The Sylva Herald

The Sylva Herald The Sylva Herald and Ruralite is an award-winning community newspaper serving Sylva and Jackson County since 1926.

Located in Western North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherokee Indian Reservation, The Sylva Herald provides readers with quality local news, features, sports, obituaries, classified advertising, real estate listings and more. Long regarded as a center of higher education, Jackson County is home to two colleges, Western Carolina University in Cullow

hee and Southwestern Community College in Sylva. A member campus of the University of North Carolina, WCU offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. SCC offers two-year degrees in a variety of technical and health fields. The Sylva Herald’s online presence further enhances our ability to be a resource for both our local and global communities. Enjoy a sampling of our locally-written articles ranging from profiles and features spotlighting our mountain heritage to in-depth coverage of county issues and local sports. Access information about tourism and accommodations. Check online advertisements for places to shop while vacationing in the mountains. Find necessary information you need to pursue outdoor activities like hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and gem-mining during your visit to the WNC high country. Check our classifieds for Western North Carolina job listings, career opportunities and real estate.

06/06/2026
06/05/2026
06/03/2026

Browse event info and purchase tickets for Great Smoky Mountains Music Train

Friends of Panthertown invites beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers to join them for a free mountain biking progra...
06/02/2026

Friends of Panthertown invites beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers to join them for a free mountain biking program in Panthertown. The Panthertown Northern Loop Bike Program is set for 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at the Flat Creek Trailhead.

The program will be co-led with other organizations, including Seven Moons, Motion Makers, Trail Partners, Pisgah Area SORBA, Nantahala Area SORBA, WCU Cycling Club and Mainspring Conservation Trust. The program is meant to educate users on the redesignation of the Turkey K**b Trail, sustainable biking practices and the history of Panthertown.

The program will inform of cycling route options, Leave No Trace, ambassadorship, stewardship and partnerships. Afterwards, participants are invited to ride along the newly redesignated loop. An alternative e-bike ride will be provided for e-bike users along a gravel road (U.S. Forest Service rules prohibit e-bikes on any Nantahala National Forest Backcountry Area).

After the program, participants are invited to stick around for trailhead community. Find out more and RSVP at panthertown.org/events.

Books, friends and tea come to Bridge ParkCommunity members of all ages are invited to step into the pages of their favo...
05/27/2026

Books, friends and tea come to Bridge Park

Community members of all ages are invited to step into the pages of their favorite books during “Book Friends & Tea,” a free, literary-themed tea party picnic set for 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 at Bridge Park in Sylva.

The event will feature complimentary tea, scones, chocolates, and other sweet treats in a relaxed outdoor setting designed to celebrate books, creativity and community connection. Guests are invited to bring their own picnics, blankets or lawn chairs to sit on, and a fancy teacup if they have one.

Participants are also encouraged to dress as their favorite book characters and enter a costume contest. Prizes will be awarded in two categories: children ages 12 and under, and teens and adults ages 13 and up.Games, crafts and other activities will also be available.

“Book Friends & Tea is a way to celebrate reading and community,” said Lauren Baxley, one of the event’s organizers. “Whether you come dressed as a book character or just want to relax in the park, we hope you’ll join us for this fun afternoon.”

The event is free and open to the public. Book Friends & Tea is sponsored by the Jackson County Public Library Allies, the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library, the Sylva Art + Design Committee, the Jackson County Arts Council, and local businesses, Baxley Chocolates and Snake Song.

For more information, contact the JCPL Allies at [email protected].

Address

Sylva, NC

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18285862611

Website

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