Named after Maggie Mae Setzer, whose father founded the area’s first post office, Maggie Valley is a small lush town cocooned in the majestic arms of the Smoky Mountains in the USA’s state of North Carolina. Many visit the laid-back resort town seeking a peaceful getaway amidst unspoiled scenery and friendly Southern hospitality. Blessed with lovely weather through the seasons and chock-full with family-friendly outdoor activities, you might just end up buying a vacation home in Maggie Valley!
1. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With its pristine forests, ancient mountains, and huge diversity of wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited park in the United States. Stretching across the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee, there are countless hiking trails and remote areas that offer amazing vistas.
Cataloochee Valley is perhaps one of the most secluded areas in the North Carolina part of the park, but it’s full of history and wildlife. Visitors have a good chance of spotting herds of elks as well. The elks disappeared from the valley in the 1700s, largely because of over-hunting and destruction of their habitat, but now their population is healthy and thriving ever since being re-introduced in 2001. Historic buildings in the area, such as barns, log homes, and cabins, remnants of the communities who once lived and farmed in the valley, offer a glimpse into the lives of settlers of a time long past.
Other activities, such as day hiking, backpacking, camping in designated areas, and trout fishing, are also good ways to experience the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Cataloochee Valley Tours (Evening Elk Eco Tour)
Departure Address: Pick up at your hotel in Maggie Valley
Price: 80 USD
Duration: 4 hours
Contact: tourguide@cataloocheevalleytours.com
2. Have wintertime fun at Cataloochee Ski Area
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Cataloochee Ski Area on Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Snow lovers will enjoy a winter retreat in Maggie Valley, home to the Cataloochee Ski Area, the longest operating ski resort in the south east. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for beginners to pick the sport up, and also for the more advanced skiers / boarders to hone their skills on the slopes. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, Cataloochee’s slopes will guarantee you a whole lot of wintertime fun! There’s even a snow-tubing park off the ski area for those who prefer whizzing down the slopes in a different way.
Cataloochee Ski Area
Address: 1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, United States
Opening Hours: 9 am - 10 pm (Hours differ so do check the hours of operation before you go)
Contact: +1 828-926-0285
Website: Cataloochee Ski Area
3. Visit the Wheels Through Time Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The "Indianized" Harley - Harley-Davidson developed this incredibly rare model UMG for the New York Police Department in...
Posted by Dale's Wheels Through Time on Thursday, January 7, 2021
If you are a lover of bikes or old timey machinery in general this is a must stop on your visit! Lots to take in so have a little extra time to spare when you stop…they will even start and drive some of the motorcycles they have! This is just an all around great place to visit whether by yourself or with others!!! Crystal H
Wheels Through Time Museum
Address: 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, United States
Price: Adults 15 USD; Children 7 USD
Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday 9 am - 5 pm (Apr to Nov)
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Contact: +1 (828) 926-6266
Website: Wheels Through Time
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4. Have a comfort-food breakfast at Joey's Pancake House
There’s nothing like a hearty homemade breakfast to start your day right and put you in a good mood for the rest of your vacation. Joey’s Pancake House was established in 1966 and has been serving up breakfasts with good doses of love, enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. The service is excellent and the surrounding views of the Smoky Mountains are a perfect side dish for whatever you order. Try their signature pancakes, golden waffles, or fluffy omelettes for a savoury treat. Other favourites include the Joey’s Brand Country Ham and Hashbrown Casserole that will have you coming back every day for another taste of Joey’s. Healthy options, like oatmeal and fresh fruit bowls, are also available for the health-conscious.
Joey's Pancake House
Address: Joey’s Pancake House, 4309 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Opening Hours: (Apr to Nov) 7 am - 12 noon, except Thursdays. (Nov to Feb) Fri - Mon, 7 am to 12 noon; Closed during March
Contact: 828-926-0212
Website: Joey's Pancake House
5. Get into the groove at Maggie Valley Stompin’ Ground
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Stompin' Ground on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of energetic fun. At the Maggie Valley Stompin’ Ground, Appalachian and other American country dance styles such as line dancing‚ square dancing‚ clogging‚ and the two-step are performed. The dance floor is gigantic, 60 feet by 80 feet (18.3 metres by 24.4 metres), and the venue can seat 1,000 people. The live band provides the dance track, playing everything from mountain and bluegrass music to contemporary country hits. Clogging is the official state dance in North Carolina. It is a type of folk dance where the dancer creates audible beats by striking the floor with his / her footwear.
In between the choreographed sets, audience members can go on stage to dance and let their dancing feet loose. The addictive grooves and beats will get you moving all night long. A night at the Stompin’ Grounds is a great activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family!
Maggie Valley Stompin' Grounds
Address: 3116 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, United States
Opening Hours: (Apr to October) Fri and Sat 8 pm - 10.30 pm
Contact: +1 828-926-1288
Website: Maggie Valley Stompin' Grounds
Marvellous Maggie Valley
The town may be small, but it has a big heart and giant picturesque mountains cradling it that offer some of the best views and outdoor activities in North Carolina. If you’re planning a visit to Maggie Valley, be sure to include all the things we’ve listed here!
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