The convenient mountain hub of roadways has contributed significantly to the county’s growth and popularity. Four major highways, Interstate 40, US Hwy.19 and State Highways 23 and 74, dissect the county moving travelers throughout this region. The roads radiate out to major population areas as well as to tourism destinations nearby. This makes it very convenient to access the airport, Asheville cultural events, Maggie Valley views, and the Waynesville historical downtown and shopping district by 4-lane highways. Access to large population centers on the east coast is an advantage, making this area a days’ drive for many visitors. This provides a major advantage over other destinations in the mountain region where it can be a time consuming and harrowing event to travel to Asheville or a neighboring town.

Scenic Drives

• Newfound Gap Road (US Highway 441) crosses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The Blue Ridge Parkway
• Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
• Hwy. 209 from Hot Springs,
• Hwy. 19 from Maggie Valley to Cherokee
• The Cataloochee Valley drive - off hwy. 276 north to left on Cove Creek before I-40, follow signs and don’t give up!
• Tail of the Dragon – is not in Haywood County but is close enough o drive to

Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway travels 469-miles along the high ridges and over the tall mountain peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains ending at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over 50 miles of parkway lie in Haywood County. You can access the Parkway from Maggie Valley along US 19, or take highway 23/74 south/west from Waynesville and from hwy. 276 south from Waynesville past Bethel and famous Cold Mountain.
Points of Interest:

• 11 roadway tunnels on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Water Rock Knob for sunset views
• The Blue Ridge Parkway’s highest point at Richland Balsam Overlook 6,053 feet above sea level.
• Devil’s Courthouse & Grave Yard Fields area offers a waterfall view and an easy walk through the mountain valley.
• Access to the Shining Rock Wilderness Area and Sam’s Knob – unique mountain hikes
• A hike up Mount Pisgah
• views of Looking Glass Mountain
• 2 1/2 to 3 hour long drive across the Blue Ridge Parkway from Maggie to Asheville.
• The Parkway will be closed if there is a prediction for snow or ice storm
• you won’t find any gas stations along the parkway
• Maintain your speed – as slow as it may seem – the traffic penalties are federal offenses.

Cataloochee Valley and Elk in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Take Highway 19 north towards Waynesville. Turn left at light onto Hwy. 276 north through Jonathan Creek Valley. Continue until the interstate is just ahead. Turn left on the last left turn before I-40. Turn onto Cove Creek Road (or old NC 284). This road will take several turns and will become a gravel road leading the Cataloochee Valley and the GSMNP. Don’t give up. Take drinking water and snacks, and fill up the gas tank before you leave. It is an enjoyable adventure.

Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway from Haywood County

The 79-mile loop tour will take you into the heart of the Pisgah National Forest with mountain peaks reaching more that 6,000 feet above sea level. Begin on Main Street in Waynesville; take US 276 towards Brevard. At the intersection of US 276 and State 215, head south on State 215, passing through the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. State Highway 215 will take you to the top of the mountain where the highway crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll pass beautiful Lake Logan on the way. Many long hiking trails lie in this area for serious hikers. Waterfalls are abundant along this scenic tour. The fact that this scenic loop crosses the Parkway twice, allows travelers the opportunity to turn this loop tour into several alternative routes to shorten or lengthen the drive.

Back at the intersection of State 215 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, cross the Parkway, and you have just left Haywood County and entered Transylvania County, North Carolina.

Three waterfalls are close to the tour route, Courthouse Falls, Bird Rock Falls and Diamond Creek Falls at the end of US 215. On US 64 at the town of Rosman in Transylvania County; take a left onto US 64. Follow Highway 64 to the mountain town of Brevard. Just past Brevard you will come to highway US 276. Turn left onto US 276 and head back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This section of the scenic driving tour features favorite stops such as Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock – for a cool dip, the Cradle of Forestry – for a background on the Father of Forestry and the part played by the Vanderbilts and the Biltmore Estate.

A short detour here onto the Blue Ridge Parkway will take you to the Devil’s Graveyard and Sam’s Knob – two interesting and diverse stops. As part of Shining Rock Wilderness Area you may be experiencing some of the most remote areas on the east coast.

The Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway is a full day trip with many points of interest along the way. The driving time will take about 3 full hours. But with a swim suit and a picnic lunch it is worth a few more hours to experience the natural fun and educational opportunities of a visit to the mountains. This is what it is all about!