shopping opportunities, major festivals and events, and boasts some
of the best medical centers in the southeast. Harrah’s Cherokee
Casino is located just 22 miles from Cullowhee and offers live
gaming, world class entertainment, dining and shopping. Other
area attractions include Cataloochee Ski Area offering skiing
and snowboarding in the winter season. Nantahala Outdoor
Center, named “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National
Geographic Adventures is 37 miles to the west and provides
whitewater and outdoor mountain adventures to over 1 million
guests per year.
The name “Cullowhee” is steeped in local heritage. It is historically
known as the Cullowhee Valley, believed by some to be a
translation from the Cherokee language meaning “valley of the
lilies” and hearkens back to a time when this flower populated the
area. The Cullowhee lily is a prominent part of the Cullowhee River
Club logo and an aggressive effort is underway, led by the WCU
chancellor’s wife, to reestablish this flower in the valley. Cullowhee
River Club heartily supports this program and will establish
extensive plantings of the flower throughout the community.
The native people of this
area, who became the
Cherokee, called this place
Cullowhee, meaning
“valley of the lilies.”
Zephyranthes atamasco
once grew here abundantly.
Cullowhee is best known as the home of Western Carolina University (WCU). Since its founding in
1889, WCU has grown to become a major cultural, scientific, and educational force in the region and
state. A member of the University of North Carolina system, WCU provides educational opportunities
to over 10,000 students representing 38 states and 32 countries. The new Cullowhee River Club
entrance is located within 600 feet of the southeast end of the university campus.
Cullowhee River Club’s convenient access to WCU and nearby Sylva, Waynesville, Cashiers, and
Asheville will afford its residents a unique combination that is rare in mountain communitiesa tranquil mountain sanctuary residents will relish calling home coupled with immediate access to
shopping, dining, quality healthcare facilities, and the cultural, sports, and educational offerings of
WCU. The community is embedded in a region of western North Carolina that offers a myriad of
outdoor recreational pursuits and outstanding scenic beauty.