17 minute read
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:
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.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Along with knowledgeable rangers who can help you plan your time in the park, fabulous exhibits will take you back in time among the early settlers and Cherokee who called these mountains home.
The visitor center chronicles the culture and history of the Smokies and is also a great starting point for anyone visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Located on U.S. 441 at the North Carolina entrance to the park, just outside of Cherokee and a few hundred yards from the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828.497.1904.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps America’s most scenic byway, a ribbon of sweeping curves and stunning vistas stretching 469 miles from Cherokee to Virginia that stretches from one end of Haywood County to another.
It’s hard to get lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It only goes in two directions — north or south. Short, wooden posts along the edge of the road mark off each mile, making it easy to know exactly where you are. The milemarker number is listed for the recommended stops on the Parkway and should be easy to find by watching the mileposts.
Shining Rock Wilderness
One of the original components of the Wilderness System created in September 1964, it is the largest designated wilderness area in North Carolina and is located entirely in Haywood County.
Purchase Knob
The Appalachian Highland Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob is on 535 acres in Haywood County that is contiguous with the rest of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The site includes a historic cabin, two buildings which contain offices, laboratory space, a 50-person classroom, and housing for up to eight visiting scientists. The center averages about 5,000 visiting scientists, students and teachers each year. Everyday, the staff and program participants thank the family for their generous gift. Beautiful spot for hiking with great views.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls have long had an almost spiritual appeal among humans, and there are plenty in and around Haywood County. Whether one is an avid outdoorsman or an occasional hiker, there is something special about making a gorgeous waterfall the destination for a hike.
There are hundreds of waterfalls in Western North Carolina, and there is a fairly extensive list and an interactive map on The Smoky Mountain News website at www.smokymountainnews.com (navigate to the Outdoors section to find it).
The following waterfalls are just a few of the more popular near Haywood:
Midnight Hole
There’s not much of a waterfall at Midnight Hole, but if you’re looking for a good place to jump in the water, this is it. Midnight Hole is very popular and crowded at times. Swimmers can jump off the rocks into the pool. The water is cold and crystal clear and feels wonderful after the hike on a hot, muggy afternoon. Take I-40 Exit 451 in Tennessee. It will be the first exit after you cross the state line. Stay left after crossing the Pigeon River and follow the road 2 miles. You’ll drive by a power plant and community park. You’ll come to a stop sign at an intersection. Midnight Hole. GSMNP PHOTO Go straight through the intersection and enter the Big Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow the gravel road 0.8 miles to a picnic area and campground entrance.
From the parking area, walk back up the road. You’ll see a sign on the left for the trailhead. The hike to Midnight Hole is about 1.5 miles. Stay on the main path and the hole is on the left. The hike is easy. Horses and their riders also frequent the trail. Soco Falls
Soco Falls is the closest large fall to Maggie Valley. Two creeks flow over steep rock cascades at a right angle from each other. There’s a wooden platform that faces the higher of the two falls. The other falls is nearly impossible to see face on without going down to the base of the falls. There’s a really steep dirt incline that goes down there without a lot to hold on to. I’ve never gotten the guts to slide down – especially with my camera.
From Maggie Valley, drive north on U.S. 19. You’ll pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway. After passing the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive 1.4 miles to a pull off on the left.
A short, steep path goes down between the guardrails. Follow the trail, which leads to a wooden platform. Waterfall on West Fork Pigeon River
The waterfall on West Fork Pigeon River runs under an old stone bridge on N.C. 215. Although this waterfall isn’t one to plan a trip around, if you’re driving on N.C. 215, it’s worth a stop. You can take shots from the road and the bridge but watch out for traffic.
The waterfall is under a bridge on N.C. 215, 4.2 miles from where N.C. 215 crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s 13.6 miles south of where N.C. 215 intersects with U.S. 276.
Fishing
The waterways in the Smoky Mountains attract trout fishermen from around the world, and it’s no wonder. Whether you’re in search of native brook trout or trophy-sized browns, you can find just the right river to make it happen.
Western North Carolina recently hosted the World Fly Fishing championships, and the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians recently opened in nearby Bryson City.
In Haywood County, places like Cataloochee Valley or the Pisgah National Forest offer miles of backcountry streams. Easily accessible streams like Richland Creek and Jonathan Creek are also popular for those without the time or inclination to venture into the backcountry. Whitewater
Nantahala
The Nantahala River is a world-class paddling adventure. No experience is necessary to climb on board a raft with an outfitter and take a guided trip down the pristine rapids of the Nanty.
The Nantahala has been called everyman’s river. It is an 8-mile run of basically Class II rapids (19 of them) with Class III Nantahala Falls waiting at the end. There is a slalom course on the river at the Nantahala Outdoor Center as well as “the wave” for playboaters. It is a wonderful river for rafting and beginner kayakers. Several outfitters on the river allow raft rentals without guides, and they’ll also shuttle you to the put-in.
Pigeon
The Pigeon River, which flows through Haywood County, boasts Class IV and Class III rapids along with easygoing sections for a varied whitewater experience with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop. The Pigeon has scheduled releases from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, providing a shorter but exciting trip. A number of outfitters are located in Hartford, Tennessee.
Skiing and Winter Fun
Cataloochee Ski Area
Traditionally one of the earliest ski resorts in the Southeast to open and one of the last to close, Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley has 18 slopes and trails, 740 feet of vertical drop at an elevation of 5,400 feet, and unmatched snowmaking capabilities. The full-service rental shop has more than 4,000 sets of ski and snowboarding equipment plus a state-of-the-art boot drying system. cataloochee.com or 800.768.0285.
Tube World
This tubing park is located near the entrance to Cataloochee Ski Area on U.S. 19 (Soco Road). There is magic carpet conveyor to get tubers to the top of the groomed runs that make use of specially designed tubes for great family fun. cataloochee.com/planning/tube-world.
Winter Hiking and Crosscountry Skiing
With more than 800 miles of trails in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and hundreds of miles more in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests and the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, Haywood County is a hiker’s paradise. Many winter days have temperatures in the high 50s, and with all the leaves gone from the trees, every winter hike offers views that just don’t exist during the more popular summer and fall seasons. Whether it’s the popular Sams Knob hike in Shining Rock or a section of the Appalachian Trail in the GSMNP, getting outdoors in winter can be an exhilarating experience.
Also, the Blue Ridge Parkway and many national forest trails are great for cross-country skiing after being blanketed by a winter snow.
Haywood on Two Wheels
With nearly 50 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and plenty of scenic highways and rural routes, Haywood County is a paradise for cyclists. Check out some of our favorites routes below (go to www.visitncsmokies.com to download more specific ride information).
Sunburst Climb
A fun ride with little climbing as you pedal deep into the woods west of Canton. Be sure to stop for a few pictures at Lake Logan, an Episcopal Retreat Center where cabins can be rented. If camping is your pleasure, take note as you turn around at Sunburst Recreation Area. On your return, you will pass by numerous farms as you loop back via Lovejoy Road and all too soon find yourself back at Canton’s Rec Park. Ride begins at the Canton Recreation Park on Penland Street/N.C. 215 in Canton. Parking, sheltered picnic tables, and restrooms available. (29.4 miles, for advanced beginner and above)
Hyder Mountain Loop
Head into the country on a well-shouldered road, passing by the Pigeon River. Once over Interstate 40 continue down the river valley until it is time to climb Hyder Mountain. Most of the climb is conquered in the first half-mile with views that will reward your effort. Soon enough you’re on the twisting descent to another crossing of the Pigeon River. Then it’s just a left turn and a right turn back to your bike carrier. Ride begins at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church on Old Clyde Road (N.C. 209) in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Park in the gravel area next to the Fire Department across from the church. (9.9 miles, for intermediate and above)
Coleman Mountain-Panther Creek Loop
A wonderful bicycle ride loop in the northwestern end of the county. Begin at Sorrell’s Store, a “Bike Outpost,” in Jonathan Valley. Turn right out of the parking lot and after you pass Creekwood RV Park, look for Coleman ‘Mountain Road on your right. Turn there and climb over Coleman Mountain before descending to the Pigeon River. After a long descent look for Iron Duff Road on your left and turn there. Iron Duff Road eventually turns into Rabbit Skin Road, which you’ll follow until you re-emerge in Jonathan Valley This ride is very rural and there is rarely much traffic until you descend back into Jonathan Valley and can enjoy the wide valley view on the way back to Sorrell’s Store. Ride begins at Sorrell’s Marathon gas station and store, which welcomes riders, at 3796 Jonathan Creek Road (also U.S. 276).
Teein’ up
Haywood County is home to a variety of public and private courses, offering some of the finest golf experiences in the Southeast. Rolling hills, lush forests and picturesque ponds are just some of the features found on these majestic fairways and greens.
Courses are challenging for seasoned veterans and yet inviting and enjoyable for novice beginners. With the picturesque mountains of Southern Appalachia as a backdrop, players find comfort and solace in the timeless beauty of their surroundings. Acclaimed professionals and a helpful staff are available at each of these venues, where visitors and local residents alike are shown the true meaning of southern hospitality.
Waynesville Inn, Golf Resort and Spa, Waynesville • The course is currently closed and under renovation after being purchased by new owners in 2021. It is expected to open in spring 2022 featuring 18 holes of golf and a host of new amenities. 855.516.1090. Lake Junaluska Golf Course, Waynesville • 18 holes, open year-round, pro shop. Other activities available at the lake including tennis and swimming. Par 68. 828.456.5777. lakejunaluska.com. Laurel Ridge Country Club, Waynesville • laurelridgegolf.com. 18 holes, open yearround, lessons, pro shop, lodging, dining, tennis, swimming, Par 72. 828.456.3200. Maggie Valley Club, Maggie Valley • 18 holes, open year-round, pro shop, lodging, dining, tennis, swimming. 866.659.4725. maggievalleyclub.com.. Springdale Country Club, Cruso • 18 holes, driving range, lessons, pro shop, lodging, dining. Par 74. 800.553.3027. springdalegolf.com.
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Craft beer, spirits industry booming in Haywood
The craft beer and spirit industry continues to be one of the hottest in Western North Carolina, and Haywood County is right in the middle of this surging economic sector. Canton
BearWaters Brewing is located in an 11,000square-foot, two-level building in downtown Canton right on the Pigeon River with tons of outdoor seating. Aiming to harness the property’s potential, BearWaters built a river access point for kayakers and tubers looking to stop by for a beverage. There is actually an outfitter on the brewery property that rents tubes and boats and provides shuttles upriver. They also have a taqueria that provides a variety of food. Pets welcome in outdoor areas.
Maggie Valley
• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company, located in the former Carolina Nights Dinner Theater building on Soco Road, is the first craft distillery to open in the counties west of Buncombe. Visitors can purchase different spirits at Elevated Mountain and each of them have a distinct Haywood County name and flavor — Purchase Knob Unaged Corn Whiskey (88 proof), Hurricane Creek Vodka (80 proof), Shining Rock Peach Pie Moonshine (50 proof) and Raymond Fairchild’s Root Beer White Lightning (70 proof). The distillery currently offers premium and small-batch bourbons, moonshine and vodkas and also features a full bar with beer and wine and live music on some weekends.
• BearWaters Brewing Creekside in Maggie Valley has a gorgeous spot along the creek with both indoor and outdoor seating. This Bearwaters also features a taqueria serving great food.
Waynesville
• Boojum Brewing opened in 2014 and has grown quickly since then. The brewery continues to expand its distribution model and is now found in grocery stores throughout Western North Carolina. Its taproom on Main Street in downtown Waynesville features both indoor seating and an outside deck. It recently opened a large downstairs bar and restaurant — The Gem — that stays open later and is geared to those 21 and over. It features live music on weekends and other special events throughout the week. Pets are welcome in outdoor areas. • Frog Level Brewing in the Frog Level section of Waynesville is the oldest brewery in Haywood County. It now features a full kitchen and continues to brew some of the most unique beers in the region. The atmosphere at Frog Level Brewing has always been a main draw for the brewery from the laidback and eclectic feel of the taproom to the unmatchable outdoor setting with a deck overlooking Richland Creek. The brewery has an outdoor stage and features music both indoors and outside. Pets are welcome in outdoor areas.
• The Blue Ridge Beer Hub is unique bottle shop in downtown Waynesville with hundreds of brands of beer to choose from and about a dozen rotating taps. It has an indoor bar and two outdoor seating areas. It’s a great place if you’re looking for unique beers to take home. • Mad Anthony’s tap room, also in downtown Waynesville, usually has up to three dozen beers on tap. Its restaurant, Dough Boys Pizza, has established a reputation as some of the best pizza in town. Indoor and outdoor seating areas. • There are several other restaurants that feature craft beer and spirits in Waynesville, including Sauced, Birchwood Hall, Sweet Onion restaurant, Frogs Leap Public House , the Classic Wineseller, Ian and Jojos, and others.
Museums and events venues
Elevated Mountain Distilling
Aside from several breweries and popular restaurants who have semi-regular music each weekend, there are a plethora of well-known venues in Haywood County for those who enjoy live entertainment. HART THEATRE
Haywood Arts Regional Theatre is an awardwinning, top-notch regional theater group. Putting productions on two main stages and a studio theatre throughout the year, its spaces are unique and intimate. 828.456.6322 or harttheatre.com.
CLASSIC WINESELLER
vations recommended. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.
HART Theatre.
COLONIAL THEATER
Historic theater turned concert venue in downtown Canton. 828.235.2760 or cantonnc.com.
FOLKMOOT FRIENDSHIP CENTER
A international hub for cultural events and live music, Folkmoot USA provides year-round programming within an array of artistic mediums. 828.452.2997 or folkmoot.org.
THE GEM
The downstairs portion of the Boojum Brewing restaurant and taproom on Main Street in Waynesville, its live music ranges from rock to jam, blues to bluegrass. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.
ELEVATED MOUNTAIN DISTILLING
The distillery and taproom has regular live music and special showcases featuring local and regional country, rock and bluegrass acts. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com
STOMPIN’ GROUND
Home of the American Clogging Hall of Fame World Championships every October, the venue is a massive barn-like setting, which plays host to old-time, mountain and bluegrass music alongside traditional dancing. 828.926.1288 or maggievalley.org.
The Shelton House.
SHELTON HOUSE
Housing the Museum of the North Carolina Handicrafts, this historic home in downtown Waynesville houses an extensive collection of crafts, artifacts and antique furniture. sheltonhouse.org.
SHOOK HOUSE
Started in 1795, this house is the oldest in Western North Carolina and served as a stop for circuit-riding Methodist ministers. It now houses historic artifacts from those times and is on the National Register of Historic Places. shookmusuem.org.
Downtown Canton.
A SHOT ABOVE PHOTO
CANTON AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Contains photographs and historic items tracing the history of Canton and the Champion Paper Mill. Also has information about nearby Bethel and Cruso communities. 828.235.9238 or www.cantonnc.com.
SEJ HERITAGE CENTER AND MUSEUM
The is the designated archival repository for the agencies and ministries of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and has an extensive collection of SEJ related artifacts including archives on the history of Lake Junaluska. Located in The Foundation for Evangelism building, 125 N Lakeshore Dr., Suite 3. 828.452.2881 ext. 781 or lakejunaluska.com/heritage-center. A lakeside hotel centrally located in Haywood County
n Corporate & Group Rates n Meeting Space n Banquets n Coffee & Gift Shop n Company Picnics & Events n Recreational Amenities n Fitness Center
Learn More 800-222-4930 | lakejunaluska.com/terrace reservations@lakejunaluska.com | groupsales@lakejunaluska.com Experience Haywood 2022 | www.HaywoodChamber.com
