Brimming with charm and scenery, Maggie Valley, North Carolina, is one of the Southeast’s top vacation destinations for good reason. There are countless different things to see and do, and you’ll be surrounded by some of the finest eats that the region has to offer.
Located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Maggie Valley offers ample opportunities for outdoor and indoor recreation alike. To that end, we at Carolina Vacations have created a traveler’s guide to downtown Maggie Valley so you can plan your itinerary and cover as much ground as possible.
A Brief Introduction to Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley’s history dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Near 1900, resident Jack Setzer applied to establish a post office in what’s now Maggie Valley. However, as the isolated community didn’t yet have a formal name, Setzer was tasked with choosing one. After some back and forth, the town christened Maggie after Setzer’s oldest daughter. A few decades later, it would be renamed Maggie Valley.
Today, Maggie Valley is a hub for outdoor activities and boasts many modern comforts. But it still retains its earliest charms: peace and quiet and that welcoming, Southern small-town feel.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Maggie Valley
Whether you’re an indoor or an outdoor person, there are tons of different things to do in Maggie Valley. The town is bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Junaluska, and much more.
Go for a Hike
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, Maggie Valley is surrounded by a variety of scenic hiking trails. While you hike, keep an eye out for waterfalls and herds of native elk.
These are our top three trail picks:
Ski Cataloochee
Maggie Valley’s Cataloochee Ski Area is one of the largest and most-visited ski resorts in the Southeast, with 18 trails serviced by five lifts. It typically opens in November and closes in March.
The resort offers lessons and gear rental, but if you don’t want to tackle the ski slopes, head to Tube World. Located at themountain’s basen, this snow tubing hill is a gently sloped incline perfect for visitors of all ages.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
One of America’s most iconic scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds for 469 miles from North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park. You can hop on at Soco Gap and see some of what the parkway has to offer.
As you drive, stop to hike nearby trails or simply picnic and enjoy the views, which are especially spectacular in the fall. The Parkway closes to car traffic during winter, but you can still walk or bike the road — or cross-country ski.
Visit the Wheels Through Time Museum
If you’re traveling with an automotive aficionado, a stop by the Wheels Through Time Museum is a must. This 38,000-square-foot space contains a massive collection of more than 350 rare cars, motorcycles, memorabilia, and much more.
Wheels Through Time will walk you through automobile history in the U.S., but you can also simply admire the displays of well-maintained vehicles. The museum is a nonprofit and operates from April to November every year.
Dance the Night Away at Stompin’ Ground
For an old-fashioned hoe-down, visit Stompin’ Ground Dance Hall, home to a hugely popular annual clogging competition (fun fact: Maggie Valley is the self-proclaimed “Cloggin’ Capital of the World”).
On Saturday nights between April and October, listen to live music from the comfort of the stadium-style seating or swing your partner ‘round the dance floor. Even squares can have a ball here, so don’t be shy about joining in on the fun.
Best Time to Visit Maggie Valley
Year round, there’s always something new to see and do in Maggie Valley. Before you plan your trip, get to know a little more about the seasonal conditions around here.
Spring
Spring weather is mild in Maggie Valley, with new greenery and flowers popping up throughout the area. Another plus: you won’t see as many crowds, so you may spot some wildlife on the trails.
Highs are in the 50s in March but warm up into the 70s by the time May rolls around. Lows throughout the season frequently fall into the 30s, and we often get spring showers at this time of year. Pack warm layers and a rain jacket in case of any unexpected precipitation.
Summer
Summer can get busy in Maggie Valley, but “busy” is a relative term. Visitors come to boat Lake Junaluska, hike the local trails, and participate in the many fun events around town, such as the famous Maggie Valley Fly Fishing Festival, the Arts & Crafts Show, the Hillbilly Jam, and much more take over the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.
Highs are usually in the 80s, with lows between the 50s and 60s. Late afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common. Bring lightweight, quick-drying t-shirts and shorts to combat the heat and humidity, as well as a light rain jacket. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray!
Fall
The fall is also one of the most popular times of year to visit Maggie Valley, as the leaves change color in a jaw-dropping display that draws visitors from all over the world. The weather is mild, though brisk at night, and you’ll get little rain compared to the rest of the year.
Highs typically run in the 70s, with lows in the 50s. Sweaters, jeans, and jackets are typical fall wardrobe requirements, but temps can also climb unexpectedly. Check the forecast before your trip to fine-tune your packing list.
Winter
Maggie Valley receives an average annual snowfall of nearly 11 inches. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are the main draws at this time of year, but you can also check out events like the Maggie Valley Ice Festival.
Highs are typically between the 30s and 50s, with lows down into the 20s. Bring lots of layers to keep warm, as our higher elevation can also contribute to the chill in the air.
Best Restaurants in Maggie Valley
The best restaurants in Maggie Valley have a little something for even the pickiest of eaters. There’s everything from delicious barbecue to traditional Cherokee food on offer here.
Here are a few of our favorites—bon appetit!
- Pop’s Butts on the Creek
- BearWaters Brewing Company: Creekside
- Frankie’s Italian Trattoria
- Brickhouse Burgers and Pizza
- Joey’s Pancake House
Travel Tips for Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley is located just an hour away from Asheville and is surrounded by major attractions. It’s a beautiful and peaceful town, but here are a few suggestions to make your trip go smoothly:
- Rent a car: You’ll definitely need a car to get to and around Maggie Valley, as public transit is limited in Haywood County.
- Get to know the locals: Maggie Valley is famously welcoming, and one of the best parts of visiting is chit-chatting with friendly residents — if you’re lucky, they might teach you even more about the area.
- Explore nearby towns: Neighboring towns like Cherokee, Bryson City, and Waynesville are a short drive away from Maggie Valley and provide even more hours of entertainment. Set aside some extra time to tube Deep Creek or visit the Museum of the Cherokee People.
Stay in Maggie Valley
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of Maggie Valley, including what to do and when to visit. Now, all that’s left to do is book your plane tickets and pack your bags.
There’s so much more to Maggie Valley than we could fit in this article. When it’s time to visit, come with an open mind and be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.
No matter what else is on your itinerary, make sure that you’ve booked your Carolina Vacations stay. We can’t wait to see you at one of our rental properties!
