Haywood County
Jewel of Western North Carolina
Haywood County has 19 mountain peaks 14 of which are the highest number of mountain peaks over 6,000 feet in any single county east of the Mississippi and there is an obvious reason for that claim to fame. Flowing throughout the interior of the county's northern, southern and eastern regions are sections of North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest. North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest borders the county to the southwest, while Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest borders Haywood County along its northern border. Also very noteworthy is Haywood County's northwestern region, which contains a large section of the world famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Three National Forests and one National Park; all contained within the heartland of the Blue Ridge Mountains, all merging here in North Carolina's Haywood County. Haywood County is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway and to Cold Mountain, the basis for the award-winning, best-selling novel by Charles Frazier and the ensuing 2003 major motion picture. Local towns include Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Lake Junaluska, Clyde and Canton.
ARTS AND CULTURE:
In addition to the art galleries on Waynesville's Main Street, the Frog Level Art District is located along Richland Creek and is where you'll find more art galleries, coffee shops and antique stores. Art is the common thread weaving through the town of Waynesville. The Haywood County Arts Council is actively involved in coordinating art festivals, concert series and juried art exhibits. The Waynesville Gallery Association provides opportunities for artists to interact with the public, through Art After Dark on the first Friday of every month and walking art gallery tours. Haywood Community College's new Creative Arts Building is where you will find art courses in art and theater appreciation, art history, pottery, wood crafting and digital photography. The Haywood Arts Regional Theater (HART) is an award winning community theater hosting year round plays and musicals in one of two intimate theaters; the 255 seat James Auditorium and the Feichter Studio Theater. The most popular cultural event in Waynesville is the annual Folkmoot Festival, an eleven day international dance and music festival thousands of people travel from far away to attend. Canton hosts the Colonial Theater which is the site of numerous musical, theatrical and other performances. Lake Junaluska is the site of the conference center for the United Methodist Church and holds numerous events and conferences throughout the year. Lake Logan Episcopal Center is a 300-acre retreat center that is available for spiritual retreats, business conferences, seminars and family reunions. Haywood County is home to many great musicians in the bluegrass tradition. The nationally acclaimed group Balsam Range is an all Haywood County bluegrass band who perform regularly throughout the area.
CLIMATE:
The annual average temperature is 54 degrees; the temperature averages 38 degrees in January and 71 degrees in June. Haywood County averages 47.5 inches of rainfall and 12.2 inches of snowfall each year.
LIFELONG LEARNING CENTERS:
Haywood Community College is home to the Regional High Technology Center, the first Advanced Technology Center in North Carolina. Students have access to hands on computer numerically controlled machining, 3D modeling for rapid prototyping, solar energy technologies and robotics. The continuing education courses designed for mature adults include courses in the arts, personal enrichment, genealogy, language and writing. Haywood County hosts several senior centers for continuing services to seniors over 50.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE:
The Haywood Regional Medical Center is a Duke LifePoint Hospital. The hospital's specialties include cancer care, heart care, gynecology, imaging, joint replacement and hospice care. In 2001, the 54,000 square foot Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center was constructed which has an indoor heated Olympic size pool, exercise rooms, saunas, steam showers, racquetball courts and indoor track. Personal trainers and wellness classes are available at this affordable health club facility adjacent to the hospital. The Town of Waynesville also has a state of the art fitness center with many facilities available to the public.
RECREATIONAL SPORTS:
The Cataloochee Ski Area is the area's only ski resort southwest of Asheville and this ski mountain has 16 ski slopes and trails. Mountain biking is a popular sport in Waynesville. The Blue Ridge Breakaway cycling event takes place in August and the ride begins at Lake Junaluska. Waynesville golf courses include Laurel Ridge Country Club, Waynesville Inn Golf Course, Lake Junaluska Golf Course, Springdale Country Club and the Maggie Valley Golf Course. For those who enjoy adventurous hikes, Graveyard Fields and Devils Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway are quickly accessible,
