LEISURE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Haywood County offers a unique quality of life. Its mix of small-town attributes, cultural amenities and outdoor recreation makes it a truly special place to call home or to visit. And it is surrounded by many special places that attract travelers from across the country. Here are few of the highlights that are either in Haywood or nearby: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Cataloochee Valley History and nature intersect in this picturesque meadow, a long, narrow valley cradled by mountains on all sides that was once a thriving pioneer community that was part of Haywood County. An elk herd has been re-introduced into the park and calls the valley home. Elk were once common here but were overhunted in the early 1800s to extinction in the eastern states. Elk can be seen on most days, and the best time for viewing is in the early mornings or the early evenings. Cataloochee Valley is also home to intact farmhouses, churches, schoolhouse and cemeteries that can be toured by car and short walks. There are several hiking trails that start in the valley, and it is also a favored location for trout anglers. From Maggie Valley, take U.S. 276 north toward I-40, but just before the interstate, turn left on Cove Creek Road, which leads up and over the Cataloochee Divide and winds down into the valley. Beware the narrow, gravel road.
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