He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. Cataloochee campground is a beautiful and well maintained creekside campground is very close to the main Elk viewing area for the Valley, and is nestled into the woods for lots of shade and cool temperatures. That's a huge plus if you don't want to spend $1000 on just the plane ticket to get to a big time ski slope out west or . And of course, the Pigeon River plays host to a handful of fun outdoor adventures, like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing to name a few. You can visit Pop's Place at 3253 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC. 180 miles. The rut is the breeding season for elk, and during this time the bulls will be more active and vocal. You can't beat the prices or the fresh home grown, home made quality. Read on for our guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC, including Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, Stompin' Ground, Soco Falls, and more! Purchase a fishing license here. Maggie Valley shops have hand-blown glass, handmade pottery, rockers, swings and many more arts and crafts. There are so many fun thingsto do in Maggie Valley NC. There is no loop, the drive ends at the Rough Fork hiking trail trailhead, where you can turn around. The staff is amazing! Along with his wife Jenn, they combined these passions to create Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a travel guide to these stunning mountains they are fortunate to call home. One ear of corn is 50 cents. Wildlife Service Agents do not sell this license. Here's a video of the drive into Cataloochee that we recorded one time driving in. There are a number of hiking trails in Cataloochee Valley, ranging from easy to challenging. You'll love the cool and shady canopy, and creekside camping offered. You can find waterfalls in and around Maggie Valley, using our Waterfalls Guide. There is just something magical about a hike in the snow. Check out the Plott Dog Trail in Maggie Valley and use the map below to find outdoor activities within an hours drive of Maggie Valley. I had no idea you could even see the casino in Cherokee in the distance. We purchased a flat of eggs, each egg had a double yolk! Many visitors enjoy venturing to Asheville that is just a short drive to the east. The elk were reintroduced to the valley in 2001 as part of a project to restore the natural ecosystem of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Larry has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and journalist, and has established himself as a leading voice and expert for Blue Ridge Mountains. Each morning, Pop's and his crew work their culinary magic to create delicious made from scratch buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy. READ MORE: The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) Absolutely LOVED this place. Operating Hours. Also has buckets you can mine yourself in the water stream. During the winter, as temperatures often drop below freezing, something beautiful happens. Today, the town brings nature lovers with its access to enchanting waterfalls, scenic hikes, mountain views, and ski areas. Wee Bowl is open on a limited basis as weather and snowmaking allows. Lady running place is daughter in law of original owners. If you like hearty grits, you gotta try the Daniel Boone grits if she has them. Some campgrounds are located along Jonathan Creek or Campbell Creek. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We have ALWAYS felt welcome and left with more than we came for. There are a number of places to stay in Cataloochee Valley, including lodges, cabins, and campgrounds. If you are planning to camp in Cataloochee Valley, be sure to get a permit from the National Park Service. Maggie Valley as we know it today began to take shape at the dawn of the 20th century. . My wife and I stopped in the first night we arrived into town. This store offers a wide selection of rustic home decor items along with souvenirs and gifts. WE LOVE THIS PLACE AND HAVE BEEN MANY TIMES. Equestrian tour company Queen's Farm Stables is located in Waynesville, North Carolina. Equipment Rentals. Known for its old-fashioned vibe, motorcycle rallies, bluegrass and clogging, and plenty of mountains to hike, there truly are so many things to do in Maggie Valley. In order to reach Ghost Town in the Sky a person must ride a chairlift up the side of a mountain. Whether you are a seasoned skier or snowboarder, or are ready to take a lesson,Cataloochee Ski Areas slopes will provide great fun for your level of experience! She has taken over since they have retired. As for the lady that said stuff is not refrigerated, this is not the case. Decent Southern Skiing in a Convenient Location. 1. There are over 300 motorcycles in the institution's permanent collection. Great stop on a day full of activities. Wheels Through Time Museum contains the "world's premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique "one-off" American automobiles". Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. And, the skiing is pretty good if you time it right. There is also a 3)Night skiing is usually better for crowds. To fish for trout in Public Mountain Trout Waters that are not designated as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, anglers age 16 and over must have a valid inland fishing license. Featuring a course filled with waterfalls, lighthouses, and scenic views, Fantasy Golf & Gameroom is a mini-golf facility with 18-holes available to play on. There is a 42 minimum height requirement. 14 Attractions GSMNP Maggie Valley A 180 degree panorama of Maggie Valley, North Carolina (photo by Wollwerth Imagery/stock.adobe.com) Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. Early Elk Rut in 2021 - The Bulls were already beginning to show sign of being territorial. 2023 Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, Ways to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions Alive. The ski area has several courses to teach people to ski including classes geared for children. Blue Ridge Mountain Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are generally two best times to see the elk in Cataloochee Valley: However, you can also see elk throughout the day, especially in the fall when they are in rut. The Southeasts longest-running Labor Day celebration is held here every year. I bought squash, fresh vegetables, honey, apple butter, and jam. Ski 80 Resorts. Indy Pass. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds. There are so many things to do in NCit can be difficult to know where to start. As you drive down Cataloochee Rd into the Valley, you will feel like you are being transported back in time. And for some current consumer information please visitTripAdvisor. Attractions & Entertainment Appalachian Farm Weddings Qualla Road, Waynesville 828-400-9800 B & C Winery HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Maggie Valley AREA? Along with his wife Jenn, they combined these passions to create Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a travel guide to these stunning mountains they are fortunate to call home. Maggie Valley Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Flights Vacation Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars United States North Carolina (NC) North Carolina Mountains Maggie Valley Things to Do in Maggie Valley Soco Falls Soco Falls See all things to do Soco Falls 4.5 549 reviews #3 of 12 things to do in Maggie Valley Waterfalls Write a review Most would agree though that Spring and Fall are the best times to visit. Winter has its benefits due to far less traffic, and better views due to the foliage being gone. Easily accessed from Highway 19, the falls are located at the end of a five-minute walk down a maintained trail. Great little local shop filled with rustic home decor items. More on Elk Rut below and in our Elk Guide. You can also purchase merchandise, including limited quantities of their distilled products at their gift shop. We went to another mine the same day in Cherokee where we got only a couple nice rocks in a bucket. The Town of Maggie Valleyoffers this website to inform our residents, businesses and visitors of local jurisdiction and governance. There is a nice bench here for sitting and enjoying the views. See Tripadvisor's 38,527 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Maggie Valley attractions . Even my female Jack Russell can't wait to go see her, she makes a point to ooh and awe over her! Use our helpful vacation guides to help plan your itinerary. In the Spring, you can see tons of spring wildflowers growing and blooming in Cataloochee Valley. Campsites are available for overnight stays, vacation weeks, seasonally or even year-round. Cheap, fun evening, but dont be fooled, some of the holes were quite challenging! Access into Cataloochee Valley is through Cove Creek Road, which is considered by most to be a crude dirt/gravel road, full of twists and turns and large potholes. By purchasing your tickets in advance and online, you'll get a discount. The cost for tubing is $25 per person, per session. What are the most popular restaurants in Maggie Valley? Improve this listing All photos (1) Top ways to experience nearby attractions BUT, that doesn't mean you can't visit and still have a great time! Sandwhich photo above is courtesy of Maggie Valley Sandwich Shop. Cataloochee Valley also contains historic churches, a schoolhouse, and a number of old barns and outbuildings. Contact Cataloochee Valley Tours for an unforgettable nature hike. During November through January, you can see Biltmore house decorated for Christmas, which is absolutely beautiful. Elk Rut in Cataloochee Valley - An amazing time to see the Elk. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 15 Best Things to do in Maggie Valley NC Where to Stay in Maggie Valley NC Top Rated Maggie Valley Hotels/Motels Top Rated Maggie Valley Campgrounds Top Rated Maggie Valley Cabins Best Restaurants in Maggie Valley NC Best Bars in Maggie Valley NC Elk in Maggie Valley NC Ghost Town in the Sky Maggie Valley NC In Maggie Valey for WNC Jeepfest, we ventured out into town to see the various stores and shops. 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. Easy to moderate difficulty Activities You can reach Asheville in 27 minutes or you can hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and let the road take you to your next adventure. The overlook is also a popular spot for photographers, especially for sunsets. , very helpful and friendly employees/owners. More than friendly atmosphere, just downright great folks. We hope this helps you! The museum is dedicated to vintage motorcycles, accessories and paraphenalia. Highlights of our footage from Elk Rut 2021. They can be seen foraging for food in the meadows and fields, or resting in the shade of the trees. See Maggie Valley as one of the 35 Coolest Small Towns!. The shop has many things, but mostly, it sells jams/jellies, fresh produce, honey, old-time candy/sweets/sodas, pickled veg, and my favorite.boiled peanuts (both regular and Cajun). 4 Hour Jeep Tour (morning or sunset) - Wadi Rum Desert Highlights, Chena Hot Springs Day Tour from Fairbanks, Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour, ABOVE AVERAGE GETAWAY WITH A GREAT MTN VIEW. 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! The Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program is a cooperative effort between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and local governments to encourage trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity in western North Carolina cities that are designated as a Mountain Heritage Trout Water City.. They had the best heirloom home grown tomatoes that I've ever had and the prices were beyond reasonable. Many visitors enjoy venturing to Asheville that is just a short drive to the east. We stayed at a rental house for a month in Maggie Valley and we came back to The Old Gray Mare 4 times while there. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Maggie is well known for its specialty shops, including souvenir stores, boutiques, wood carvings, sweets, antiques and much more. Heck I even picked up some grits from the refridgered section. We will go again. Another fun winter attraction hosted by Cataloochee Ski Area is Tube World, conveniently located in Maggie Valley across from Ghost Town. We have gorgeous four season climate with incredible mountain views for your enjoyment. When you stay in Haywood County, you are just minutes from fun things to do in Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde. Always maintain a safe distance from the Elk. There are over a dozen waterfalls along the roads in Maggie Valley and Highway 19 is the best way to see them all. We bought apples, the Ruby Macs were the best ever!! If you love motorcycles, you can not missWheels Through Time Museum, which is located in the heart of Maggie Valley. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. All excursions are guided by seasoned staff members who are also expert riders. Cataloochee Valley was once home to a small community of farmers and ranchers. Things to Do in Maggie Valley Popular things to do Outdoor Activities Private & Custom Tours Cultural & Theme Tours Top Attractions in Maggie Valley Map See all 2023 1. 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. There are many great places to camp in Maggie Valley! The resort also provides three chairlifts and two conveyor lifts to the top of the slopes. Cove Creek Road is the main road and is paved. There are a few older structures, Cook Cabin and Hannah Cabin are more 1800s looking structures. It is located in the southeastern section of the park, on the North Carolina side, about 20 miles from the town of Maggie Valley NC. We really enjoyed the mist coming off the falls definitely worth a trip. Items I can pick up elsewhere for under $3.00 are here for over $10.00. Each trip includes plenty of time for photography. The National Park is home to a large population of black bears, and Cataloochee Valley is one of their favorite hangouts. Staff was friendly! While some restaurants close for the off-season, many Maggie Valley restaurants remain open. You'll see signs right after you pass under I-40. THE 5 BEST Maggie Valley Outdoor Activities. Waterrock Knob and Purchase Knob are two of my favorites because they both offer panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are located within 30 minutes of Maggie Valley. He is also an avid hiker, photographer, and videographer. Cataloochee Valley is a beautiful, unique and historic place to visit. It is located in the southeastern section of the park, on the North Carolina side, about 20 miles from the town of Maggie Valley NC. Cataloochee Valley is the starting point for a number of great hiking trails, including: Cataloochee Valley streams are a very popular place to go fishing and fly fishing. Smoky Mountain also features an 18 foot slide and an inflatable obstacle course. Youll also find clothing, toys, antiques, furniture, jewelry and more. Waterrock Knob is a much shorter hike (0.9 miles) compared to Purchase Knob (4.2 miles). You will have no problem finding the perfect souvenir or gift! Soco Falls 547 Looking for a "real mountain cabin experience" come relax at Elk Ridge Cabin! With fewer people in the area, your hike will have more solitude. Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. Either a NC or TN fishing license is required with a trout option. In 1890, Jack Setzer grew tired of having to hire someone to ride horseback five miles to the nearest post office. Highly recommend for couples or families. The estate not only houses the famous home, the gardens, a shopping center, two hotels, restaurants, horse riding stables, and more. We stock up before going home, freeze them, and enjoy them all year. Sorry, No attractions within 200 miles Can't find your Attraction? Asheville. The folks who run this business are always friendly and helpful. The largest privately owned home in America, Biltmore Estate is located less than hour's drive from Maggie Valley. Square dancing and line dancing are also popular here. Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum. Enjoy abundant winter activities near Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Own or manage this property? Areas all around waterfalls and water in the winter are slick, significantly increasing your chances of slipping and falling. Outdoor Activities in Maggie Valley. Full of history, information, viewing tips, safety tips, location information, best times to see them, and of course photos and video. Also, some of the roads to area hiking trails and waterfalls will be closed. Drive the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway While in Maggie Valley, cruise along America's favorite scenic drive. Copyright 2023 Blue Ridge Mountain Life, LLC, all rights reserved. We come from Colorado once or twice a year and Old Gray Mare is our first stop. The Old Gray Mare (Maggie Valley) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. YouTube. The water flowing over the hundreds of waterfalls in the area begins to freeze. Segway Tours of Waynesville guides segway riders around the town of Waynesville where they can learn of its rich history and take in the scenic views. Cataloochee Valley is a remote and scenic historic settlement, located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Continue east on US 64, detour south of Brevard then onto US 276 to the Blue Ridge Parkway (3 more) Ride the Parkway to NC 215 then follow it back to US 276 and into Maggie Valley. Contact Weekdays 8am-5pm. Your email address will not be published. While there are numerous locations in and around Maggie Valley to view sunsets and sunrises, the best are: But even from in the Valley itself, you can see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. We have always found plenty to buy and do not feel it is overpriced. We were lucky today because they had a free stunt riding show while I was there they start it up at least three or four different motorcycles. Visit their website for more information, and to book your reservations! They even have reservation only candlelight tours in the evenings. Country Vittles 762 reviews Closed today more. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, deer, coyotes, and a . Bluegrass, country and 'mountain music' reign at the Maggie Valley Opry House in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. On Saturday nights, children are invited to paint with their parents in front of the gallery. There are 41 different types of things to do inside in or near Maggie Valley, North Carolina. I also had a lot of good conversation about the weather, local people, and just how things are going in general. Showcasing the work of artist Grace Cathey, the Sculpture Garden & Gallery features a wide variety of metal sculptures that are suitable for yard or home decoration. Once a person arrives, they can watch gunfights and saloon shows in an old west town and try the zip line. He loves sharing his mountain adventures and knowledge with more than 500,000 people per month on Blue Ridge Mountain Life. Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum 1,440 Speciality Museums By RTEjr This is a living, breathing, kick-start into American motorcycle history. Here is a video we put together, highlighting all the great things to see and do in Cataloochee Valley, including Elk bugling: Here is a drive video showing the back mountain road you have to take to reach Cataloochee Valley. All day ride. Looking for something to do in Maggie Valley? . The Sport Shop, located in Maggie Valley provides lift tickets, gear rentals, and gear for sale as well. Winter in Maggie Valley NC brings cold temperatures and snow, like most mountain towns. Road repairs on the road through Cataloochee Valley. A game arcade is also available, featuring games like air hockey, racing simulators, and jackpot games. The venue seats 412 individuals and is housed in a historic building constructed in 1945. In the barn you can experience traditional mountain dance first hand by either watching or joining in. Tube World offers individuals, families and groups the opportunity of feeling the fun and rush of the slopes on a tube. Reservations are required. Don't Forget. Choose an option to explore each category of administration. Additionally, ALL Parkway facilities are closed during the winter, meaning visitors centers, bathroom facilities, and park offices are closed. He loves sharing his mountain adventures and knowledge with more than 500,000 people per month on Blue Ridge Mountain Life. 20 Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley, NC Utsa, Jermaine Dela Cruz Mar 20, 2022 10 min read traveler jordan / shutterstock Maggie Valley is a picturesque town located in North Carolina. Loved the fact that they were open a little later than everyone else! Sleds, saucers, skis, snowboards and all kinds of sports gear is available for winter along with golf clubs, pool toys, swimsuits and more for warm weather fun! If you're looking for specific things to do in Maggie Valley, here's how we've organized things: Today, nearly 20 years later, the Elk have prospered, and at least 150 roam the park, many of them in Cataloochee Valley. We enjoyed the atmosphere here. These are some of the restaurant choices in Maggie Valley. The veggies and country ham we bought there were excellent. Late Spring is also when the new Elk calves are born, and you can sometimes see them with their mothers as well. 2022 2. Our name has changed, but our reputation as a hard-working mountain town certainly hasnt.