Jackson County Ale Trail: Where Craft Brews Meet Carolina Views

Now I don’t mean to brag—well, maybe just a little—but when it comes to craft beer and mountain beauty, Jackson County, North Carolina might just be holding a royal flush. Folks have been brewing up here since long before “craft beer” became a buzzword, and if you listen to the Oldtimers—and you should—they’ll tell you the Cherokee were fermenting corn and cedar berries before a single hop ever made its way up the mountain. We’re not new to this. We’re true to this.

Today, our brewing traditions have gone a bit high-tech—stainless steel tanks, pH balances, flavor profiles and such—but the love and the lore remain unchanged. These mountains draw in artists, thinkers, and makers like bees to a blossom. And some of the finest expressions of mountain creativity, in my humble opinion, come not on canvas or stage, but in a cold, glistening pint.

I live in Sylva, right in the heart of what’s now called the Jackson County Ale Trail, and Lord have mercy, I do believe it’s heaven with a head on it. So, if you're thirsty for something more than just a drink—if you crave flavor, fellowship, and a good view—then walk with me a spell. I’ll show you the trail, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll help you find home along the way.

Sylva: My Hometown, My Heartbeat

This is where it all started, and brother, it’s still something to behold. Innovation has 32 brews on tap—yes, thirty-two—and not a dud in the bunch. You’ll find everything from smooth golden ales to experimental sippers that feature cucumbers, basil, beets, and whatever else their brewmasters dreamed up that morning. Nicole and Chip Dexter, the brilliant duo behind this place, don’t just push the envelope—they brew it, dry-hop it, and serve it chilled.

And the food? You’ve got choices. There’s woodfired pizza and the locally legendary Cosmic Carryout truck—burgers so good, they might make you tear up. It's pet-friendly, family-friendly, and creativity-forward. If beer were jazz, this would be Miles Davis.

Right down the street you’ll find Balsam Falls—less flashy, perhaps, but every bit as soulful. Corey and Laurie Bryson run the show here, and their beer is grown with the same care as their garden. Literally. Fruits, herbs, and veggies from their own yard find their way into the kegs. Their Cali-Mex kitchen is turning out wings, tacos, and other glorious bite-sized inventions perfect for pairing. The tap list changes like the seasons, which is fitting—this place feels alive.

Now this one’s a love letter to mountain life. Originally out of Franklin, the Lazy Hiker folks brought their flagship brews—Trail Mate Golden Ale and Slack Pack IPA—right into Sylva and tucked them beside Mad Batter Food, whose kitchen creations might just make you want to slap your Granny (but please don’t). This lively spot offers more than just good beer and good eats—it’s got a stage that hosts everything from bluegrass pickers and country crooners to rock ‘n’ roll road dogs. Sit inside or out, bring the dog, and settle in like you’ve got nowhere else to be and all the time in the world to enjoy it.

Dillsboro: Just Down the Tracks

Innovation Station (40 Depot St, Dillsboro)
Head west along the tracks and you’ll come to Dillsboro, where Innovation Brewing set up shop in an old railroad depot. History and hops make fine bedfellows here. With 32 taps—including a strong lineup of sours—this location serves as the brand’s aging and experimental facility. It’s got a laid-back air, and with both covered and open-air seating, it’s as perfect in a mountain thunderstorm as it is on a bluebird day. It’s also dog-friendly and wide open for the little ones. In short, it’s the kind of place where a beer tastes even better just because you’re there.

Cashiers: A Pint with a View

Whiteside Brewing Co. (128 NC-107, Cashiers)
Now we climb a bit—up into Cashiers, where the clouds flirt with the treetops and the breweries have backyards big enough to host your whole extended family and their cousins too. Whiteside Brewing Co. is the crown jewel up here. With six staple brews and a rotating seasonal, this place is built for gathering. Picnic tables sprawl across a park-like lawn, a stage hosts local musicians, and the kitchen delivers wings, burgers, and hearty mountain fare worth writing home about. It’s like an Appalachian beer garden with a Southern soul.

Cherokee: Spirit and Ferment

Out on the Qualla Boundary, near the heart of Cherokee, you’ll find Angry Elk Brewing—new to the Ale Trail but steeped in that same deep tradition. They’ve got a spacious patio, food trucks that rotate daily, and house-made brews that lean bold and flavorful. It’s a perfect stop if your day includes fishing the Oconaluftee or exploring the Museum of the Cherokee People. The vibe? Unpretentious, wild-hearted, and just a little bit rebellious. Just like the elk themselves.

Cullowhee: The Students Know What’s Good

Innovation Cullowhee (On the Campus of WCU) (732 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee, NC 28723)
Tucked into the energetic sprawl of Western Carolina University, Innovation’s third taproom has become a favorite of students and professors alike. Here, laid-back mountain culture meets buzzing college town energy. It’s a great place to catch live music, try something funky on tap, and remember how exciting life feels when everything’s still ahead of you. A good pint never hurt the learning process either, if you ask me.

Sip, Savor, and Settle Down

Every town on the Ale Trail has a story—and every pint poured adds a new chapter. These aren’t just watering holes. They’re community hubs, creative studios, and front porches for some of the finest folks you’ll ever meet. The trail winds through views that’ll steal your breath and towns that might just steal your heart.

So, whether you’re a beer connoisseur, a casual sipper, or just someone who appreciates a place where people still wave from the porch, I invite you to come explore this corner of Carolina I call home.

And if the mountains whisper to you the way they once whispered to me—about fresh starts, slower mornings, and the joy of knowing your bartender by name—then let’s grab a pint together. I’ll tell you a story or two… and maybe show you a house that’ll let you write your own.

– Bernie Gilchrist
Your Local Guide to Homes, Hops, and Mountain Living