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Quick Fact

According to Cherokee legend, the markings on the rock were created by Judaculla, a slant-eyed giant who dominated the mountains in years long past.

1,500 Year Old Petroglyphs

Caney Fork Road
Sylva, NC

The Judaculla Rock cultural and archaeological site is one of America’s most significant historical places. The rock is carved with approximately 1,548 designs, more than any other known petroglyph boulder in the eastern United States. Petroglyphs are images and designs engraved within a rock’s surface to symbolize important places, stories or events.

Archaeologists believe intensive use of the site began over 3,000 years ago when the soapstone boulders were quarried for making bowls. Petroglyph carving began around 1,500 years ago and likely continued until European settlement disrupted Cherokee lifeways and traditions some 300 years ago.

Protection of Judaculla Rock Site

For nearly 100 years, the Parker family has been a good steward and protected the boulder on the farm from the vandalism that has defaced or destroyed many of North Carolina’s petroglyph sites.

In 1959, MilasParker donated a one acre tract around the boulder to Jackson County. In 2011, grandson Jerry Parker placed 107 acres of the family farm into a permanent conservation easement that protects the broader cultural site and preserves the undeveloped mountain experience for generations to come.

BRNHA-PMSshieldtinyThe Blue Ridge Heritage Trail is a program of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership.

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Locations Nearest Here

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More Information

Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department
88 Cullowhee Mtn Road
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-293-3053
rec.jacksonnc.org

Jackson County Chamber & Visitor Center
773 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-2155
mountainlovers.com

US Forest Service, Pisgah National Forest
NC Rock Art Project
632 Manor Road
Mars Hill, NC 28754
828-689-9294, ext. 107
fs.fed.us