Enjoy this Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour HERE. Worth every penny! Theyll guide you through the steps! Lake Junaluska is also located right next to the Great Smoky Mountains, and only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is crowded in the tourist season, and you will perhaps have to grab the items before they are sold out. For less than the price of a plane ticket, you can drive to Cataloochee, check into lodging, ski for a couple of days and eat. Today, the town brings nature lovers with its access to enchanting waterfalls, scenic hikes, mountain views, and ski areas. Some things to look out for along the parkway include Mount Pisgah, Waterrock Knob, Linville Falls, Mount Mitchell, and Grandfather Mountain. Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands. It is one of the largest bike rallies in the Smoky Mountains featuring bike tours, prize-winning bike games, and bike shows. The Labyrinth at Lake Junaluska, is of course a great place to meditate, pray, enjoy the view, or just to let the kids follow the path. and when you combine excellent instruction of superior. By charlessZ5633GQ. The biggest attraction to the Cataloochee Valley is the ability to watch free-range elk grazing in the fields. Since Maggie Valley is a mountain vacation destination, this means there must be some beautiful and authentic lodges and cabin rentals to enjoy in the area. One of the most popular activities with resident and locals is walking or running on the walking trails. It has a pair of carved wooden bears out front, welcoming visitors, and a plethora of country goods inside. Snap some pictures in your skiing outfit so that you have the memory treasured forever. Some of our most popular activities include hiking past waterfalls at Soco Falls, capturing mountaintop views at Waterrock Knob, stargazing or catching the sunsets along the Blue Ridge Parkway, snow skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area, playing a round of putt-putt at Fantasy Golf and Game Room, and seeing the world's premier collection of rare Americ. Since there is a lot to do and explore in the town, here's a list of the best things to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina: Soco Falls is a double-edged waterfall located in the town of Maggie Valley. Lake Junaluska NC - Blue Ridge Mountain Life Smoky Mountain Jumphouse is an inflatable play center filled with several inflatable bouncers' for children to jump and play on. It didnt take long before the town honored her as a goodwill ambassador and gave her a uniform that looked like a traffic light. "The point", as it's often called, is surrounded by beautiful gardens, maintained by volunteers. The museum is open: Tuesday-Saturday, from 9am - 4pm (closed from noon-1pm p.m. for lunch) and is located at 575 N. Lakeshore Dr. (beside the Terrace Hotel). They conduct tasting sessions in the evenings. You can book a stay at the historic hotel that sits right at the waters edges, and you can also look into vacation rentals that are on the property. For something different, try the Lightning Bug Lemonade, a hard seltzer with natural lemon juice and cane sugar. The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center has 200 acre lake that is surrounded by 1200 acres, full of things to do, see, and places to stay. Along this route youll also find access to the most photographed scenic lookout in the mountains as well as access to the beautiful Soco Falls. The park is largely inaccessible by car except for a few roads that skirt the park and by hwy 441 which runs from Cherokee and Gatlinburg. This year the popular Moonshiners will be joining in the fun along with the many distillers and breweries that attend the festival. Maggie Valley Wellness Center has a stunning natural location to help you rest and unwind. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Stop by to pick up locally sourced honey, molasses, moccasins for those chilly mountain mornings, and authentic Native American goods that make great souvenirs of your trip. Residents of Maggie Valley do not let the snow stop them from getting out and having fun. Snowboarders are welcome here and might enjoy the Cat Cage, a fully equipped terrain park. For one day the festival includes the annual fundraiser, raffles, music vendors, and of course, award-winning bluegrass musicians playing live all day long. Maggie Mountaineer Crafts is your stop to buy anything related to decor and lifestyle. Black Balsam Knob Trail is a popular hiking trail in the Black Balsam area in the Pisgah National Forest. Dont miss Maggie Valley Carpet Golf and Dales Wheels Through Time Museum. Nestled in the heart of Maggie Valley, the quaint Hearth & Home Inn offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to attractions. Take a look at the most popular things to do in and around Maggie Valley. You can either hike two miles to the top and head back in the direction you came, or you can continue the loop for another 3 miles (5 miles total). They have 365 different types of candies including classic favorites like Clove Gum, Jelly Belly, and BB Bats. 2 - Visit Soco Falls 3 - Watch a sunset at Waterrock Knob 4 - Maggie Valley Puzzle Rooms 5 - Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway 6 - Go on a Family Adventure in Big Creek 7 - Go Shopping at Maggie Mountaineer Crafts 8 - Take a drive on Heintooga Round Bottom Road 9 - Find Treasure while Gem Mining 10 - See the Elk in Cataloochee Valley Powered by Mai Theme, 12 Best Small Towns In Maryland You Must Visit, delicious breweries with craft local brews. While youre cruising Maggie Valley, youll discover Miss Maggie, the mascot of the town, on everything from signage to rooftops. 13 guests Waynesville Street Dance, photo courtesy Visit NC Smokies. Usually, for a weekend in April, those who love trucks, truckin, food, and games gather for fun at the Maggie Valley fairgrounds. (visitncsmokies.com/accommodations/), Maggie Valley is not overcrowded like some of the other destinations close to the national park, says Ashley Rice, marketing manager of Visit NC Smokies. Discover fishing adventures, farmers markets, music and art festivals, and so much more in Maggie Valley, Waynesville, and surrounding areas. The hike is challenging; but the more demanding the hike, the better the view. 5. While the entire Community is full of flowers and gardens, but here are they larger and dedicated garden spaces: Photo courtesy of Lake Junaluska Junaluska. Only 15 minutes down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska. He is also an avid hiker, photographer, and videographer. Along this route you'll also find access to the most photographed scenic lookout in the mountains as well as access to the beautiful Soco Falls. The Hillside Lodge provides a mote-style experience, and the Sunnyside and Mountainview Lodges provide dormitory-style rooms with private baths. Only a short 10-minute drive from Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski is popular amongst families and those looking for a more relaxed ski experience. The shop is filled with novelties and heartwarming gifts. Recently renovated, and located between the Wilson Children's Complex and the Tennis Courts, the Lake Junaluska Playground provides tons of fun for families with children. Directly below the cross is the Junaluska Ampitheater, which is common location for weddings, services, youth events, and for individuals seeking prayer or meditation. THE BEST Maggie Valley Parks & Nature Attractions Nature & Parks in Maggie Valley Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Sights & Landmarks Travel on Cove Creek Road* into Cataloochee Valley. The stores owner specializes in glazed, wheel-thrown pottery, and he keeps the workshop open for guests who are curious about the process hes been a master of since 1980. He loves sharing his mountain adventures and knowledge with more than 500,000 people per month on Blue Ridge Mountain Life. It doesn't matter what time of year it is; Maggie Valley offers everything you could want, from unique stores and restaurants to comfortable lodgings. Located 8 miles from downtown Waynesville in the tourist town of Maggie Valley NC, the Stompin' Ground Dance Hall is a haven for fans of clogging, square dancing, and other Appalachian dance styles. Cabbage Rose is one of the town's prominent gift shops. 2 bedrooms, House Current Pool hours are available on their website: https://www.lakejunaluska.com/activities/pool/. There are many different offshoots of trails in this area, however, the main trail is a 4.6-mile loop. Through Maggie Mountain Vacations, you have over 40 gorgeous cabins to choose from. Lodging options include: All of the facilities are unique, and provide the perfect place to stay while visiting Lake Junaluska and the surrounding mountains. When in the room, you need to find clues and solve puzzles, for which you get 60 minutes. A game arcade is also available, featuring games like air hockey, racing simulators, and jackpot games. BearWaters is a great way to spend the afternoon with friends and family. However, we went on Saturday January 15th, so holiday weekendit was soo crowded and oversold, we went down the hill 4 times in 90 min, we spend more waiting in line to get on top of the hill! The instructors teach you the craft basics and then let you play at your leisure. Known for its old-fashioned vibe, motorcycle rallies, bluegrass and clogging, and plenty of mountains to hike, there truly are so many things to do in Maggie Valley. This is a great way to get kids into fishing, if only because the ponds are so fully stocked youre almost guaranteed to bring home a few keepers that you can cook up for dinner at your vacation rental. 3 chair lifts can bring you to the top, and there are also 2 carpet lifts. It is the most scenic spot in Maggie Valley. Its a great place to bring the family on a cold or rainy day. If you are in Maggie Valley, you must stop here at least once for some delicious biscuits and gravy, or homemade hash. Slinging in the Smokies is the only location in Maggie Valley where you can rent a slingshot. Square dancing and line dancing are also popular here. The Puzzle Room is a place of 5 themed escape rooms, ranging in all different challenge levels. Address: 1861 State Rd 1307, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. Cataloochee Valley - Visit NC Smokies Off-road use is not permitted for these street-legal vehicles. It is not crowded and offers enough space for you to practice. One of the best things about an afternoon visit here is that you can buy a beautiful piece of ceramic that you watched as it came into being. 2023 VisitSmokies.org All Rights Reserved, Highlands, Cashiers, Glenville, Scaly Mountain, Wildwater Nantahala Gorge Adventure Center. Lake Junaluska is FULL of things to do, and you nor the kids will ever get bored. This year-round celebration boasts a diverse selection of exhibits, cultural programs, and fun for all ages. The 18-hole golf course is located across the road from the main Lake Junaluska facility. Within walking distance of Waynesville, the Oak Park Inn has modern accommodations with old-fashioned charm. 9 guests Carvers seems to hold the town together with their group holiday dinners, and warming breakfasts. Music and dancing go hand in hand at the Stompin' Ground in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The center also provides access to all necessary equipment for your convenience. CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK. Harrah's Casino, Here you can search around the shop for beautiful gems, fossils, jewelry, crystals, and more. New equipment was added in 2017 thanks to charitable giving by local residents. For those who enjoy old-fashioned ice cream in a warm waffle corn, make time in your plans for a stop by Jack the Dipper in Waynesville. Thanks Shannon for setting up this memorable trip. The crafts are locally made and are authentic. He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. Jonathan Creek Inn is the perfect small-town, charming mountain hotel that you are looking for. Pops brings classic Southern-style home cooking with an old-time diner atmosphere. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Maggie Valley - Tripadvisor While exploring the Valley youll also find multiple historic home-sites, churches, and a barn open to the public for self-guided tours. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Elevated Mountain Distilling Co. brings traditional whiskey spirits to the area but also offers full bar with beer and wine options as well. Address: 91 North Lakeshore Drive Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours. THE 5 BEST Outdoor Activities in Maggie Valley (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor After dropping out of college, Terry Painter began focusing on ceramics instead of engineering. 1. There are rooms with different themes, and you can choose one that interests you the most. Opened in 2019, BearWaters Brewing Company has brought delicious flavors to Haywood County ever since. https://www.lakejunaluska.com/activities/boat_tour/. The mini-golf course is located near the Tennis Courts and Pool, and is fun for the whole family. From rustic log cabins deep in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains to budget-friendly chalets and charming mountaintop cottages, you'll find your ideal North Carolina vacation rental in one of Haywood County's five mountain towns: Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde. so really not worth it . Two couples shared an adequate but not elegant condo overlooking the course, for two nights, which included golf. One of the most popular attractions in Maggie Valley is the local Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. It is a suitable place to get away from the noise of the bustling city. But thats not all! Allow the Lake Junaluska staff to service you, while you relax and enjoy the gorgeous lake views. Live music at the venue enhances the experience altogether. With multiple courses of increasing variety and challenge level, theres something here for every member of the family to enjoy. The cabin is at a 4,300 ft elevation in the mountains and a creek runs through the property. Mountain music is a big part of the music scene in Maggie Valley, but the musical influence is also international. Blue Ridge Mountain Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You may learn something new about the town, or find something you like. Milepost 455.7 is the exit for Maggie Valley, making the town easily accessible from the road. The oldest and largest rally in the Great Smoky Mountains takes place on three separate weekends throughout the year. Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. A natural retreat spot, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a valuable ecosystem. If you're looking for specific things to do in Maggie Valley, here's how we've organized things: They roam without cages or fences, so please view them respectfully and safely. It is a cute shop with a variety of products. For breakfast and lunch, visitors and locals come to Pops. If someone is looking for a truly peaceful experience, they can achieve it here.. With huge, mountain-man-sized portions and an almost steampunk-level dedication to brass and steam boilers as decor, this updated, fully-modern restaurant manages to capture the look and feel of an old mountain camp from Maggie Valleys early days. 13 Prettiest Places to Take Engagement Photos in the U.S. Tube World is just four miles from Cataloochee Ski Area. The top is a great place to hang out for a bit and have a picnic. This is an event you wont want to miss! Turn right at the main entrance, and follow the road a short distance to the Welcome Center, where you can get information, hours, and map to help you find your way around.