“Being named one of the ten cleanest cities in the nation is so exciting for Sylva,” said Town Manager Paige Dowling. “We live in a beautiful place, and it speaks to our community pride that we value it and keep it clean.”

The list of the nation’s top 10 cleanest cities drew from thousands of verified reviews. Sylva’s year-round green initiatives, culminating with the annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival — the event includes environmental group presentations and tips for green living — boosted its score. 

Jackson County also advocates Leave No Trace principles to teach locals and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and funds the innovative Jackson County Green Energy Park. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce promotes the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, the nation’s first and only fly fishing trail. In nearby Cullowhee, the annual Tuckasegee River Cleanup, hosted by Western Carolina University, is the country’s largest single-day river cleanup.  

“Sylva is getting well-deserved national attention for its beautiful, clean and tourist-friendly townscape,” said Nick Breedlove, Jackson County’s tourism director.