The Most Scenic Airport in North Carolina Is Nestled Among Beautiful Mountains

Nestled between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains sits the Jackson County Airport. The airport sits at an elevation of 2,857 and offers panoramic views of both nearby mountain ranges. The Jackson County Airport, located near Sylva, North Carolina, is the most scenic airport in the state of North Carolina.

The History of Jackson County Airport 

The Jackson County Airport was originally located east of Sylva in the 1930s, and it was used as an airport until the 1960s. This first airport used a dirt airstrip. In the 1960s, the second Jackson County airport was opened, and used a grassy airstrip opened up. The location of this airstrip is now the baseball stadium and nursery at Western Carolina University’s campus. 

The airport was in a very poor location, being too close to high-voltage power lines and a busy main road. The first Jackson County Airport was shut down sometime in the 1960s to prevent any accidents or mishaps. 

Then, in the 1970s, the county realized it desperately needed a new airport. Several locations were tossed around, and there were two top contenders: Berry Ridge above Cullowhee (where Western Carolina University is located), and the flat bottomlands at Barkers Creek. Around 1975, the Berry Ridge location was selected.

Building the Present-Day Jackson County Airport

In 1976, the third version of the Jackson County Airport was built by leveling parts of Berry Mountain. Parts of the mountainside were cut away and then refilled to create the airport’s foundation. The construction of the airport required large volumes of fill material to maintain the airport’s 2,857 feet elevation. 

Because man-made fill material can actually be less stable than natural ground if not made of appropriate or suitable material. As a result of this, there have been concerns about the airport’s stability over the years. The elevation of the airport, in addition to the slope in which the foundation of the airport, can lead to slope failure.

These concerns became a reality in 1978 when heavy rains and poor construction led to the south end of the runaway to erode. 

Then, in 1990, the airport’s terminal was destroyed by a severe storm while under renovation. This area was eventually demolished in 1999.

Enjoying North Carolina’s Most Scenic Airport

Despite a number of challenges, the Jackson County Airport is still in operation today. The airport is primarily open for light single and twin-engine private aircraft. 

Every October, the Jackson County Airport used to host the “Western Carolina Regional Fly-In and Family Fun Day.” The event encouraged visitors to experience the scenic mountain views. Children were also invited to take free plane rides. 

The airport is open to the public, and for those visiting the area, the Jackson County Airport offers amazing panoramic views. Situated between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can find Jackson County Airport nestled among beautiful mountains.