Maggie Valley in North Carolina
Maggie Valley NC is a small town in North Carolina's Haywood County.
With an estimated population of around 1,200 inhabitants, this charming valley attracts an average of 11,000 tourists annually. It sits at an elevation of 3,020 feet and is home to snow-capped mountains, green meadows and dense forests.
The region is steeped in history, dating back to its foundation in 1904, and offers a variety of outdoor activities, mostly related to its location in the Great Smoky Mountains. Popular attractions include the Cataloochee Ski Area and the Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum.
Maggie Valley is located in western North Carolina. It is situated in Haywood County within the Great Smoky Mountains. The town is approximately 35 miles west of Asheville and about 50 miles east of Knoxville, Tennessee.
The population of Maggie Valley is estimated to be just under 1700 permanent residents.
Maggie Valley lies at just over 3000ft in elevation (920 meters).
According to local lore, resident Jack Setzer wanted to set up a post office in his home at the start of the 20th century. He applied to the authorities using the names of his three daughters as options for the post office title and they picked the first name of his daughter Maggie Mae Setzer.
The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is approximately 45 miles east of Maggie Valley. If you’re driving from Asheville, you can take Interstate 40 West and then US-74 West. This scenic route will take you through the mountains and directly into Maggie Valley.
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Country Cabins offer five cabins on private property with two small streams just a short walk away from the centre of Maggie Valley.
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Johnson Branch Cabins have three cabins with hot tubs in an elevated scenic position above Maggie Valley, with two of them designated as 'honeymoon cabins'.
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The Wheels Through Time Museum is home to a collection of rare American motorcycles and unique automobiles. The museum features over 350 rare machines from 25 different makes, including Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Excelsior Henderson. The museum also showcases exhibits on board track racing, hill climbing,and vintage Harley-Davidson dealerships. It is open for visitors Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm.
Maggie Valley Club & Resort is a golf and country club located between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina. It offers a 6,500-yard golf course and amenities such as a heated pool, hot tub, tennis courts, driving range and walking trails. The resort also offers luxury accommodations for events such as weddings.
Maggie Valley is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
The Waterrock Knob Trail is a popular hiking trail to the south of Maggie Valley that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is located at an elevation of 6,292 feet and is only a (steep) 1.2 miles from the visitor center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Soco Falls near Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Maggie Valley is home to several waterfalls, including the Soco Falls. The Soco Falls are located just west of Maggie Valley on US Highway 19 (Soco Road) and feature two cascading waterfalls that drop a total of 120 feet.
The short but steep trail from the parking ends at a viewing platform. More adventurous visitors can head further down to the base of the falls - there are some fixed cables to help with balance on the lower path.
Those looking for an easy stroll might like to head out to Lake Junaluska, a few miles to the east of Maggie Valley. The trail around the lake is just under four miles in length and can be shortened by taking the Turbeville footbridge.
Maggie Valley has skiing close at hand with the Cataloochee ski area a few miles to the north of the town. It offers mainly beginner and early intermediate skiing with five lifts serving 50 acres of trails. The Cataloochee ski area also offers a winter Tube World in town.
Website: cataloochee.com
Other ski areas are close at hand around the larger centres of Boone and Asheville. More information about these areas can be found here: Ski Resorts in North Carolina
The plan to reintroduce wild elk to the Smoky Mountains started in 2001.
What started with a herd of just over 50 elk in the Cataloochee Valley near Maggie Valley has grown to almost 200 animals.
The best times to view elk in Cataloochee Valley are during the early morning and late evening hours. However, they can also be active during cloudy summer days and storms.
To stay safe visitors are required to keep a distance of at least 150 feet from the elk.
To reach Cataloochee Valley from Maggie Valley, take US 19 (Soco Road) east towards Waynesville before turning onto Cove Creek Road. Beware of hazardous conditions after heavy rain or snowfall.
Elk in Maggie Valley, North Carolina