Rediscover the Unforgettable: Explore Sylva
Sylva isn’t just the county seat of Jackson County, home to a remarkable variety of adventures in North Carolina. It’s also the county’s basecamp. From Sylva, you have quick access to hundreds of miles of escape-inducing hiking trail, challenging mountain bike trail networks, whitewater rafting, cycling – even snorkeling! You can do all this and more during Sylva’s Rediscover the Unforgettable Trail Sampler weekend September 12-14.
Friday
Hike the Pinnacle in Sylva’s Pinnacle Park, 9 a.m., 6.2 miles. Jackson County Parks and Recreation leads this hike, which gains 2,000 vertical feet and is recommended “for those who have previous experience hiking, although anyone is encouraged to try.” Learn more and sign up here.
Friday – Saturday
Mountain biking – SHREDnanigans 2025. This two-day annual festival by 7 Moons MTB includes a variety of mountain biking events, kicking off Friday with Nanigans Run-River-Ride “triathlon” and the Wheels & Thrills Bike Show, and continuing Saturday with a block party, vendor village, kids zone and live music. Learn more and sign up here.
Saturday
Forest bathing at Pinnacle Park, 9:30 a.m. – noon. If you’ve hear of forest bathing, the Japanese practice of restoring your soul through nature, here’s your chance to check it out. This hike will be led by Mark Ellison, a certified as a forest therapy guide and forest therapy trail consultant by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Learn more and sign up here.
Whitewater Rafting on the Tuckaseegee, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is a family-friendly whitewater trip on Class I and II. Equipment is provided. Learn more and sign up here.
Hike the Jackson County Greenway, Sylva, 5 p.m. We wind down the day with a mellow2.3-mile walk on the Jackson County Greenway in Sylva. Learn more and sign up here.
Sunday
Hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, 9 a.m., Soco Gap to Waterrock Knob, 8.8 miles. moderately challenging. On this out-and-back hike we will ascend to the highest point on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Waterrock Knob, then descend back to the trailhead. Learn more and sign up here.