Maggie Valley NC is a great destination for travelers looking for a peaceful vacation away from crowded cities. It has a lot of rustic charm and gorgeous nature views. You could spend all day exploring this wonderful area if you’d like. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Maggie Valley, look no further!
Why Should You Visit Maggie Valley NC?
North Carolina is packed with fun things to do, so you might be wondering what’s special about Maggie Valley. Maggie Valley is the destination people choose when they’re looking for something unique but equally enjoyable and memorable. This town is full of Southern hospitality, gorgeous nature, and historical structures. There are lots of local shops and restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else. While all ages can have a great time, it’s the ideal destination for adults looking for a special low-stress vacation.
Where is Maggie Valley North Carolina?
Maggie Valley is located on the western side of North Carolina near Asheville and the Tennessee border. The closest town to Maggie Valley is Waynesville.
Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC
There are lots of fun things to do in Maggie Valley North Carolina, so it might be hard to settle on an itinerary. Here are 11 popular Maggie Valley attractions that you may want to check out.
#1 – Wheels Through Time Museum
The Wheels Through Time Museum is likely the most well-known attraction in Maggie Valley. It has a premier collection of over 350 motorcycles and lots of other related exhibits. You don’t have to know anything about motorcycles to browse the massive indoor collection. It’s a quirky, interactive attraction for visitors of all ages. Many guests walk through it in about an hour, but you can take as much time as you’d like.
#2 – Soco Falls
For visitors looking for outdoor experiences, Soco Falls is a one-of-a-kind destination. It’s located in Cherokee, which is just outside of Maggie Valley. Soco Falls is two massive waterfalls that pour into the same creek. One waterfall is about 50 feet tall while the other is closer to 100 feet. It takes a bit of a hike to get to these waterfalls, but the mesmerizing views are well worth it!
#3 – Cataloochee Ski Resort
Maggie Valley can be an exciting destination no matter what time of year you visit. The Catalooche Ski Area has a ski resort with plenty of winter activities, including skiing and snowboarding. The ski resort is ideal for skiers of all experience levels. If you’ve never skied before, there are trainers on-site who can help teach you. Despite being a popular place to ski, it’s not usually too crowded, so you’ll have plenty of space to master your skiing skills.
#4 – Tube World
If skiing and snowboarding seem too intimidating, you can head to Tube World, which is in close proximity to the ski resort. It has slopes made specifically for winter tubing, so you won’t have to worry about bumping into others as you go down the hill. It even has a carpet lift to bring you back up to the top. All ages can enjoy going up and down the hill for hours!
#5 – Blue Ridge Parkway
The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway goes through North Carolina. Many visitors believe the stretch from Maggie Valley to Asheville is one of the most beautiful parts of the drive because it has a high elevation. There are many wonderful stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway within an hour-and-a-half drive of Maggie Valley, including Waterrock Knob, Richland Balsam Overlook, and Black Balsam Knob.
#6 – Waterrock Knob
Waterrock Knob is along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it’s known as the most scenic spot in Maggie Valley. It has lots of challenging hiking trails, and once you make it to the top, you’ll be grateful you put in the extra work. This spot is beautiful during all times of day, but most people visit during sunset. There are lots of places for tourists to set up chairs and picnics, so you can spend as much time in this gorgeous area as you’d like.
#7 – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has lots of trails and lookout points for travelers feeling adventurous. You can even find historic structures, such as cabins and churches while you’re exploring. One popular attraction in the park is Big Creek, which is a popular swimming hole.
#8 – Cataloochee Valley Elk Viewing
Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular activities in the area. It’s a remote location where lots of wildlife like to hang out, especially elk. They can be mesmerizing to observe and take photos of, but remember to always keep your distance from wild animals. All animals can become aggressive or scared if humans get too close.
#9 – Stompin’ Ground Dance Hall
When you’re ready to take a break from the outdoor activities, you can head over to the Stompin’ Ground Dance Hall. This venue is popular for dance performances, including bluegrass, clogging, and square dancing. On the nights it’s open, guests can watch performers dance, but if they’re feeling brave, they can also try some of the dance styles too. This barn-like venue will make you feel like you’re a part of the community.
#10 – Elevated Mountain Distilling Company
Visitors looking for a drink can check out the Elevated Mountain Distilling Company. They have a wide range of beverages, but they specialize in whiskey, moonshine, and vodka. You can take a tour of the facility and enjoy many samples along the way. Plus, you can buy a bottle or two to take with you. Sometimes this venue even hosts live music and other unique events, so it’s the place to be on the weekends.
#11 – B&C Winery
Another great place to grab some drinks is the B&C Winery, known as the best winery in town. They have a wide range of handcrafted wines with reasonable prices, so it can’t hurt to try some. The employees are very knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect drink based on your preferences. It’s a great place to stop and relax in between your other Maggie Valley activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering visiting Maggie Valley, you might have some lingering questions. Here are a few things travelers wonder before planning their trips.
How Far is Maggie Valley from Gatlinburg TN?
Maggie Valley to Gatlinburg TN is a common road trip, and it takes about an hour and a half and 60 miles. While the two locations look closer on the map, there’s no direct way to get there. You have to go around parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get to Gatlinburg. Depending on how long you stay in Maggie Valley, you could spend a day or two of your trip in Gatlinburg since it’s not too far.
How Far is Maggie Valley from Pigeon Forge?
Maggie Valley to Pigeon Forge is also about an hour and half and 60 miles. The route to Pigeon Forge is a bit more direct than to Gatlinburg, but the traffic may affect that. Pigeon Forge is another great place to visit during your trip!
What is the Weather for Maggie Valley North Carolina?
Maggie Valley has season changes, but they’re not as extreme as some of the Northern states. In the summer, you can expect 70s while fall and spring are closer to 50s and 60s. Then, in the winter, it can get down to 30s and 40s. So, plan your outfits accordingly depending on when you visit. Keep in mind that climbing to higher elevations will cause the air around you to become colder.
Start Your Vacation Planning!
If you’re looking for a vacation away from the most crowded tourist destinations, you might want to consider visiting Maggie Valley NC. Maggie Valley has the perfect mixture of outdoor hiking and indoor relaxing, so there’s something for everyone. Think about which attractions interest you the most as you plan your itinerary. If you’re not sure if Maggie Valley is the right North Carolina town for you, you could consider Charlotte instead.