 Sylva is a lovely small town in Jackson County (population of 2,500) situated amidst the Great Smoky Mountains. Downtown Sylva has many restaurants and shops along its tree-lined streets. The historic early twentieth century Main Street downtown area has been the social center of the county since the early 1900's. It's home to the annual Greening Up the Mountain each April and Concerts on the Creek summer weekly concerts.
The historic Jackson County Courthouse on Main Street was built in 1914. Considered to be the "most photographed court house" in North Carolina. the Courthouse can be reached by climbing 107 steps from Main Street - look back for a nice view down Main Street. While you are downtown, don't miss Heinzelmannchen Brewery, a microbrewery where a German-born brewermaster creates light and refreshing German beer.
Tucked away at the top of the hill on Landis Street, the two-story Nichols House in Sylva presents itself as a grand jewelry box store brimming with antiques, keepsakes, and stories from the past.
Greening Up The Mountains is a large annual downtown street festival held every April. The event welcomes the arrival of Spring to Sylva and the surrounding community.
Recreational opportunities are numerous and diverse here. The town owns a pristine tract of land, Pinnacle Park, that boasts hiking trails, waterfalls, and a town view from 5,000 feet. Location is approximately 10 minutes from Sylva. Take Skyland Drive east (SR 1432) and turn left onto Fisher Creek Road (SR 1446). Continue to the end of the road and you are there.
The Tuckasegee River is known for its whitewater and trout populations. And the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 30 minute drive away. There is great hiking on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, including hikes at Devil's Courthouse, Graveyard Fields, Waterrock Knob and Black Balsam Knob.
Western Carolina University is seven miles down the road in Cullowhee. Nearby are the towns of Franklin, Cashiers, Highlands, Cherokee and Waynesville. Check out the nearby waterfalls around Highlands.
Sylva Directions from Asheville: Take I-40 West to route 23/74 W towards Waynesville. Take 23/74W to 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. 67 miles, 1 hour drive. |
