Attractions
hit the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area
Consistently one of the earliest resorts in the Southeast to open the ski season and the latest to close, thanks to its technologically advanced snowmaking capability, Cataloochee Ski Area is a winter playground for the entire family. With 14 slopes and trails, Cataloochee Ski Area offers mountains of fun for everyone, from skiers to snowboarders, from novices to veterans. Beginners can get a feel for things on a couple of smooth, gentle slopes (classes and private lessons are also available), while the more adventurous can head to the ramps, rails and boxes at the Cat Cage Terrain Park. For those with a need for speed, there's plenty of steepness on this mountain. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, the surrounding views are magical. When you need a break or have taken the skis off for the day, check out the lodge, where you can warm up by the double-sided fireplace, enjoy some good food and drink, and perhaps even listen to a live band. Start your adventure now by visiting Cataloochee Ski Area.see the Wild West at Ghost Town in the Sky
Step back into the Wild West at Ghost Town in the Sky. But be careful, you just might find yourself in the middle of of a gunfight. The family-fun theme park in Maggie Valley reopened in 2007 after a five-year closure. And it's better than ever. Choose either the incline railway or the chairlift to take you to the top of Buck Mountain, where the park is perched. The views are spectacular. Once there, the real adventure begins. Thrill seekers will certainly find the right dose of adrenaline riding the Cliff Hanger Rollercoaster (scheduled to open in 2008) and the Geronimo Drop Tower. There's a bevy of less intimidating rides, too. While strolling the streets of Ghost Town, make sure to stop by the Silver Dollar Saloon to enjoy live music and the classic Can Can Girl Dancers. But keep your eyes peeled for bank robbers. Ghost Town offers a fun experience for everyone in the family. Ghost Town opens for the season on Friday, May 15. Season Passes for 2009 are on sale now. Learn more about Ghost Town in the Sky.
Step back into the Wild West at Ghost Town in the Sky. But be careful, you just might find yourself in the middle of of a gunfight. The family-fun theme park in Maggie Valley reopened in 2007 after a five-year closure. And it's better than ever. Choose either the incline railway or the chairlift to take you to the top of Buck Mountain, where the park is perched. The views are spectacular. Once there, the real adventure begins. Thrill seekers will certainly find the right dose of adrenaline riding the Cliff Hanger Rollercoaster (scheduled to open in 2008) and the Geronimo Drop Tower. There's a bevy of less intimidating rides, too. While strolling the streets of Ghost Town, make sure to stop by the Silver Dollar Saloon to enjoy live music and the classic Can Can Girl Dancers. But keep your eyes peeled for bank robbers. Ghost Town offers a fun experience for everyone in the family. Ghost Town opens for the season on Friday, May 15. Season Passes for 2009 are on sale now. Learn more about Ghost Town in the Sky.
discover and explore our Natural Attractions
Western North Carolina is known for its majestical natural beauty, and Haywood County is the perfect place to discover and explore the natural attractions that create such a beautiful landscape. The highest and wildest segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through Haywood County along 46 miles of the highest ridges in the Appalachians. Get lost in the classic Smoky views, rugged mountains and thickets of rhododendrons. You'll see stunning vistas from anywhere you stop along the Great Balsams, the ancient range that borders the southern side of Haywood County, so be sure your camera is ready. A large section of the Smokies is also located in Haywood County, including one of the most beautiful entrance points, Cataloochee Valley. With some of the original homesteads still remaining, it's possible to get a good idea of what life was like for those mountain families. See white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears and even elk, which have been reintroduced to the Smokies. For more ideas about how to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting Haywood County, check out our Natural Attractions page.
Western North Carolina is known for its majestical natural beauty, and Haywood County is the perfect place to discover and explore the natural attractions that create such a beautiful landscape. The highest and wildest segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through Haywood County along 46 miles of the highest ridges in the Appalachians. Get lost in the classic Smoky views, rugged mountains and thickets of rhododendrons. You'll see stunning vistas from anywhere you stop along the Great Balsams, the ancient range that borders the southern side of Haywood County, so be sure your camera is ready. A large section of the Smokies is also located in Haywood County, including one of the most beautiful entrance points, Cataloochee Valley. With some of the original homesteads still remaining, it's possible to get a good idea of what life was like for those mountain families. See white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears and even elk, which have been reintroduced to the Smokies. For more ideas about how to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting Haywood County, check out our Natural Attractions page.listen to the Music & enjoy the Entertainment
Bluegrass. Country. Folk. Rock 'n Roll. Whatever your musical tastes, you'll find a venue in Haywood County serving it up nightly. From five-time world banjo champion Raymond Fairchild's regular performances at the Maggie Valley Opry House to local bands creating various sounds at neighborhood bars to well-known acts on stage at Eaglenest Entertainment, these mountains hum with delightful sounds. Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, and Clyde also host scores of festivals throughout the year, featuring musicians, performers and creative artists of all stripes (be sure to check our Events/Festivals calendar). Thespians also provide visitors and locals alike with entertaining diversions, including award-winning productions at Haywood Arts Regional Theater, one of the region's top community theaters, and Carolina Nights, a dinner theater that delights with comedy, magic, dance, and song. Would you like to leave with a rare stone in your pocket? Take the family gem mining for a good time; it might just pay for your vacation. Check out all the Music & Entertainment opportunities you'll have while visiting Haywood County.
visit Museums 200 years in the making
In 2008 Haywood County celebrated its bicentennial anniversary, and we invite you to take a look back with us. A place rich in history, visitors have the opportunity to delve deep into the roots of this county and its people: the Shook Museum ("the oldest frame house west of the Blue Ridge"), the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts at the Historic Shelton House (a unique collection of pottery, quilts, baskets, woodworking, 19th century crafts), Francis Grist Mill (118-year old landmark and working mill reminiscent of the days when family and friends gathered to grind their meal and corn), the Canton Area Historical Museum (displays of extensive artifacts about the settling of Canton and the Pigeon River area), and much more. Even as modern influences continue to change the face of the Appalachian Mountains, heritage, history and traditional culture remain an important facet of Haywood County. Be sure to soak it all up. For more information, visit our Museums page.
In 2008 Haywood County celebrated its bicentennial anniversary, and we invite you to take a look back with us. A place rich in history, visitors have the opportunity to delve deep into the roots of this county and its people: the Shook Museum ("the oldest frame house west of the Blue Ridge"), the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts at the Historic Shelton House (a unique collection of pottery, quilts, baskets, woodworking, 19th century crafts), Francis Grist Mill (118-year old landmark and working mill reminiscent of the days when family and friends gathered to grind their meal and corn), the Canton Area Historical Museum (displays of extensive artifacts about the settling of Canton and the Pigeon River area), and much more. Even as modern influences continue to change the face of the Appalachian Mountains, heritage, history and traditional culture remain an important facet of Haywood County. Be sure to soak it all up. For more information, visit our Museums page.
