The Great Smoky Mountains is a national park located in North Carolina and Tennessee, encompassing 800 square miles of which 95 percent are forested. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal resources, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of the wilderness sanctuary within its boundaries, it is one of the largest protected areas in the east. Part of the park, visit Cataloochee Valley and see the reintroduced elk population and an old settlers’ village.

Maggie Valley, appropriately, was named after a child - the young daughter of the community's first postmaster. Today, it's still a perfect place for children and families. Maggie Valley is a nearly linear town settled right along Soco Road (U.S. 19), the pretty drive that winds right up the valley, climbing up to incredible views in the mountains just above town - some of the most photographed views in the Smokies.

-CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NORTH CAROLINA TRIP PLANNER-

what to do FOR FREE In WNC

Are you looking for something fun to do without spending a bunch of money?Make your tirp to North Carolina worthwhile as you check out the many awesome historical sites in the area. Western North Carolina is home to many things to do that don't cost a dime!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park:  One of the most scenic areas in all of North America. This half million acre park contains many of the largest mountain peaks in the eastern US. Activities are numerous. Most travelers pressed for time simply take auto tours of the park. Other activities include hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/

Pisgah National Forest: The Pisgah National Forest has 501,691 acres stretching across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina's mountains. The Forest offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnic sites, and spectacular waterfalls. Some of Pisgah National Forest's attractions include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Pisgah Forest State Fish Hatchery, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, The Cradle of Forestry and the North Mills River Recreational Area. The North Mills River Recreational Area is located in Henderson County, just 13 miles from Downtown Hendersonville and offers picnic sites, campsites, river fishing & tubing. For additional information call 828-877-3265.

http://www.pisgahforest.com/public-lands/pisgahnationalforest/

The Blue Ridge Parkway:  Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. "America's Favorite Drive" winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

• Linn Cove Viaduct:  This 1000+ foot viaduct is one of the most advanced masonry bridges in the world.
• Jump Off Rock:  Provides scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Jump Off Rock is a scenic overlook which provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. Jump Off Rock also holds an Indian legend that has been passed down for many, many years. Over 300 years ago a young Cherokee Indian maiden received word that her young Indian Chief had been killed in battle, so she climbed to the edge of the rock and jumped off. Indian legend has it that on moonlit nights you can see the ghost of the maiden on Jump Off Rock. Jump Off is located about 5 miles from downtown at the end of Laurel Park Hwy. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. No admission charge.
• Richland Balsam Mountain:  The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway includes a 1.5 mile walking trail to summit. http://www.brptrails.com/brp4310.htm
• Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Art Center: The 469-mile parkway intersects Asheville at US 25, 70 and 74, and NC 191.The Blue Ridge Parkway's Folk Art Center is located five miles east of downtown Asheville. For more information about this attraction, please call: 828-298-0398.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail: This trail is a famous trail that runs from Maine down to Georgia, and about 300 miles of this trail run through North Carolina. It was voted the American Favorite National Park in 2003. For more information about this attraction, call: 828-254-3708.

Waterfall Country:  This attraction is a little outside of Asheville, and labeled as being located in Western North Carolina. The French Broad and Davidson rivers fuel many of the beautiful waterfalls that can be seen in the area.

The Davidson and French Broad Rivers and their tributaries fuel more than 250 breathtaking waterfalls and 200 miles of cool, clear mountain streams in Transylvania County. To experience some of the many breathtaking views, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville to N.C. 215. Take 215 south to U.S. 64 and continue west through Lake Toxaway, Sapphire, Cashiers and Highlands. Follow 64 through the colorful Cullasaja Gorge where numerous waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls and majestic Cullasaja Falls, cascade close to the highway. In Franklin, turn north on U.S. Highway 441 and head to Dillsboro. From there, hop on U.S. Highway 23 and drive straight back to Asheville.

• Linville Falls:  Linville Falls is a beautiful series of dramatic falls that drop to a deep gorge, accessed by a trail lined with rare virgin stands of white pine, and hemlock. The area around the Falls is one of the few places in these mountains where the rosebay, Catawba, and Carolina rhododendron grow side by side. http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/wncwaterfalls/linvillefalls.htm

• Upper Creek Falls:  A steep, 0.8-mile trail leads to this cascading waterfall. The trail is open only to hikers. Upper Creek Falls is located in the Jonas Ridge Area of Burke County. Trails leading to the top and bottom of the falls are popular among sunbathers, swimmers, and fishermen, so plan on having company unless you arrive earlier.
  http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/wncwaterfalls/uppercreekfalls.htm

Botanical Gardens of Asheville:  Several acres of plants native to the southern Appalachian Mountains.

http://www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/

Museum of North Carolina Minerals:  Cutting and polishing demonstrations of the local rocks and minerals are offered.

http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/HistoricBlueRidge/Museums/museumofnorthcarolinaminerals.html

Craggy Gardens:  This scenic mountain garden is a perfect spot for a short hike or picnic.

http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/NaturalHeritage/NaturalTreasures/Mountains/CraggyGardens.html

Cataloochee Ranch:  Hit the trails. Numerous trails wind deep into forests, along tumbling streams, and up to towering summit meadows more than a mile above sea level. There are miles of trails that start at the ranch and will keep you exploring for days.

In late spring wildflowers abound, while in the fall, the change of leaves will cover you in a brilliance of golds and reds.

http://www.cataloocheeranch.com/welcome.html

Western North Carolina Air Museum: The Western North Carolina Air Museum is the first air museum in the state of North Carolina known as the "first in flight" state. The museum features award winning restored and replica antique and vintage airplanes. The hours are (weather permitting) April-October Wednesday and Sunday from 12Noon-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm; November-March Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 12Noon-5pm . There is no admission charge. The museum is located at the Hendersonville Airport, 1340 Gilbert Street, Hendersonville. For additional information call (828) 698-2482.

http://www.wncairmuseum.com

Mast General Store: This General Store has been restored back to its 1940's splendor and has great items for purchase. For more information please call: 828-232-1883. The Mast General Store has been an Appalachian Mountain institution since 1883.

http://www.mastgeneralstore.com/

The Smith-McDowell House Museum: This building was once home to a confederate Major, and friends of the Vanderbilt Family of the Biltmore Estate. The property is now undergoing restoration and is a national Tree Preserve. The grounds also hold the county Civil War Memorial. For more information, call 828-9231.

http://www.wnchistory.org/

Estes-Winn Auto Museum: This attraction is located in the Heart of Asheville behind the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa. It proudly boasts a collection of 20 classic vehicles, and is sure to delight any car buff. The downside is that it is only open from April to December each year.

http://grovewood.com/car_museum.php