Cullowhee, North Carolina

Cullowhee /ˈkʌləhwiː/ is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jackson County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 9,428 as of the 2010 census. The area known as Cullowhee has Western Carolina University, part of the UNC System, and the village/town of Forest Hills within its area. The Jackson County Recreation Department and the Jackson County Airport are also located in the Cullowhee area. The name of the town was long thought to mean "Valley of the Lillies," but is actually derived from part of the Cherokee phrase "joolth-cullah-wee" which translates as "Judacullah's Place." Judacullah, a giant warrior and hunter who the Cherokee believe lived in the area, is an important figure in their religion and culture.

Geography

Cullowhee is located at 35°18′35″N 83°11′01″W / 35.309704°N 83.183726°W / 35.309704; -83.183726.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.0 square miles (26 km²), all land.

Climate

Located in a thermal valley, Cullowhee typically has a rather mild winter season. In the summer, high temperatures can reach into the 90 °F (32 °C)s.