Cullowhee is a slow-paced community within view of the Great Smokies
In Cullowhee, it's hard to find a point where the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains aren't visible in the distance. The quiet mountain community is home to Western Carolina University, offering thousands of students the opportunity to enjoy the natural amenities of the Appalachian Mountains. Cullowhee and the rest of Jackson County draw a lot of tourists who enjoy hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities. The community retains a sizable, year-round population that embraces its natural assets and enjoys the quiet of a tucked-away mountain home.
Quiet mountain cabins on sizable lots
Cullowhee's outstretched, winding roads cut through hills and steer through dense forests. Folks passing through often see homes up on hills or at the bottom of small slopes, connected to the road by steep, gravel driveways. Some areas are relatively flat, but the community is mainly hilly with curved roads. Most houses in Cullowhee are custom-built, and styles vary. Many homes are private, mountain cabins with vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and large patios overlooking the mountains – often with impressively large, rear-facing windows. Some homes are near one another on lots under an acre, but most are dispersed on sizable properties that often measure at least two acres. Several homes overlook Lake Glenville in the community's far southern corner. The median sale price for a home is around $425,000.
Home of Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is a major draw to Cullowhee. The public school sits on a massive, 600-acre campus that offers sweeping views of the mountains. Many of the university's 50-plus clubs and intramural sports leverage the nearby hiking trails, rivers and national forests, and the Hydrological Research Station helps students research running water in Southern Appalachia.
Jackson County Public Schools scores an overall B on Niche and serves just over 3,500 students. Pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students attend the B-minus-rated Cullowhee Valley School. The school's location near WCU leads to plenty of collaboration between the institutions, including an Exploring Outer Space program that partners with the university's astronomy department. Niche gives Smoky Mountain High School a B.
Exploring nearby mountains, rivers and lakes
Cullowhee's location in the mountains encourages an outdoorsy lifestyle. The Tuckasegee River cuts through the heart of the community and is peppered with clearings and public spaces where locals hop in the water. East Laporte River Park borders the river and has a boat ramp. It also features a sand volleyball court, a basketball court and covered picnic tables. Locals also like whitewater rafting and tubing on the river. Cullowhee offers proximity to several mountain lakes. Lake Glenville, located about 16 miles south of WCU, is a hub of boaters and anglers. Pines Recreation Area overlooks the lake and has a small beach area where visitors can borrow a life jacket for free. The recreation area has a pier designated for fishing. Hiking trails are abundant in the area, and many lead to waterfalls. Across from the Pines Recreation Area is the south trailhead of High Falls Trail, which winds its way to the 150-foot High Falls, also called Cullowhee Falls.
Heading into Sylva and Cashiers for shopping and dining
The community's limited commercial infrastructure is along State Highway 107 and around Western Carolina University; some gas stations have convenience markets, and the WCU campus has a few fast-food spots. The Cat's Table, one of the area's few restaurants, offers wings and sandwiches, and Happ's Place has pizzas and burgers. Locals mainly head into Sylva or Cashiers for shopping and dining, depending on which side of Cullowhee they live on. Sylva features several restaurants and pubs, including Big Nick's BBQ and O'Malley's Pub and Grill, and a Walmart Supercenter about 5 miles north. Cashiers has local boutiques and coffee shops, from Buck's Coffee Café to Highland Hiker, and features the Cashiers Farmers Market with fresh produce.
Navigating Jackson County
Cullowhee is a car-dependent community, and State Highway 107 serves as its primary thoroughfare. Sylva is about 6 miles north, and Cashiers is around 21 miles south; Cullowhee is relatively large, so some residents live closer to Cashiers than Sylva. Harris Regional Hospital is one of the nearest medical facilities, about 8 miles north of Cullowhee. Asheville Regional Airport is a 57-mile trip.
Written By
Brennen Martin
