’s peak.
Make it your best winter yet. Start planning your getaway to Jackson County.
