Your playground in the sky

Make sure to have that camera fully charged and ready to go when you arrive in Haywood County. Become a shutterbug in Cataloochee Valley, famous for elk sightings, scenic surroundings and Appalachian history. And take in the gorgeous mountaintop views along the 46 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the highest ridges in the Appalachians. There's plenty to do outside the car along "America's Favorite Drive." Go hunting for waterfalls in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most-popular national park in the country is full of fun adventures.

And with Haywood County located in the heart of Western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is not the only amazing scenic drive and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not the only worthwhile day trip. Be sure to explore the entire area during your visit, with Haywood County serving as the ideal base camp.