Area Attractions
Maggie Valley, situated in North Carolina's stunning Smoky Mountains, is known for its unrivaled location and friendly, small town character. When you visit Maggie Valley, you're sure to discover the meaning of Southern hospitality wherever you go and whatever you do.
Cherokee County Historical Museum, Inc.
87 Peachtree St., Murphy. Museum with over 2,000 items reflecting life of Cherokee during time of Cherokee Nation and "Trail of Tears" in 1838, as well as life of early white settlers in Cherokee County. 828-837-9792.
Cherokee Fish and Game Management
Cherokee offers some of America's best trout fishing. Our 30 miles of streams and 3 ponds are stocked with thousands of trout every year. 828-497-5201
Cherokee Indian Reservation
Cross the border onto the 56,000 acre Reservation of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation and immerse yourself in native culture and natural beauty.
800-438-1601
Chimney Rock Park
In one place, "The best of the Mountains." 75 mile views, 404-foot waterfall, 5 hiking trails, 26-story elevator inside the mountain. 25 miles SE of Asheville, N.C. 800-277-9611
Folk Art Center/Southern Highland Handicraft Guild
Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, near Asheville. Houses changing gallery of traditional and contemporary craft exhibits from guild members from 9-state southeast region. Permanent collection dates back to early 20th century. Free. 828-298-7962
Grandfather Mountain
US 221, two miles north of Linville NC. The highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range and privately owned. A scenic travel attraction and world-class nature preserve, 800-463-7325.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Includes 500,000 acres of natural, scenic beauty with over 800 miles of hiking trails, 10 campgrounds, 1,500 plant species, a variety of creeks and waterfalls, and a wealth of history. Visitor centers at Sugarlands and Oconaluftee are open all year, except Christmas Day. No entrance fee.
865-436-1200
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Half-and full-day excursions through the scenic mountain and colorful countryside of Western North Carolina. Gourmet Dining and Mystery Theatre Dinner Trains. Year round service. 1-800-872-4681 or
828-586-8811 ext. ML
Heart Of Brevard
Visit us at 62 W Main St. to pickup our new Dining, Shopping and Services guide: also ask about our Adopt a White Squirrel/discount program. 62 W Main St. Brevard, NC 28712, M-F 9-5, Sat 10-4.
Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area
Setting for movies like Dirty Dancing and The Last of the Mohicans. Warm, friendly towns with breathtaking scenery of Rutherford County. 800-849-5998.
Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce
Call the Maggie Valley Chamber and make all your Smoky Mountain dreams come true. Four seasons of fun await you in our scenic mountains. Maggie Valley is one of our area’s best vacation destinations. 828-926-1686
Maggie Valley Club
The course offers a unique challenge for beginners and the most seasoned players. This established, 6500-yard course is surrounded by centennial trees and includes 30 acres of fairways leading to large bent grass greens. The front Valley Nine allows players to warm up before tackling the significantly more challenging Mountain Nine, which features an elevation rise of 800 feet and panoramas of the valley and beyond, and highlights some of Western North Carolina's most spectacular scenery. The area's temperate climate and the course's native foliage, perennial gardens and creek-fed ponds make for fantastic year-round golf. Please call (828) 926-6013 for tee times and availability, or book online
Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
.Hwy 276, Waynesville. Extensive collection of 19th century handicrafts housed in historic century-old Shelton House.
828-452-1551
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Museum displaying artifacts more than 10,000 years old. Computer animation tells the age-old story of the Cherokee.
828-497-3481.
Nantahala National Forest
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Wayah Ranger District office, Franklin, 828-524-6441. Tusquitee Ranger District office, Murphy, 828-837-5152. Highlands Ranger District, Highlands, 828-526-3765. Cheoah Ranger District, 828-479-6431.
North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. 426-acre arboretum located in Bent Creek Experimental Forest illustrating WNC’s unique bio-diversity. Acres of gardens, hiking and mountain bike trails. Visitors Center, gallery exhibits and educational programs. 828-665-2492.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
US Hwy 441N, Cherokee. Replica of circa-1750 Cherokee Indian Village. Cherokee artisans and craft demonstrations.
828-497-2111
Pisgah National Forest
Waterfalls, wonderful hiking and camping opportunities, the Cradle of Forestry historic site, the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas, and much more. Pisgah Ranger District Office and Visitor Center, Hwy 276 near Brevard. 828-877-3265
Santa’s Land Theme Park and Zoo
Ride the Rudicoaster, Ferris Wheel, Paddle Boats, Santa's Express and more! See the magic show and baby bear feedings. 828-497-9191 Hwy. 19N. Cherokee NC.
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
Find a variety of gemstones; amethyst, ruby, sapphire, and more! Let our experts identify your stones and have one cut just for you! Cherokee, N.C. 828-497-6574
Smoky Mountain Trains
100 Greenlee Street, Bryson City. 7,000 piece Lionel collection, huge operating layout, children’s activity center, and gift/toy shop. Hours vary seasonally, 866-914-5200.
The Factory
Over 11.5 acres of family fun located off Hwy 441S in Franklin. Enjoy bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, go carts, arcade games, and great restaurants in a smoke-free facility.
828-349-8888
Tweetsie Railroad
PO Box 388, Blowing Rock, NC. North Carolina's first theme park. An unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains, but watch out for the robbers. 800-526-5740.
Waynesville Country Club Inn
The pride of the mountains for over 75 years. This country inn is noted for its charm, character, and southern hospitality. Comfortable lodging, 27 picturesque holes of golf, delicious food. Year-round golf packages from $40 to $140 a day.
800-627-6250
Whistle Stop Mall
1281 Georgia Road (Hwy 441S), Franklin. North Carolina's largest antique mall with over 100,000 sq. ft. housing antiques and other fine shops. There’s fine antique cars, a train engine and full-size caboose inside the mall. Open Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm, Sun. 1-6pm. Winter hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm. 828-349-0576
Information Guides:
Smoky Mountain Living Magazine

