Outdoors
Word from the Smokies: Backcountry rangers hike to help
Backcountry rangers Lydia Williams and Jordan Gibeault have almost reached their destination, Kephart Prong Shelter, when they purposefully veer off trail. They descend a slight hill, emerge into a small creekside clearing, and immediately turn their attention to a rocky outcrop protruding from the hillside. It’s ringed with stones and filled with ash. “This is a great example of an illegal fire ring,” Williams said. “Every time we come here, we’re dealing with it again and again.”
State warns of consequences of turning deer into pets
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is advising residents that it is illegal to keep deer as pets and unwise to try to tame deer. Several incidents have occurred across the state this year involving people and dogs being attacked and injured by deer that were likely raised by humans illegally and regularly fed by local neighbors.
WCU brings holiday cheer with ‘Education Days’
Western Carolina University Athletics welcomed more than 1,000 Jackson County Public Schools students to campus for its annual “Education Days” basketball games — bringing early holiday cheer and an unforgettable afternoon of hoops.
Over two days, elementary and middle school students filled the Liston B. Ramsey Center to cheer on the Catamounts during men’s and women’s basketball matchups.
Macon library continues to support the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is celebrating 100 years and revamping its community supporters program.
The Macon County Public Library has been an A.T. supporter since 2014, and recently renewed their status.
Take part in the Assault on BlackRock
The 2026 Assault on BlackRock trail race has been set for Saturday, March 21 in Sylva.
All proceeds from this race will go to the Sylva Art & Design Committee with a focus on bringing more art (outdoor murals) to downtown Sylva.
Ski Cataloochee with Jackson County Rec
Winter weather has arrived in Western North Carolina and the snow guns are blasting at the Cataloochee Ski Area in Haywood County.
As folks prepare to hit the slopes, the Jackson County Recreation is offering night trips over to the ski area, including special rates for passes and equipment rentals.
Celebrate the holiday season in the Smokies
Embrace the spirit of the season with two festive events at Great Smoky Mountains National Park this December.
Visitors are invited to celebrate Appalachian holiday traditions and create new memories during the “Festival of Christmas Past, Present and Future” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, and the Holiday Homecoming on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and Oconaluftee Visitor Center, respectively.
Macon Library hosts ‘mind, body, flow’ class
Macon County Library is hosting a “mind, body, flow” class.
Classes are Tuesdays at 9 a.m. starting Dec. 16 in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room.
NCDEQ launches WNC Recovery Grants
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has launched the Western NC Recovery Grants Program to help communities affected by Hurricane Helene secure long-term recovery funding. The program offers free grant-writing and technical assistance to local governments, eligible nonprofits partnering with them, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians across 39 disaster-declared counties.
