Maggie Valley/Westen North Carolina
Directions to Maggie Valley
Nestled between the Cataloochee Divide and Plott Balsam Range, Maggie Valley offers a unique experience for the vacationer. Our secluded locations offers easy access to what visitors love the most in the Smokies. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are just minutes away. Other activities close by are Cataloochee Ski Area, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and the Nantahala Gorge which is world famous for rafting and kayaking. But if civilization is what you seek, the attractions of Cherokee, Gatlinburg, Dillsboro and Maggie Valley are just a short drive away.
Check out Rafting at smokymountainrafting.com
Cherokee Fish and Game Management
Cherokee offers some of America's best trout fishing. Our 30 miles of streams and 3 ponds are stocked with thousands of trout every year. 828-497-5201www.cherokee-nc.com
Cherokee Indian Reservation
Cross the border onto the 56,000 acre Reservation of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation and immerse yourself in native culture and natural beauty.
www.cherokee-nc.com 800-438-1601
Folk Art Center/Southern Highland Handicraft Guild
Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, near Asheville. Houses changing gallery of traditional and contemporary craft exhibits from guild members from 9-state southeast region. Permanent collection dates back to early 20th century. Free. 828-298-7962
www.southernhighlandguild.com/folkart.html
Grandfather Mountain
US 221, two miles north of Linville NC. The highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range and privately owned. A scenic travel attraction and world-class nature preserve, 800-463-7325. www.grandfather.com
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Includes 500,000 acres of natural, scenic beauty with over 800 miles of hiking trails, 10 campgrounds, 1,500 plant species, a variety of creeks and waterfalls, and a wealth of history. Visitor centers at Sugarlands and Oconaluftee are open all year, except Christmas Day. No entrance fee.
865-436-1200 www.nps.gov/grsm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Half-and full-day excursions through the scenic mountain and colorful countryside of Western North Carolina. Gourmet Dining and Mystery Theatre Dinner Trains. Year round service. 1-800-872-4681 or
828-586-8811 ext. ML www.gsmr.com
Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
US Hwy 276, Waynesville. Extensive collection of 19th century handicrafts housed in historic century-old Shelton House.
828-452-1551
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Museum displaying artifacts more than 10,000 years old. Computer animation tells the age-old story of the Cherokee.
828-497-3481. www.cherokeemuseum.org
Nantahala National Forest
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Wayah Ranger District office, Franklin, 828-524-6441. Tusquitee Ranger District office, Murphy, 828-837-5152. Highlands Ranger District, Highlands, 828-526-3765. Cheoah Ranger District, 828-479-6431. www.cs.unca.edu.nfsnc
North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. 426-acre arboretum located in Bent Creek Experimental Forest illustrating WNCÕs unique bio-diversity. Acres of gardens, hiking and mountain bike trails. Visitors Center, gallery exhibits and educational programs. 828-665-2492. www.ncarboretum.org
Oconaluftee Indian Village
US Hwy 441N, Cherokee. Replica of circa-1750 Cherokee Indian Village. Cherokee artisans and craft demonstrations.
828-497-2111 www.oconalufteevillage.com
Pisgah National Forest
Waterfalls, wonderful hiking and camping opportunities, the Cradle of Forestry historic site, the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas, and much more. Pisgah Ranger District Office and Visitor Center, Hwy 276 near Brevard. 828-877-3265
www.cs.unca.nfsnc
SantaÕs Land Theme Park and Zoo
Ride the Rudicoaster, Ferris Wheel, Paddle Boats, SantaÕs Express and more! See the magic show and baby bear feedings. 828-497-9191 Hwy. 19N. Cherokee NC.
www.santaslandnc.com
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
Find a variety of gemstones; amethyst, ruby, sapphire, and more! Let our experts identify your stones and have one cut just for you! Cherokee, N.C. 828-497-6574
Smoky Mountain Trains
100 Greenlee Street, Bryson City. 7,000 piece Lionel collection, huge operating layout, childrenÕs activity center, and gift/toy shop. Hours vary seasonally, 866-914-5200. www.smokymountaintrains.com
Our vacation rentals are scattered on the mountains but all share the beauty of the area. Ranging in altitude from 3200 to over 4400 feet. Breathtaking vistas, waterfalls and streams, unlimited back roads to hike or bike, and a community playground and picnic area are close by. Horseback riding and boarding is also available on a limited basis.
More Area Links
For local happenings Click Here.