Family travelers looking for a more accessible vacation in the outdoors should consider Jackson County, North Carolina, a county near the Tuckaseegee River that recently released an extensive accessibility guide for all travelers to enjoy. In Jackson County, everyone can have the chance to experience views of the mountains and take in magnificent waterfalls. Here are just some of the places in Jackson County offering accessible-friendly access:

Waterrock Knob © Jackson County TDA
Located a 45-minute drive from downtown Sylva, Balsam Lake features a wide range of accessible facilities, including accessible fishing spots and a concrete path exclusively for wheelchair users that leads to a wooden fishing dock.
Blue Ridge Parkway & Waterrock Knob
Drive along Blue Ridge Parkway to see some of the state’s most beautiful views. While on the road, stop at Waterrock Knob to watch the sunrise or sunset. Waterrock Knob features paved viewing areas with ample parking and ramps.
This fully paved, one-mile trail takes visitors around a scenic stretch of the Tuckaseegee River. Near the Old Cullowhee Road entrance, there are two van-accessible parking spaces.
Park behind the courthouse via Keener Street or Savannah Drive to enjoy the now fully ADA-compliant building. Built in 1914, visitors can enjoy the historic structure, as well as the many exhibits featured year-round.

Whitewater Falls © Jackson County TDA
One of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States, Whitewater Falls includes a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform. The platform can be reached by the paved walkway, allowing all to take in the splendor of the falls.

Hotel Cashiers © Jackson County TDA
This 18-room, pet-friendly boutique hotel lies in Cashiers and offers some of the largest rooms in town. Rooms include complimentary parking, and its close proximity to some of the region’s best natural sites makes it a great place to stay when visiting Jackson County.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Dec 1, 2023Gifts to Inspire Travel
If you haven’t heard of Light & Nine, you’ve been missing out on great travel gear designed by a mom with kids in mind. The line of duffels with side shoe compartments, roller bags, backpacks and garment bags come in fun colors including Blossom Pink and Bistro Green. Made from easy-to-care-for perforated materials, they also come with Nimix characters and motifs, so your small travelers can customize their travel gear with movable/removable icons ranging from race cars to rocket ships, skateboards to paper dolls, rainbows to unicorns.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / Africa
Nov 30, 20236 Nairobi, Kenya, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Nairobi, Kenya, with us.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 30, 2023Feeding a Crew? These are the Cheapest Destinations for Families to Eat in Europe
If you’re trying to travel with the family on a budget, you might feel like there’s no way you’ll be able to truly enjoy all the culinary experiences you might if you were to travel solo or just with your partner. However, that’s not necessarily the case. Don’t make the mistake of thinking every culinary capital across the globe is going to cost you a pretty penny every time you head to dinner as a crew. A new study from Sail Croatia uncovered the cheapest foodie destinations in Europe, so you can plan your next trip accordingly.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 29, 2023Head to Bath, England, This Christmas for Endless Festivities
Family travelers to England can’t miss the return of the annual Bath at Christmas in the picturesque and historic city of Bath. Nights of entertainment, lights, and delicious food and drinks queue up for an unforgettable Christmas.
ShareThis