Things To Do
Blue Ridge Parkway
46 miles of the blue ridge parkway are within the boundaries of Haywood county NC! Just about every mile there is an overlook, trailhead, waterfall, or stunning natural feature. Our favorite spots along the parkway are the cradle of forestry, graveyard fields, and devils courthouse.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Main entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park. Elk spotting opportunities, jaw dropping natural beauty, very cool mountain farm museum. **The elk are easiest to spot in the late afternoon when they are heading to bed in the fields adjoining the visitor center**
Cataloochee Valley
Great opportunity for some more elk spotting and maybe even a bear or two if you're lucky! Lots of trails and historic buildings from the 1900s.
Lake Junaluska
We used to live here! There is a walking path that goes all the way around the outside of the lake, totaling 3.8 miles. Lots of folks like to bike, run and/or walk their dogs. There is also a small (free) native garden that has some really neat examples of plants native to NC.
Waynesville
Gateway to the Smokies! Downtown has lots of great shops and eats.