Maggie Valley in North Carolina charms everyone with its distinct small-town character and rich mountain history. From breathtaking hikes at Waterrock Knob to exploring vibrant shops, exciting rafting trips, and quiet, calming strolls at Lake Junaluska, there’s something for everyone. This extensive list of 20+ ultimate stuff to do in Maggie Valley this year will surely give you a lifetime of memories to cherish.
Ultimate Stuff To Do In Maggie Valley
1. Hike Or Watch Sunset At Waterrock Knob
Lying 20 minutes away from Maggie Valley, Waterrock Knob is ideal for watching sunrise and sunset across the rugged mountains. It also has a hiking trail that goes to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So, you can either watch a scenic sunset or enjoy a moderately strenuous hike amid gorgeous views.
2. Visit Maggie Valley Shops
Are you looking for some unique stuff to do in Maggie Valley? Explore the shops there to find an array of items. Be it clothing, antiques, fishing gear, handmade pottery, books, or maps, you will find practically everything.
3. Go Down The Soco Falls
Want to explore Maggie Valley on a budget? Visit the Soco Valley. It is a double waterfall on the edge of the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina. If the thought of watching rushing waters appeals to you, take a hike to Soco Falls. To have a closer view, walk down a steep trail from the observation deck to the base of the waterfall.
4. Taste Wine At B&C Winery
If you are planning a romantic getaway to Maggie Valley, share a bottle of wine with your loved ones. Maggie Valley is home to many famous wine stores. One of the major ones is B&C Winery, which has many experts and an array of wines to taste or purchase. B&C Winery is an award-winning store, and you will certainly enjoy pretty much everything you taste.
5. Play Mini Golf
Are you searching for some kid-friendly stuff to do in Maggie Valley? Entertain your kids to a round of mini golf. Maggie Valley Carpet Gold and Fantasy Golf and Gameroom are the two best places. There are standard as well as advanced obstacles with peppy music in the background, making way for a memorable experience.
6. Solve Puzzles With Your Mates
Maggie Valley has many popular escape rooms, including several puzzle rooms. These are perfect for everyone, from kids to older adults. Designed for two to ten people, every room offers a delightfully challenging plot where you must discover clues with your mates and solve puzzles.
7. Explore The Heintooga Round Bottom Road
When spending the weekend in North Carolina, why not indulge in some off-road driving in Heintooga Round Bottom Road? It’s one of the best free stuff to do in Maggie Valley. The 27.4 km Point To Point Trail isn’t easy to traverse but offers spectacular views of nature. You’ll be surrounded by a beautiful forest all along. There are several stopping points along the way. You can even use the trails for hiking.
8. Embark On An Afternoon Horse Ride
How does riding through calm, lush trails and quiet rhododendron tunnels sound? The Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley provides 2.5-hour-long afternoon horse rides. Settle yourself on the back of the horse and explore the mountainous mile-high meadow. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, Cataloochee Ranch will surely entertain you.
9. Hike To A 40-Year-Old Plane Wreckage
While hiking and viewing mountain vistas is a popular thing, you can try something different. If you are with your partner and feel adventurous, take a hike to the 40-year-old plane wreckage near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. It’s a moderately difficult 2-mile hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Trailhead in Sylva. The spot is the wreckage of Cessna 414A that crashed in 1983.
10. Admire a Collection of Rare Motorcycles
A great stuff to do in Maggie Valley for adults and kids is to visit the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Located 40 minutes west of Asheville, it has an array of American motorcycles kept by Dale Walksler. The museum is open from April to November and is recognized for its vast collection of vintage motorcycles. Although old, many of them are still in operation.
11. Feed Your Sweet Tooth
Maggie Valley is also famous for its candy shops. A popular one is Jelly Bellies. It has 365 different candies, from classic to modern ones. Candies with fudge flavors are also quite sought after in this shop.
12. Take A Stroll At Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska is a man-made lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is open to the public throughout the year and is a great place for group retreats. To enjoy a quiet time, stroll through the path that encircles it. There are nearly 8.3 miles to walk. The best time to take a stroll is early morning when the mist takes off from the water.
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13. Unwind With A Rafting Trip
The Great Smoky Mountain Outfitters hosts a rafting trip every year during the summers. Under the supervision of experts, you may travel down the French Broad River. They help you navigate the river as you experience the thrill of the Whitewater. This is also a great activity for kids. They are treated to a free ice cream at the end of the tubing trip.
14. Stay In A Rustic Log Cabin
There are various lodges designed to resemble a rustic log cabin in Maggie Valley. Some of the best ones are in Soco Road. All are within minutes of shops and restaurants. They have amenities like a microwave, coffeemaker, a mini-fridge, and a cozy outdoor pavilion with rocking chairs. Staying in such a place is sure to be memorable.
15. Participate In Festivals
Maggie Valley hosts different types of events on its festival grounds. They are produced by organizations and individuals. From live music to concerts, historical programs, and ice sculptures, there’s something for everyone.
16. Dance The Evening Away
If you are looking for stuff to do in Maggie Valley as a couple, The Stompin’ Ground Dance Hall is the perfect place. It reverberates with captivating music, which has the distinct nostalgia of a classic mountain. It also hosts several live performances. This dance hall will give you a chance to sway with your partner and revel in the vibrant atmosphere.
17. View The Elk
Would you love to watch Elk near the Smoky Mountains? They can be frequently spotted along the road in Maggie Valley. One of the biggest reasons tourists come to Maggie Valley is to watch elk. A thriving population of this animal is in the Cataloochee Valley, which is at the far corner area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
18. Challenge Yourself With A Strenuous Hike
Hiking is always on the list of the best stuff to do in Maggie Valley. But if you are up to some serious challenge, explore the Art Loeb Trail. It is rated as the most difficult hike in Haywood County. The trail stretches between the Davidson River Campground and Boone Boy Scout Camp. This hike is known for extremely long stretches, rugged sections, and steep climbs.
19. Spend Quality Time At Parham Memorial Park
Located at the converging point of Moody Farm Road and Soco Road, the Parham Memorial Park is a haven for couples. This park has a walking trail, a fishing pier, restrooms, and Creekside benches. You can set a picnic here and spend quality time with your partner by the creek.
20. Learn The Local Culture At Oconaluftee Indian Village
Gain a glimpse of the history and heritage of the Smoky Mountains while visiting the Maggie Valley. This village is synonymous with the 18th century. It offers a glimpse into this age with its lush green vegetation and the sound of mountain streams. When here, admire the craft of award-winning artists and watch traditional Cherokee dancing.
21. Taste Local Delicacies
Maggie Valley has some of the finest savory cuisines. There are tons of places that will give you a taste of local delicacies. The best ones are Joey’s Pancake House, renowned for its breakfast menu, and Frankie’s Italian Trattoria, which specializes in homemade Italian comfort food. If you are a meat lover, head to Rendezvous Restaurant and Lounge, where you’ll be treated to tender hand-breaded South Fried Chicken.
Wrapping Up
Some of the best stuff to do in Maggie Valley is hiking, rafting, cultural exploration, and savoring the local delicacies. The gorgeous destination has something for people of all tastes and preferences. If the list of activities above has got you excited, pack your bags and head to this stunning place. You will certainly return home feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
