A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

The idyllic mountain town of Maggie Valley, situated where the Blue Ridge Parkway hugs the Great Smoky Mountains, is full of surprises. Mere miles from the state line, some travelers

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

The idyllic mountain town of Maggie Valley, situated where the Blue Ridge Parkway hugs the Great Smoky Mountains, is full of surprises. Mere miles from the state line, some travelers

Maggie Valley’s Outdoor Adventures

Manitoban elk in Maggie Valley

The idyllic mountain town of Maggie Valley, situated where the Blue Ridge Parkway hugs the Great Smoky Mountains, is full of surprises. Mere miles from the state line, some travelers might not notice where Tennessee ends and North Carolina begins. The town’s spectacular location, outdoor activities, shops, restaurants, and music venues offer visitors opportunities for adventures suited to every season and make Maggie Valley a destination you can experience all year long.

Whether you want to hike, fish, ski, slide, shop, eat, or be entertained, read on for some of our favorite options in this charming Haywood County town:

 

Try fishing the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. You can explore Jonathan Creek, where brook, brown, and rainbow trout are stocked. Photography courtesy of Visit Haywood

Get acquainted with the wildlife

If you’re looking for an unusual encounter, take a drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see the Manitoban elk. These majestic animals were successfully reintroduced into the mountains of western North Carolina in 2001. Male elk can weigh more than 700 pounds; females weigh around 500. You can spot them wandering in Maggie Valley, usually around dawn or dusk.

For a different angle, try fishing the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Maggie Valley is one of 17 North Carolina cities in the program, and you can explore Jonathan Creek, where brook, brown, and rainbow trout are stocked. You’ll need to purchase a fishing license ahead of time and bring your own rods and reels. Check ncwildlife.org for more information.

 

For a fun ride that everyone can do, try snow tubing. Photography courtesy of Visit Haywood

Ski (or slide!) down the slopes

If you want to hit the slopes, visit Cataloochee Ski Area or Tube World. “Snow tubing is an activity everyone can do,” says Chris Bates, president of Cataloochee. “It’s a great ride — a sledding experience on a tube.”

The season begins as soon as it gets cold, and activities continue through the end of March or April, depending on the weather. Cataloochee has slopes for all ability levels and prides itself on being an excellent ski school for beginners. The ski area also features a restaurant and full-service bar and day lodge.

 

Take in the scenic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photography courtesy of Visit Haywood

Take the trail less traveled

Wintry weather can transform the woodland scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway, although it may cause road closures (check the Blue Ridge Parkway website for road closure details). But these cooler conditions also offer hikers a unique opportunity: Foot traffic is allowed on the parkway when cars are not, which means that hikers can enjoy unobstructed vistas without hurry. A popular spot is Waterrock Knob, which is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and one of the tallest mountains in North Carolina. Pull into the parking lot off of the parkway and take the 1.2-mile roundtrip hike. The route is steep, but hikers are treated to sweeping views of the Great Balsams, Great Smokies, Cowees, Nantahalas, Blue Ridge Mountains, Newfound Mountains, Blacks, and Craggies, all sporting seasonal browns, emerald, violet, and ochre hues as the foliage changes throughout the year. 

For another stunning route, drive along Heintooga Spur Road. Also known as Balsam Mountain Road, this paved route is accessible at mile post 458.2 on the parkway. The drive follows the mountain’s crest and then leads into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, complete with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Over the course of the nine-mile road, you’ll find opportunities for hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife.

Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American vintage motorcycles. Photography courtesy of Visit Haywood

Take a break to shop, eat, and explore

Need some ideas for fun with the whole family? Head to Market Square in the heart of town. Sample Jelly Bellies ice cream and candy, get hot chocolate or coffee at Sippers in the Valley, or stop for a meal at Café Italiano or Guayabitos. Wine lovers can sample a unique taste of Californian, Australian, Italian, and Chilean wines with an Appalachian twist at B&C Winery, which sources grapes from around the world and makes them into wine using local mountain spring water.

Guests can also indulge in some retail therapy by wandering from store to store to find an assortment of treasures, from a world-class collection of crystals and gem stones at Maggie Valley Rock Shop & Gem Mine to ski apparel at Maggie Valley Skis and Tees to herbal supplements at Wild Market. For a one-stop shop for artwork, candles, gifts, decor, and mementos, visit Simply Soco’s inviting space. 

Other local establishments include Maggie Mountaineer Crafts (founded in 1950), Joey’s Pancakes (serving breakfast since 1966), and Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The Festival Grounds is an excellent spot to catch a show, but other venues like Valley Tavern host music all year-round.

Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American vintage motorcycles. It’s worth a visit, even if you aren’t into motorcycles. The museum, a family-run nonprofit, is home to a priceless collection of motorcycle memorabilia, including the bike that Evel Knievel used for his final three jumps.

 

Luckily, in Maggie Valley, you’ve got options. And no matter which shops or restaurants you visit, whether you hike, ski, or sip moonshine, this way-off-the-beaten path mountain town is sure to charm. Click here to start planning your visit!

This story was published on Jan 24, 2025

Alysia Yates

Alysia Yates is a writer, editor, and outdoor enthusiast. She lives with her family in Raleigh, where you can find her on the Greenways or in her favorite coffee shop.