20 Fun Things To Do In Maggie Valley North Carolina

1. Enjoy Skiing And Snowboarding In Winter

Out of all the activities that one can choose to engage in while in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, it is highly recommended that one visit the Cataloochee Ski Area, which has some of the best facilities for skiing and snowboarding.

This resort provides several slopes for the different classes of skiing, such as first-timers, intermediates, and experts. Cataloochee is important from a historical perspective because it is one of the oldest skiing areas in the Southeastern United States.

It has expanded the number of slopes and modernized the equipment, even with the latest technologies of snowmaking, to have good skiing conditions even in the year with poorer winter conditions.

Additional services include night skiing to make the experience even more special for the clients. The best conditions for skiing are normally between January and February.

2. Explore Wheels Through Time Museum

This place is a unique attraction in Maggie Valley NC. that features an exclusive collection of vintage motorcycles and automobiles. This museum is owned and operated by Dale Walksler and contains more than 300 antique and classic motorcycles that range from the early twentieth century to modern times.

This set comprises motorcycles produced in America, with Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Excelsior being among the most popular models. It is not just a case of a set of preserved vehicles on display. Many of the vehicles are functional and visitors can watch operations firsthand.

This dynamic aspect, accompanied by historical and contemporary narratives from the well-informed staff, makes the museum one of the things to do Maggie Valley.

3. Visit The Soco Falls

Soco Falls comprises two waterfalls and is found near Maggie Valley, North Carolina; this area attracts many visitors interested in natural beauty. These are easily visited falls, and there is a short trail from the parking lot to the falls.

The one that makes Soco Falls stand out is that there are two waterfall drops on the opposite cliffs that merge into a single pool. The lies of the cascade are in a sylvan and eco-tourism, which makes it ideal for taking pictures and also to rest.

The source of the name Soco is from the Cherokee language, which translates it as “Usunaga”, which directly means “place of blue smoke,” regarding the fog that surrounds the place frequently.

4. Attend Live Music At Maggie Valley Opry House

The house was established by the legendary bluegrass musician Raymond Fairchild and is famous for presenting fast banjo music. Established much earlier, the Opry House is one of the main local venues that provides a live audience with an opportunity to enjoy the tunes of classic Appalachian music, such as bluegrass, country, and gospel.

Musical performances follow the traditions of live music, which is performed at the venue, and Fairchild hosts many of them; sometimes he performs on his own and sometimes he invites other musicians from surrounding areas.

The warm affair reminds of the mountain atmosphere and friendly disposition of the hosts of the inn. For those interested in immersing themselves in the real-life folklore of the Appalachian, then Maggie Valley Opry House is a must things to do in Maggie Valley North Carolina.

5. Take A Scenic Drive On Blue Ridge Parkway

Another thing to do in Maggie Valley is take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkways. The drive extends 469 miles, traversing the Appalachian Mountains from Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

This scenic roadside is famously referred to as America’s Favorite Drive because of the splendid scenery, rich plant and animal population, and recreational facilities that are evident from the parkway.

Currently, the parkway has become one of the favorite places for tourists and residents to visit to get to trails, places to have a picnic and significant landmarks. For any people who intend to drive through the parkway, they should first look into the weather and state of the road as some areas on the road could be closed especially when the weather is bad.

6. Hike The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It is a world heritage site and the most visited park among all the national parks in America. This is an extensive park situated on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, that occupies more than 500 thousand acres of land. It is home to wonderful forests, crystal-clear streams, flora, and fauna.

The flora and fauna of the park also present the park as a true bio-diversity haven, with over 1500 species of flowering plants and other wildlife like Black bears, Elks, White-tailed deer, etc.

One of the top attractions in Maggie Valley North Carolina, the park is famous for camping and hiking. Tourists can see remains of old cabins and churches which are parts of the Appalachian trail.

7. Discover Ghost Town In The Sky

Ghost Town in the Sky is a top Maggie Valley attraction that is an amusement park of the old-western kind. It was originally founded in the year 1961 and it provided fun rides and even reenaction of the Wild West scenes.

Tourists formerly arrived at the park by a chairlift where the park is located on the top of a mountain. This gives the park a rather classic up-in-the-air feel.

Historically the park was a considerable tourist attraction; nevertheless, it has always experienced some difficulties, and at times has been closed to the public. Heading to the park may still be possible but it is advisable to know its current status first about these changes.

8. Discover Ancient Mountain Farming Practices

Mountain Farm Museum is one of the most interesting places that exemplifies the lives of pioneers who once lived in the Smoky Mountains region. This is an open-air museum near Cherokee, North Carolina, that has preserved several log houses; a farmhouse, a barn, an apple storage house, and a smokehouse, to name but a few.

Some of them were relocated from various sites in the park and reconstructed to form an impressive mimic of a standard mountain agricultural village. People can watch performances of such skills as blacksmithing, gardening, and sometimes cooking.

Thus, this is an ideal destination for families and lovers of history since one gets an interactive experience of how things were back in the past.

9. Play A Round of Golf In The Maggie Valley Club & Resort

The resort comes equipped with an 18-hole golf course. It was founded in 1963, and over the years, it has grown to stand as an institution of athletics in Maggie Valley. In addition to the golf section, there is a swimming pool, tennis courts, and eating places, making it a perfect place for families and other individuals to spend their day.

It is better to book a tee time in advance, especially during the high season, and, of course, to look at the current weather forecast as the climate at the top of the mountains might be uncongenial. The staff at the resort is welcoming and hospitable, and the structures in the resort are always tidy, making it a good place for everyone.

10. Browse Antiques At Maggie Valley Antique Mall

This mall is situated in Maggie Valley, where a visitor can purchase old-time merchandise that ranges from furniture to novelties, and more. Not only is it a shopping mall where one can go shopping, but it is also a trip down memory lane, each piece is a story.

The mall maintains a friendly environment, and the store clerks are usually competent in guiding customers where to locate that unique piece or give more information about items.

It is an excellent place for families with children, history lovers, and everyone who likes to explore extraordinary and memorable items. During your visit, ensure that you spend adequate time and do not shy away from engaging the staff for more information or for directions to some of the things that interest you.

11. Enjoy Local Theatrical Performances

Haywood Arts Regional Theater (HART) is a community theater where one can watch different live performances. HART was originally developed in 1983. This made it possible for the local people and tourists to be able to watch plays, musicals, and other performances throughout the calendar year.

The theater itself is quite welcoming, and this place usually has rather high-quality performances, with local actors frequently taking part in the performances. It is a nice facility to appreciate the arts and, at the same time, help the neighborhood.

When in Maggie Valley, add this activity to your list of things to do Maggie Valley North Carolina.

12. Go Fishing Or Relax By The Jonathan Creek

It is a small stream located in the valley where tourists can enjoy the natural tranquility of the gorges. The locals have always fished and taken long walks along the layout.

The place it is passing through has retained the natural vegetation and is ideal for activities like having a picnic, going for a nature walk, and watching birds. That’s why it is also great for family picnics, where kids would love to spend some time splashing around and elders would love the scenery.

If you’re planning to go to the Haven, don’t forget to have some supper and beverages for consumption; also, if you are going hiking, carry comfortable shoes with you.

13. Visit Tremont City For Fascinating Exhibits

Maggie Valley’s Tremont City is a historical site with provisions for historical events related to it. This place was a rather busy area in the nineteenth century, and now it is an educational area where people can get acquainted with the history.

Currently, the site has various other sections that are dedicated to describing and narrating the lives of early settlers in the area. Children and adults will benefit from the centre especially because it gives a glimpse into the past about how people once lived.

It is recommended that when one pays a visit to the location, they should take time and go through the information well laid down and admire the tranquility of the place.

14. Shop And Dine At Frog Level

Frog Level is a cute and picturesque community within Maggie Valley, that features local stores and is rather laid back. Frog Level has, in the past, been one of the zones that showcased business prominence in the early 1900s.

In the present time, tourists have been found visiting the place to buy elegant and printed clothing apparel, to taste some of the mouthwatering cuisines offered by restaurants situated within the town, and to feel the welcoming culture of the town.

It is nice for a walk and for buying some gifts, because the atmosphere reminds of a rural village. Do not forget to visit the events and festivals that also happen in this area to enhance your visit even more.

15. Take Part In Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

The Maggie Valley Festival Grounds is a popular and vibrant venue where many events and festivals are held annually. This place over the year can accommodate musical concerts, fairs, car exhibitions, crafts, holiday celebrations, and much more.

The festival area is famous for its unification, its appeal to people, and its ability to introduce guests to the customs of the community. However, it is always better to know the previous and further days in advance, as there is always something interesting going on.

If you are wondering what to do in Maggie Valley, visiting this place would offer many great experiences. It is a family-oriented place that gives a chance to have fun taking part in various activities and taste the atmosphere of Maggie Valley.

16. Dine At The Valley House Restaurant

It is a reputable restaurant where people in the community love to dine due to the nice feeling it harbors and delectable foods with a Southern flair. It has been a restaurant that has been in operation, providing people with home-cooked meals. 

In general, the restaurant provides comfort food for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. It is most well-known for its hospitality to customers and warm atmosphere, so it is welcoming to customers with children or foreigners who want to eat.

If ever there was the epitome of Southern hospitality and good food, then the Valley House Restaurant in North Carolina is it.

17. Enjoy A Spooky Tour of The Town's Haunted Spots

This is a touring service that takes people through some of the oldest and most haunted buildings in the town of Maggie Valley. History and horror—this trip offers a fun trip for all who enjoy a good fright.

The tour usually visits several spots that are thought to be haunted; one of them is the old Maggie Valley post office. There is also the historical town hall, where a lot of tourists have claimed to have seen some paranormal activities.

It is a very good activity that is suitable to be done by families with children because it is fun and informative, as well as filled with a sense of horror. This is a great way to explore the history of both Maggie Valley and its ghosts because it is all done in a fun way.

18. Try Your Hand At Gem Mining

Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine is an entertaining place where anyone can try his/her luck in gem mining. This attraction is in Maggie Valley and lets visitors pan for precious stones, including gold, rubies, sapphires, and others.

The game of mining has been a favorite activity for many years at the site and is particularly an interesting and fun activity for children and adults alike. You begin with getting a bucket of mining rough, and then you pan it in a sluice box to get to the hidden treasures.

At the same time, people can have fun and get some knowledge of geology and the history of mining. Don’t forget some squibs of water-proof clothes, as the routine can turn somewhat wet and slushy.

19. Explore The Trails On Horseback

Another fun and exciting thing to do in Maggie Valley Mountain is to take a horseback ride over the trails. Most of the riders are drawn to this place because of the rolling hills, amazingly beautiful scenery, and lush green forests.

You need not worry about your riding skills. This place offers horseback riding for people of all skill levels. Moreover, you can take lessons from local stables and ranches. They also provide camping facilities for families and groups to come close to nature.

Although this activity can be enjoyed throughout the year, spring and fall are the ideal seasons to watch the trails while horseback riding.

20. Spot Elk And Other Wildlife

In the Maggie mountains, one can spot many wildlife. One among them is the elk, a majestic animal. This animal had been absent from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for over a century. However, in the 2000s, they were brought back to the smoky mountain park.

These huge animals are often seen grazing in meadows like Cataloochee Valley, which is famous for elk watching. If you want to spot these animals, try visiting the place early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is the time when they are most active and seen outside the field.

Moreover, besides elk, visitors can spot various wildlife such as deer, black bears, and various bird species.