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The Natural Wonders & Mountains of Haywood County
‘ The High Country of the Great Smoky Mountains’ is an apt description of Haywood County because within its boundary are 19 mountain peaks, all reaching well over 6,000 feet above sea level. Haywood County’s 19 mountain peaks are the highest number of mountain peaks over 6,000 feet in any single county east of the Rocky Mountains.
Maggie Valley is well known as a steep mountain valley surrounded by these towering peaks. In the heat of summer, the air rises over these high mountains causing it to cool before it flows down into the valley providing a cool breeze. They also provide snow fall for the Cataloochee Ski area in the winter months. The long distance and dramatic mountain views are a trademark. All these factors contribute to make Maggie Valley a popular vacation destination.
“Its’ ever expanding communities of vacation homes and year round residents has made Haywood County one of the most prestigious regions in all Western North Carolina”. By Blue Ridge Highlander
The mountains contribute their grandeur to three National Forests and one National Park plus the Blue Ridge Parkway; all contained within the Blue Ridge Mountains, here in Haywood County. A large section of the world famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located near Maggie Valley. Pisgah National Forest is in the southern quadrant of Haywood County and Nantahala National Forest borders the county to the southwest, while Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest borders Haywood County to the north. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds its way around Haywood County with four entrances to this scenic byway and its many hiking, viewing and picnic spots along the way. With the Blue Ridge Parkway bordering the Great Smokies and Pisgah National Forest, the scenery provides unending delight. One hundred miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway are surrounded by Pisgah National Forest.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The nation’s most popular National Park is on the very doorstep of Maggie Valley. The Great Smoky Mountains 520,000 acres of pristine wilderness are protected under a national park status. Haywood County has its own gateway into the National Park via the Cataloochee Valley on the far eastern side of the park. This access road into the Great Smoky Mountains is not paved like the Newfound Gap Road (US Hwy 441) to Gatlinburg,TN. Camping, hiking, trout fishing, tubing, horseback riding and mountain biking are some of the outdoor recreation opportunities the national park has to offer.
The popular and remote Cataloochee Valley (an historical section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) dips into the northeastern corner of Haywood County near Maggie Valley. The classification of Maggie Valley as the ‘Elk Capital of North Carolina’ is well deserved since the Cataloochee Valley is home to approximately 120 head of elk. This provides a favorite destination for many visitors especially at sunset and early morning. The Cataloochee Valley gravel forestry road is well maintained and used by many visitors who enjoy getting away.
Cattaloochee Valley makes a great day trip, but remember to take food and supplies into the valley. This area is not to be confused with the Cataloochee Ski resort on the other side of Maggie. To find the Valley, travel Hwy 276 North following signs to I-40. Just before you reach the I-40 entrance take a left on White Oak Road and follow signs to the Cataloochee Valley. The road is gravel for a long way so do not give up too soon.
Along I-40 is Waterville Lake and the Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area, both are located in the Pisgah National Forest just outside the national park. These two outdoor recreation areas lie along the Pigeon River. Many kayakers may be seen paddling these challenging waters. Tubing and swimming take on a rustic flavor at these swim holes.
The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Mountain Range. Other Mountains include the Balsam Mountains. There are also the Nantahala Mountains nearby. The Nantahala National Forest at 516,000 acres is North Carolina's largest national forest, spanning from Waynesville to Murphy, Fontana and Cashiers. It is also home to the Nantahala River Gorge, a nine-mile stretch of the Nantahala River, which offers a haven for whitewater rafters.
Take only pictures – Leave only Footprints
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