Sundrops on Caney Fork

The Caney Fork Area

Sundrops is located in the heart of picturesque Jackson County in the town Cullowhee, home of Western Carolina University. We are twenty minutes north of Cashiers, less than an hour west of Asheville and about two and a half hours from both Atlanta and Charlotte.

Jackson County achieves a striking balance of serene mountainous woodlands and flourishing downtown areas, with elevations spanning between 2,000 and 6,000 feet. The area is famous for its abundant antique shops as well as the many outstanding local artists and craftsmen who sell their works in neighborhood boutiques.

Those who are active in the outdoors will thrive in the area's world-renowned state parks, mountain lakes and streams. The Jackson County area is celebrated by outdoor adventurers for its fly fishing, hiking, kayaking, and boating. There are plenty of gentle rolling hills and trails for relaxed mountain biking, and of course, long climbs for serious cyclists.

State And National Parks

Panthertown Valley
Panthertown Valley is a 6,295 acre tract spanning the counties of Jackson, Macon and Transylvania. It is located in the Nantahala National Forest, near Cashiers, North Carolina. This broad, relatively flat valley lies at a surprising 4,000 feet of elevation. The valley's sandy bottom is studded and bordered with large granite boulders.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
At over one-half million acres, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest national park in the Eastern U.S. The park boasts amazing panoramic views, rocky streams, weathered historic buildings and pristine forests broadening along the horizon. The activities to be enjoyed in the park are endless and include hiking, birding, camping, photography, star gazing, trail rides, and wildlife observation.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Often called "America’s Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles along the Southern Appalachians and provides a scenic link between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks. The many parallel mountain ranges, cross ranges and hills along the parkway provide unlimited vistas. The parkway is rooted in American history - Peter Jefferson, the father of Thomas, was a member of the party that first surveyed the boundary in 1749.


Local Features

Western Carolina University
Founded in 1889, Western North Carolina provides an education to more than 9,000 students from 46 states and 39 countries. The mission of WCU is to provide "quality education and preparation for responsible citizenship in a changing world." WCU offers academic programs in more than 120 specialties, with nationally recognized programs in entrepreneurship, project management, teacher education, emergency medical care and criminal justice. The new $30 million Fine & Performing Arts Center provides a venue for the entire region's artistic community to flourish and is just one of the many ways that WCU gives back to the community.

Rivers and Lakes

Bear Creek Lake
Bear Creek Lake is the largest of four lakes built on the east fork of the Tuckaseegee River by Nantahala Power and Light Co. in the 1950's. At 476 acres, the lake was built to provide hydroelectric power for the surrounding area. With 13.5 miles of shoreline, the lake is a popular destination for kayakers and fishermen. Bear Creek Lake is stocked by the Wildlife Resources Commission, providing excellent fishing.

Along the 13.5 miles of shoreline, you'll find The Sundog Club's Laughing Trout Camp situated along a pristine beach, complete with a timber-frame pavilion, luxury yurt camping and more.

Tuckasegee River
The Tuckasegee River begins its course at the confluence of Panthertown and Greenland Creeks in Jackson County. It flows in a northwesterly direction into Swain County, where it enters the Little Tennessee River. The many variations on the spelling of Tuckasegee are derived from the original Cherokee name, Taskegi-agi River, meaning "Place of the Taskekee People." The Taskekee people were a branch of the Muskoegeans who lived in the western North Carolina area prior to the arrival of the Cherokees.

The river offers excellent canoeing, rafting and kayaking. Canoeing, rafting and kayaking are among the recreational opportunities along the river. The Tuckasegee is sometimes as wide as 100 yards and is rarely less than 40 yards in width.

The Tuckaseegee is an incredible place to fish. There are more trout per mile on this river than any other in North Carolina, which makes it a popular destination for beginner fishermen. The Tuckaseegee is known as a great classroom for fly fishing. It is known to provide outstanding streamer fishing at higher levels and excellent winter float fishing. From the first of October through the first Saturday in June, the river is designated as "Catch and Release."

Towns

Cullowhee
Cullowhee, North Carolina is a quaint university town in Western North Carolina. The town is located between Sylva and Cashiers and is home of Western North Carolina University. This small yet vibrant town is positioned to continue to grow into the cultural center for events and happenings in Western North Carolina and Jackson County.

Sylva
Sylva is a charming small town in Jackson County, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The downtown area, a Main Street community, features many restaurants, cafes and shops along tree lined streets. Sylva is home to Southwestern Community College.

Pinnacle Park boasts hiking trails, waterfalls, and a view of the town from 5,000 feet. Charles E. Poteet Park is a contemporary playground envisioned by the children of Sylva and constructed by the community.

Cashiers
Located at the southern crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers is situated in a green valley 3,500 feet in elevation, surrounded by mountains reaching 5,000 feet.

Popular areas to visit in Cashiers include Yellow Mountain, Rock Mountain, and Chimney Top. At Whiteside, you can hear the rush of the tallest waterfall in the Eastern United States. From a well known spot called The Overlook, the view is endless.

Highlands
Highlands features outdoor adventures such as llama treks and all terrain vehicle tours through the forests. Highlands boasts several distinguished restaurants - five of its 25 restaurants have been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Cultural offerings include the Highlands Playhouse Summer Stock Theater, Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music concerts and The American Museum of Cut and Engraved Glass. Shopping in Highlands, you'll find an abundance of unique stores featuring art, antiques and home furnishings.

Recommended Websites

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Website

Jackson County Visitor's Guide

Pantherton Valley Information

Smoky Mountain National Park

America's Favorite Drive - The Blue Ridge Parkway

Western Carolina Official Website