Why Is Maggie Valley Worth Visiting?
There are plenty of things to do in Maggie Valley, as you’ll see in a moment. It’s a town in Haywood County, NC, located near Asheville. The area was occupied by the Cherokee people until it was colonized by Europeans. The town was officially incorporated in 1904 and named after Maggie Mae Setzer. She was the daughter of John Sidney Setzer, who founded the first post office in the area and named it after Maggie.
Maggie Valley is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherokee Indian Reservation. The town is known for its antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and crafts stores. Numerous events are held every year on its festival grounds, where you can hear live bluegrass music, watch truck shows, and more.
Things to Do in Maggie Valley – Hiking and Scenic Drives
There are so many active things to do in Maggie Valley, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. The town is known for its scenic drives, waterfalls and hiking trails. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Maggie Valley is the place to go!
Hike Up to the Soco Falls
Soco Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the Soco Creek in Maggie Valley, NC. The waterfall cascades over a series of rock ledges for approximately 80 feet before reaching the pool below. There is an overlook above the falls where you can view them from above or take some photos from below.
The falls are accessible by foot via a short trail that leads down to the base of the waterfall. The best time to visit Soco Falls is during spring when all the trees are blooming, and there are lots of wildflowers around too!
Take in the Views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of America’s most visited national parks, with over 10 million visitors a year coming to see the elk. The park spans more than 800 square miles in Tennessee and North Carolina, providing visitors with plenty of hiking trails and camping opportunities throughout its vast area.
One of the best ways to explore this amazing park is by taking one of many scenic drives through it including various loop roads such as Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop Road.
Climb Up to the Waterrock Knob in the Smokies
Waterrock Knob, which sits at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet, is one of the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains and offers some of the best views in the region. From its summit you can see Mt. Sterling, Clingman’s Dome and other peaks in the Southern Appalachians.
Try Some Outdoor Activities at Cataloochee Valley
Located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley was once home to more than 600 families who lived on farms along Cataloochee Creek. Today it’s a popular location for hiking as well as horseback riding, ATV riding and camping.
Where to Play Sports and Games in Maggie Valley
If you’re looking for things to do in Maggie Valley during winter, look no further than the Cataloochee Ski Area. The ski area has been in operation since 1961 and offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Other popular winter activities are:
- tubing at Tube World;
- ice skating at the Festival Grounds;
- cross-country skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area.
For golf enthusiasts and families, there’s the Fantasy Golf and Game Room, which features a mini golf course, arcade games and a laser tag arena. Another place to visit is Maggie Valley Puzzle Rooms, where you can test your problem-solving skills with friends or family.
Cultural Attractions in Maggie Valley
One of the most iconic things to do in Maggie Valley is visiting the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. The museum is home to over 375 vintage motorcycles, including some of the rarest machines in the world.
Also, be sure to check out the Ghost Town Village, formerly known as the Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park. The park was once home to rides, shows and a Wild West-themed town complete with gunfights and stagecoaches. Today, it’s abandoned and there are plans to revitalize it.
If you were hoping to listen to music, the famous Maggie Valley Opry House has been permanently closed. You can still catch some live music during a festival, though.
Ending Your Trip to Maggie Valley
Visit the Elevated Mountain Distilling Company for a tour and tasting of their locally made vodka, moonshine and rum. The distillery is located in an old farmhouse from the early 1900s and uses traditional methods to produce their spirits. And after a good night’s sleep, pop into Joey’s Pancake House for delicious breakfast!
Maggie Valley has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions or just a place to relax. What are some of your favorite things to do in Maggie Valley, NC? Let us know in the comments below!
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