Summer Information For Maggie Valley In North Carolina






Aug 28, 08

Maggie Valley
North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Maggie Valley is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County. Its name was chosen by the postmaster general in 1909. The choice came from the name of one of the three daughters of a local resident.

The east entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a stone's throw away. This spectacular park offers an array of recreational possibilities.

Almost 50 percent of the land in this county is protected as national forests, wilderness areas, wildlife preserves and the national park.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive, connects Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Winding its way along the Blue Ridge and other ranges, the route reaches elevations up to 6,053 feet.

Fantastic views of various rock formations and other scenic areas can be seen all around. Some points of interest include Craggy Gardens, Cumberland Knob, Linville Falls and Mount Pisgah. Numerous hiking trails are accessible from the parkway and vary in length and difficulty.

Countless trails run through the entire region as well, including the famous Appalachian Trail. A section of this 2,100-mile route runs by TriCorner Knob, Mt. Guyot, Mt. Cammerer, Harmon Den and Max Patch in Haywood County.

National Park Beauty

Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides countless hiking opportunities of its own. Trails vary in length and difficulty. Hike the Cataloochee Divide Trail along the park's southeastern boundary, or follow the path of Methodist preacher Bishop Francis Ashbury, an 1810 circuit rider, on the Ashbury Trail.

The park encompasses 520,000 acres of terrain and has the largest variety of plants and animals in the world. Visitors can find 1,600 types of wildflowers, more than 800 species of moths and butterflies, 200 different songbirds, 140 species of trees, 60 species of mammals and 50 kinds of fish.

White water rafting and kayaking on raging mountain rivers as they make their way down from the Smoky Mountains in an unforgettable experience. The Pigeon River offers 40 miles of fun as do the French Broad, the Nantahala, the Ocoee and the Nolichucky. Trout fishing is a popular pastime here too. Miles of clear streams harbor the crafty fish.

Golfers will find six different courses in Haywood County to test their skills at. These lush mountain courses offer golfers challenges in the midst of breathtaking scenery. Iron Tree Golf Course, Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Maggie Valley Resort & Country Club are just a few of the local courses.

Entertainment for All

Ghost Town in the Sky will give you a taste of the old days. This western theme park has a chairlift and an incline railway that carry people 3,364 feet up the mountain to the main part of the park. Saloon shows, exciting rides, gunfights and country music shows provide entertainment for the whole family.

Many exciting events fill the summer here. The Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Fair, the Annual Antique & Car Show and Mountain Street Dances are just a sampling of what Haywood County has to offer visitors.

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