1 - Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

You can also head towards Asheville, which takes you through the Highest Elevation points on the parkway and there are numerous scenic overlooks, that in the Fall that offer up long distance views and a beautiful mix of Fall Colors.

We would recommend driving one morning from Maggie Valley up to the Pisgah Inn, and grabbing lunch there.  Along the way, you'll pass a number of overlooks to stop at, enjoy the views, colors and take photos.

Maggie Valley NC is nearby to the most popular and one of the most beautiful sections of the The Blue Ridge Parkway.   From Maggie Valley you can literally be driving on the Parkway within 10 minutes, and within just a few more minutes, viewing breathtaking scenes.

In the Fall, it's a gorgeous drive all the way from Maggie, up onto the Parkway, and all the way down.

From the Maggie Valley entrance to the Parkway, you can drive to Cherokee.  There are a number of nice overlooks along this stretch, but the altitude and views aren't as tremendous as going towards Asheville.

The great thing about the Parkway is that the elevation varies as you drive along it.  Since Fall foliage colors also vary by elevation, based on when you're there, you're almost guaranteed to see beautiful colors along the way, when you visit during October.

2 - Visit Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cataloochee Valley is a remote, off the beaten path, and beautiful area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Cataloochee Valley is famous for its historic structures, and for Elk.

Cataloochee Valley is a wonderful place to visit, but Fall has some added benefits:

• Beautiful Fall Colors - Cataloochee Valley elevation is 2,600 feet, meaning it generally peaks in Mid to late October (October 18-26).  The other reason is Fall Mating season for the Elk, called Rut.
• Rut Season - Running from Mid September to Mid October, male elk (called Bull Elk) make their legendary bugling calls to challenge other bulls and attract female Elk (called Cows). Bull Elk calls may be heard more than a mile away.

Bull Elk use their antlers to  spar with other Bulls, pushing each other back and forth using their antlers, which by this time of the year can be very large.  Most encounters are harmless, with very little physical contact other than the antlers.  During Rut season, the most dominant males gather up more than 20 cows, and breed with them.

We highly recommend visiting Cataloochee Valley during the Fall, both for the colors and to see Rut season.  Fall color at Cataloochee Valley, combined together with the historic buildings, makes for some incredible photo opportunities!

3 - Max Patch

Not far from Maggie Valley, is one of the most beautiful scenic balds in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Max Patch.

Max Patch is a nearly 5,000 foot in elevation, scenic bald that provides 360 degree views.  The famous Appalachian Trail travels right through the peak of the bald, and provides a unique opportunity to hike along this trail.  The top of max patch provides amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well.

Visiting Max Patch during early to mid Fall offers some tremendous views and color.    The peak of Max Patch is accessible via a short but strenuous hike up to the top.   The hike is worth the reward, as the views are stunning.

4 - Big Creek

One of our favorite places to visit and hike in the Fall is Big Creek, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Big Creek has a wonderful creekside picnic area, that is very pretty and serene in the Fall.   From the parking lot, you can also hike up Big Creek Trail for access to two different waterfalls, and a stunning Fall walk through the woods, that is full of color and the rushing sounds of Big Creek.

The first waterfall is a popular summer swimming hole call Midnight Hole.   This is a very photogenic waterfall when wrapped in Fall color, and makes for a great place to just sit and enjoy the sounds, smells, and numerous colors.  The second Falls, Mouse Creek Falls is equally gorgeous and much taller.

5 - West Fork of the Pigeon River/Highway 215

Highway 215 winds its way south, from the small town of Bethel up to the Parkway.  This two lane highway follows along the West Fork of the Pigeon River.   Along the way there are numerous pull overs and side roads you can use to access the West Fork.

Highway 215 itself is an absolutely gorgeous drive alone, but then couple that with the beautiful crystal clear creek, it's a real Fall treat.

6 - Black Balsam Knob

Black Balsam Knob is a peak located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and about 40 minutes from Maggie Valley NC.  The trail up to Black Balsam Knob offers some incredible 360 degree scenic views of Pisgah National Forest.

There are very few trees here, so the view is unobstructed, and pure mountains.  During the Fall, color can be seen across the Parkway and Pisgah National Forest as far as the eye can see.

7 - Cataloochee Ranch on Horseback

There is nothing quit like a mountain top horseback ride in the Smoky Mountains during the Fall, when colors are at their peak.  Cataloochee Ranch delivers.

Located at the top of Fie Top Road in Maggie Valley, the Ranch is located next to the Cataloochee Ski Area.   The Ranch provides Inn Lodging, Cabins, and Restaurant, along with numerous other activities and amenities, including guided horseback riding.

The Ranch offers a number of times, dates and riding locations from their historic horse Barn.   One of which is a high elevation ride over Hemphill Bald, which provides stunning views, especially in the Fall when colors are peaking.

>> Book your reservations or learn more about Cataloochee Ranch Horseback Riding on their website.

Hiking Trails Near Maggie Valley NC

There are many things to do in and around Maggie Valley NC, but many don't realize that Maggie Valley offers central access to many of the best hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hiking trails near Maggie Valley NC provide scenic views, creek-side hikes, waterfall destinations, and many historic insights into the way mountain settlers lived, over a 100 years ago.

No matter what type of hiking trail you're looking for, there is one nearby that will meet your desires.  Many are family friendly as well!

Our Top Picks for the Best Hiking Trails Near Maggie Valley NC

Maggie Valley NC isn't just a charming town - it's a gateway to a hiker's paradise. 

We've spent years exploring trails through the amazing forests, waterfalls, and stunning views here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This guide will be your compass, pointing you to the best hiking trails near Maggie Valley NC. We have hiked each one of these many times and often brought our kids along with us.

So, lace up those hiking boots and let's explore some fantastic hiking trails near Maggie Valley! These trails are within a 1 hour driving distance of Maggie Valley.

While out hiking, be sure you have the necessary Day Hiking Essentials.  Also, there are bears in and around Maggie Valley, and while you probably won't see one, knowing the Black Bear Necessities will really help you if you encounter one.

Planning Your Maggie Valley Hike

Hikes near Maggie Valley trails cater to a range of abilities. Consider these factors when picking your hike:

• Difficulty: The trails have designations of easy, moderate, or strenuous. Easy trails are great for families or casual walks, while moderate options give you a bit of a climb and some delightful views. If you're up for it, strenuous hikes have steeper climbs and longer distances for experienced hikers.
• Length: Hikes can be quick or all-day adventures. Choose a distance that fits your schedule and fitness.
• Interests: Want breathtaking views, a cool waterfall, or an epic historical journey? Check out the highlights of each trail to find the perfect match for what you like.

Before you head out, make sure your hike is safe and fun.

• Trail Information: Pick up a map and information brochure at the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce or consult websites like the National Park Service or Blue Ridge Parkway for specific trail details, closures, and current conditions.
• Safety First: Always let someone know your planned route and estimated return time. Pack all the hiking essentials. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots on most trails. Be aware of potential wildlife encounters and practice responsible bear safety.

Enjoy your hike!

Here are 10 things you can do in Maggie Valley NC during the Winter:

1 - Winter Hiking in Maggie Valley

Maggie Valley NC and the surrounding mountains are full of hiking trails that meet the requirements of just about anyone.   While winter hiking isn't for everyone, winter hiking has some really nice advantages:

• No bugs
• No snakes
• Humidity and temperatures are down
• Views are better due to foliage being off the trees
• With fewer people in the area, your hike will have more solitude.
• There is just something magical about a hike in the snow.

Word of caution - Due to ice and snow, some trails can be dangerous.  Be sure to understand weather and trail conditions before heading out, and bring the appropriate gear to stay warm and dry.

2 - Visit Frozen Waterfalls

During the winter, as temperatures often drop below freezing, something beautiful happens.   The water flowing over the hundreds of waterfalls in the area begins to freeze.  The ice changes the waterfalls and often turns them into magical and unique places to visit and see.

You can find waterfalls in and around Maggie Valley, using our Waterfalls Guide.  Below is a frozen Soco Falls, and really beautiful waterfall just outside of Maggie Valley, near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Of course, when visiting waterfalls during the winter, use extra caution:

• Trails to waterfalls can be slick and dangerous - We highly recommend using Crampons.
• Waterfalls are incredibly dangerous during the winter, so never attempt to climb them, or climb out onto the rocks above them.
• Areas all around waterfalls and water in the winter are slick, significantly increasing your chances of slipping and falling.
• Always stay on the trail and on observations decks.

3 - Go Skiing

Did you know that Maggie Valley has one of the premier ski resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains?   Cataloochee Ski Area is generally open from Mid-November to late March and offers 18 ski slopes and trails.   Slopes are available for beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts as well.  They even have a slope specifically for snowboarders that provides rails, boxes, jibs, and jumps.

The resort also provides three chairlifts and two conveyor lifts to the top of the slopes.

The Sport Shop, located in Maggie Valley provides lift tickets, gear rentals, and gear for sale as well.   Up at the slopes, you'll find a restaurant, bar, gear shop, and gift shop in the main Lodge.   Here is their full brochure for more information.

4 - Snow Tube!

Another exciting winter attraction by Cataloochee Ski Area is Tube World, located in Maggie Valley across from Ghost Town.  Tube World offers tubing for everyone, from mid-December to March, depending on weather conditions.

The cost for tubing is $25 per person, per session.  Sessions are one hour and 45 minutes long and run every two hours.  There is a 42″ minimum height requirement.  Reservations are required.

For children that don't meet the height requirement for tubing, Tube World offers the Wee Bowl Snowplay Area.  Wee Bowl is open on a limited basis as weather and snowmaking allows.  Cost for Wee Bowl is $5.

More information on Tube World is available on the Cataloochee Ski Area website.

5 - Watch a sunrise or sunset

Any time of the year is a wonderful time to watch a sunset or sunrise, but winter seems to offer some of the most beautiful.   The lack of foliage provides better views, and the crisp clear winter skies provide exceptional beautiful color.

While there are numerous locations in and around Maggie Valley to view sunsets and sunrises, the best are:

• Waterrock Knob
• Many of the scenic overlooks on The Blue Ridge Parkway, between Maggie Valley and Asheville, NC
• Purchase Knob

But even from in the Valley itself, you can see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  If you're lucky, your rental cabin or hotel/motel will provide a lovely view.

6 - Eat

There is always great food to eat in Maggie Valley and nearby Waynesville NC.  While some restaurants close for the off-season, many Maggie Valley restaurants remain open.   

Sandwhich photo above is courtesy of Maggie Valley Sandwich Shop.

7 - Shop 'til you Drop

Maggie is well known for its specialty shops, including souvenir stores, boutiques, wood carvings, sweets, antiques and much more.  While some stores close for the winter, many remain open.  

8 - Visit Attractions

Maggie Valley also has a number of fun attractions, that remain open in the winter, including:

Elevated Mountain Distillery

Elevated Mountain Distilling Company is a craft distiller of small batch, top-shelf whiskeys, and spirits and is based in Maggie Valley, NC.

Elevated Mountain Distilling Company operates in an 11,000 sq. ft. facility that encompasses the distillery, barrel storage, bottling area, product development/quality control lab, and gift shop.  They are "extremely proud of the facility layout and process design enhancing wastewater management, ventilation management, and other features that set us apart in the craft distilling industry".

Interested in being a Master Distiller for a day?  Visit their website to book a tour and taste samples.   You can also purchase merchandise, including limited quantities of their distilled products at their gift shop.

Maggie Valley Puzzle Rooms

Maggie Valley Puzzle Rooms provides themed rooms that are physical adventure games in which you search for clues and solve puzzles.  Sixty minutes in a room sounds like a long time until the pressure starts building to solve all of the clues. You have two goals in the rooms–solve the mystery and get the exit pass to leave the room before one hour is up!

Puzzle rooms work best for teenagers and adults, but they also have special puzzle rooms for younger children as well.

Visit their website for more information, and to book your reservations!  Can you solve the puzzle?

See our Best Things to do in Maggie Valley for more options! 

9 - Visit America's largest privately owned home

The largest privately owned home in America, Biltmore Estate, is located less than an hour's drive from Maggie Valley. The estate not only houses the famous home, the gardens, a shopping center, two hotels, restaurants, horse riding stables, and more.

Many don't realize that the estate is full of really nice hiking trails as well. That will take you through the remote backwoods and by many of the water lagoons, ponds, and creeks on the property.

From November through January, you can see Biltmore house decorated for Christmas, which is absolutely beautiful. They even have reservation only candlelight tours in the evenings.

If you plan to visit more than once, consider getting a season's pass.  

10 - Drive the Parkway

Any time of the year is always a great time to drive The Blue Ridge Parkway.  Winter has its benefits due to far less traffic, and better views due to the foliage being gone.  Due to the high elevations of the Parkway, you'll want to check their road closures page to learn about possible closures due to snow, ice, and other weather conditions.

Additionally, ALL Parkway facilities are closed during the winter, meaning visitors centers, bathroom facilities, and park offices are closed.

We love driving the parkway in the winter, you're sure to see sights you don't normally see when driving during other times of the year!

Maggie Valley NC

Maggie Valley NC is a small mountain town located in Western NC between Asheville, NC and Cherokee. The town has roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains dating back to the early 1800s.

Maggie Valley grew in popularity with tourists in the early to mid 1900s, due to its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In the early 1960s a mountain top Western Themed amusement park opened in Maggie Valley, called Ghost Town in the Sky. This significantly increased tourism and visitation to Maggie Valley, causing a huge growth period.

The park later closed in the 90s, and remains closed to this day. Although there are efforts ongoing to reopen it.

Today, Maggie Valley has moved on from its reliance on Ghost Town in the Sky as an anchor attraction for Maggie Valley, through the opening of unique shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the World Famous Wheels of Time Museum, the town is re-establishing itself.

Maggie Valley NC makes for a wonderful and quiet getaway for those looking to experience the mountains themselves, and provides close accommodations for those interested in experiencing all of the amazing outdoor activities these mountains have to offer.

Where is Maggie Valley NC?

Maggie Valley is only 40 minutes west of Asheville, NC, 30 minutes from Cherokee NC, and only minutes away from the most popular National Park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and another very popular National Park, The famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

"A Day in Maggie Valley Video"

In our video we highlight great places to stay, places to eat, and things to in Maggie Valley NC.

One of the "Stars of the Show", per-say, are the Elk that inhabit the area. They can often be seen in the town of Maggie Valley itself, along with Cataloochee Valley, and near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in nearby Cherokee NC.

Other great things to see and do in Maggie Valley include:

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway just minutes from Maggie Valley is a drive like no other in the world.  The Blue Ridge Parkway delivers stunning long distance views, wildlife, scenic points of interest, hiking trails and more.  

Be sure to visit Waterrock Knob, one of the highest elevation points on the parkway and one of the most scenic views on the entire Parkway. Waterrock Knob is about 20 minutes from Maggie Valley and delivers stunning sunrise and sunset views from the parking area.

Visit and explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is right next to Maggie Valley. The park offers beautiful scenic drives, hiking trails, long distance views, hiking trails, waterfalls and more.

One of our favorite areas of the park is not far from Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Valley.  Cataloochee Valley is a historic valley full of historic structures, hiking trails, and Elk.

Other popular destinations like Clingman's Dome, Newfound Gap, and Mingus Mill aren't too far away, and make for great day trips.

Waterfalls

Western North Carolina is full of thousands of waterfalls. More than 15 beautiful waterfalls are all within an hour drive of Maggie Valley. One of the most beautiful is only minutes away, Soco Falls.

Find a Swimming Hole

There is nothing better on a hot summer day than a cool and crisp swim in a mountain swimming hole.  There are many Swimming Holes near Maggie Valley, including some in the parks within Maggie Valley city limits.  

A swimming hole is not only a great way to let the kids (and adult kids) burn off some energy, but they are a great way to sit back, relax and listen to the sounds of the mountain water flowing downstream.

Take a Hike!

No, don't leave. We mean go on a hike along one of the many local hiking trails in both Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

There are hundreds of hiking trails within an hours drive of Maggie Valley. This is one of the main reasons we live here!

Attend an event at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

Located in the center of Maggie Valley is the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, which hosts a number of very large events each year. These include car shows, bike rallies (Thunder in the Smokies), Hillbilly Jam, and a number of arts and craft shows. You'll find something going on almost every weekend in the spring, summer and fall. 

For even more things to see and do in Maggie Valley, see our Things to do in Maggie Valley Guide.

Where to Stay in Maggie Valley NC

Maggie Valley has a number of locally owned and run Hotels, Motels, Campgrounds and Cabins.  All of these options provide clean, safe and relaxing options for your getaway.  The best part?  They are all locally owned and operated, even the the hotels with "chain names" are owned by local franchise owners.  When visiting, you'll often get to work meet with, and work with the owners.

Best Restaurants in Maggie Valley NC

One of our favorite things about Maggie Valley are all the wonderful places to eat! Maggie Valley's locally owned and operated restaurants provide lots of great options for you. 

Here are just a few of our favorite places: 

Elk in Maggie Valley NC

Elk were native to the Great Smoky Mountains, many years ago.  They went extinct in the mid 1800s due to hunting.  

An effort in 2003, re-introduced Elk into Cataloochee Valley and have thrived here since then, multiplying and spreading out. You can often see Elk in Maggie Valley itself, walking around on side roads, and even up the main road!

The Elk have managed to become one of the largest wildlife attractions in the area, and for Maggie Valley itself.

The Elk are amazing to see year-round, but in particular during the during Rut season in the Fall, where dominant males compete for females.  

The Elk are wild, so do not ever approach or feed them.

Ghost Town in the Sky

When many think of Maggie Valley, they think of fond memories at the mountain-top and western themed amusement park, Ghost Town in the Sky in Maggie Valley.  

The park opened in the early 1960s and was very popular with US tourists. The opening of the park, really kick started Maggie Valley as a popular tourism town, and spurred significant growth and prosperity.

The popularity of Ghost Town in the Sky begin to decline in the 1980s, and continued until the park finally closed in the early 2000s.  

There have been a number of attempts to re-open the park, but they have failed so far for many reasons. A recent acquisition of the property, and plans to re-open it yet again have been announced.

Please note, Ghost Town is private property, and going onto the property past the parking area is trespassing due to the significant vandalism that has occurred.