Greenway Network

The first mile of the Jackson County Greenway was completed in 2016. It extends along the Tuckasegee River with a large footbridge crossing at Locust Creek to its intersection with Monteith Gap Road. The Friends of the Jackson County Greenways is excited to be part of the momentum to extend the greenway to reach the originally-proposed goal of 3.8 miles. Property acquisition and planning have continued to expand rights-of-way along this corridor.

The Cashiers Greenway Ramble is more than a trail—it is the culmination of decades of community aspiration. By weaving together educational conversations, culture, and commerce, the CGR is shaping a walkable village that honors Cashiers’ past and ensures that intentional connectivity provides a sustainable and abundant future.

A focus of the current Jackson County Recreation Master Plan has been the development of small parks and recreation areas within each community. Cullowhee Recreation Center, Mark Watson, Little Canada, East LaPorte, Dillsboro, Webster, Whittier, Qualla, and Savannah now have areas (or areas that are currently in development) for outdoor recreation. Some of the amenities at each park include: picnic tables, shelter, and ADA accessible parking and restrooms. Most of these pocket parks also include short walking trails. 

The Tuckasegee River serves as a natural corridor through the center of Jackson County. Multiple well-maintained boat launches make access easy for fishing or paddling. River Access Parks are found in Webster, Dillsboro, East LaPorte, Locust Creek, Barkers Creek, and Shook Cove.