Dashing Appalachia—rural escapes in scenic North Carolina
Located in western North Carolina, Haywood County proudly offers a truly authentic Appalachian experience, complete with outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities. The area is most known for almost 50 miles of scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as hiking trails that wind through the Great Smoky Mountains. But come for the natural beauty, and stay for Haywood County's unique culture, farm-to-table dining, and friendly locals. Take a look at Haywood County vacation rentals, and you'll be hard-pressed to find one that doesn't come complete with stunning views.
Easy for you to say—Cataloochee's country charm
There's a reason so many outdoor lovers have Haywood County on their bucket list. With places like Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which covers over half a million acres, you can easily spend your entire trip enjoying the scenery. If visiting in winter, the Cataloochee Ski Area is a must, whether you plan to ski, snowboard, or snow tube (or if you just want an excuse to say "Cataloochee"). For the gearheads in your crew, include the Wheels Through Time Museum on your itinerary. This unique spot features an impressive collection of rare American vintage motorcycles.
Foodie heaven, from microbreweries to farm-to-table dining
Each of the towns in Haywood County offers a unique perspective of local life in western North Carolina. You'll find charming downtowns in places like Maggie Valley and Waynesville, featuring locally owned shops and farm-to-table culinary experiences. Haywood County is also home to a growing microbrewery scene, so be sure to taste test more than a few of the beers on tap. Check out Haywood County vacation rentals on the outskirts of town, and you'll see a vibrant farming community in action. Among it all, expect buzzing festivals throughout the county all year long.
Layer, layer, layer in seasonal Haywood County
Haywood County is a popular spot in summer, and crowds, temps, and prices are all at their highest between June and August. Fall continues to buzz, thanks to stunning foliage that glows in October. January through March see plenty of snowfall, making it the perfect time for ski bunnies to head to Haywood County. It's the off season in some parts of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, though, so expect some of the local attractions to be closed. No matter when you visit, layers are an absolute must, thanks to quickly changing elevation in and around the Smoky Mountains.
Exploring the natural features in Haywood County
Whether you're an active traveler or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Haywood County is a great place to spend some time outside. These are some of the area's most stunning sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Biltmore Estate (24.7 mi / 39.8 km)
- Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance (6 mi / 9.7 km)
- Soco Falls (10.2 mi / 16.4 km)
- Cataloochee Valley (11.9 mi / 19.1 km)
- Mt. Pisgah (13.8 mi / 22.1 km)
- Sliding Rock (16.7 mi / 26.9 km)
