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20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley (and Nearby!)

Published by Christina Riley. Last Updated on February 12, 2025.

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Maggie Valley is where North Carolinaโ€™s favorite scenic road meets Americaโ€™s most visited park! The small town sits just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is just a short drive from the famed Blue Ridge Parkway.

With plenty of outdoor adventures, great food, and more, there are some amazing things to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

Known for its old-fashioned vibe, motorcycle rallies, bluegrass and clogging, and plenty of mountains to hike, there truly are so many things to do in Maggie Valley.

Keep reading if you’re ready to plan your next visit to Maggie Valley! If youโ€™re looking for specific things to do in Maggie Valley, hereโ€™s how weโ€™ve organized things:

Whether youโ€™re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, weโ€™re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Maggie Valley and are wondering, โ€œWhat are the best things to do near me?โ€ we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina

Where is Maggie Valley?

map of North Carolina
Image Credit: David Benbennick, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Before we dig into the best Maggie Valley attractions, here are a few quick facts about the town.

  • Maggie Valley is a town in Haywood County, about 35 minutes west of Asheville (perfect for a day trip) and 16 miles east of Cherokee.
  • Haywood County has the highest median elevation of any county east of the Rockies.
  • Maggie Valley has a population of about 1,200.
  • Named after John Sidney Setzerโ€™s daughter, Maggie Mae Setzer, John founded the first post office in the valley. His descendants still come from all over the country for a large family reunion.
  • Maggie Valley is the birthplace of the legendary bootlegger and Appalachian moonshiner Popcorn Sutton.

Read More: 125+ Important Facts About North Carolina

Where to Stay in Maggie Valley

Things to Do in Maggie Valley

Downtown Maggie Valley is blessed with a wonderful mix of motels, with multiple vacation rentals around the corner. The seclusion and views are especially unbeatable at this cabin above Maggie Valley (pictured above).

Read More: 18 Unique Luxury Resorts in North Carolina

Annual Events in Maggie Valley

Maggie Valley Ice Festival Image by NC Tripping

No matter when you visit, if you are wondering what to do in Maggie Valley, there are always special events in Maggie Valley around the corner. Here are a few of them:

If you know about any other special events going on in Maggie Valley, please feel free to contact us.

Read More: The NC Tripping Events Calendar

Winter Things to Do in Maggie Valley (Skiing and Snow Tubing)

Before we get to the rest of the year, we think you should know about how much fun it is to visit Maggie Valley in the winter!

a couple of kids snow tubing in Maggie Valley

The kid-friendly Tube World and the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area are two very family-friendly things to do in Maggie Valley! Cataloochee is one of North Carolina’s most popular ski resorts, and Tube World is among our favorite places for snow tubing.

If you’re a beginner, take a ski lesson at the PSIA-certified Ski & Snowboard School or go straight to one of the eighteen slopes and enjoy the fresh powder.

Read More: The Best NC Mountain Towns

Things to Do in Maggie Valley This Weekend (and Most of the Year!)

Beyond those big events, here are some fantastic things to do in Maggie Valley throughout the year!

Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum

Address: 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC
Seasonally Open from April to November
Website

Wheels Through Time motorcyles

The Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum draws motorcyclists from all across the nation. We once sat across from Jason Momoa while he was in Maggie Valley to check it out!

Home to the worldโ€™s best collection of rare American motorcycles and memorabilia, this museum is a memorable experience for advanced riders and motorcycle newbies.

Read More: Museums in North Carolina

Meet Maggie Valley Artists

mountain mike and is Ridge Craft Trails location
Mountain Mike.

One of the most interesting things in Maggie Valley is exploring its art scene. Blue Ridge Craft Trails have been created throughout Western NC, and Haywood County is a massive part of them.

Here are a few Maggie Valley artists you can visit, either by appointment or when they’re open:

Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails

Haywood Quilt Trails

Another way to explore the area’s arts is to search for quilt blocks. Each block is eight feet across and can be seen easily from the road.

You can download your driving map or pick up a fold-out map at the Haywood County Visitor Center.ย 

Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina

Where to Eat in Maggie Valley

Scoping out the town’s restaurants (and one of our favorite breweries) are among the best things to do in Maggie Valley.

Joeys Pancake House Maggie Valley NC Image by NC Tripping
Joey’s Pancake House.
  • Joeyโ€™s Pancake House (4309 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC): One of the highest recommended restaurants is Joeyโ€™s Pancake House, a rating we agree with after trying it ourselves! Only open from 7 am to 12 pm, there was already a wait when we showed up at 7:01 am on a weekday! Order a stack, and we guarantee youโ€™ll be fueled up for your day of adventure in Maggie Valley.
  • Popโ€™s Place (3253 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC): This is another excellent option for breakfast and lunch in Maggie Valley. Using family recipes, they have some of the best made-from-scratch biscuits in North Carolina!
a delicious sandwich from Butts on the Creek BBQ
Butts on the Creek.
  • Brickhouse Burgers & Pizza (3914 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC): After youโ€™ve licked all the pancake syrup off your fingers, save room for lunch at Brickhouse Burgers & Pizza. It is perfect for families and pets alike, as they even have a dog-friendly patio!
  • Butts on the Creek BBQ (1584 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC): And, of course, being the North Carolina barbecue fanatics that we are, we couldn’t leave out Butts on the Creek BBQ! Applewood smoked pork shoulder, ribs, fried corn on the cob, and homemade banana pudding from this BBQ restaurant will soothe your soul and fill your belly.

Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Downtown Asheville

BearWaters Brewing Company

Address: 4352 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
Website

a glass of beer outside of BearWaters brewing company

We also always love a place where you can enjoy a locally crafted brew and relax with food. BearWaters Brewing Company sits along the creek in Maggie Valley and serves delicious bites with some refreshing pints.

The comforting vibe of this North Carolina brewery is a great way to end a long, fun-filled day of adventure. Just sit back, relax, and listen to the creek ramble by!

The Best Things to Do in Maggie Valley (Our Top 5)

We made some tough decisions when picking our favorite Maggie Valley things to do. Nevertheless, hereโ€™s what we think are the best of the best:

  1. Joey’s Pancake House
  2. BearWaters Brewing Company
  3. NC Tripping Insiders can access our personal picks! Visit NCTripping.com/subscribe for more info.
  4. Tube World
  5. Maggie Valley Artists

Things to Do Near Maggie Valley

While technically not in the town limits, ask anyone, and they’ll agree that these are fun things to do in Maggie Valley’s surroundings.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

the dirt trail leading up to Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob.

The southern end of NC’s most popular scenic road is also just 30 minutes away from Maggie Valley. From Milepost 469, you can count down to many of the best Blue Ridge Parkway stops and hikes, all within a 1-1/2 hour drive from Maggie Valley.

Here are a few of them:

Due to weather (and other factors), some sections of the Parkway will close in higher elevations. Please check here for road closure info.

Read More: Unique Things to Do in North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elk at Oconaluftee Visitor Center

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short 30-minute drive away from Maggie Valley and should be somewhere on your itinerary. Innumerable stops and trails await, and here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Oconaluftee Visitor Center Elk Watching: If you visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, about 30 minutes away and inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The elk typically roam the valley in the early morning or late eveningโ€”but remember to keep your distance as they can be aggressive.
  • Hiking and Waterfalls: We’ve enjoyed hikes along the Deep Creek Trail for three beautiful waterfalls and treks to Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi).
  • The Road to Nowhere: The Road to Nowhere (also known as the โ€œbridge to nowhere North Carolinaโ€) has a complicated and sad history, but we still recommend visiting and experiencing this unique place near Maggie Valley.
  • Purchase Knob: This trail provides high-elevation views with a moderate 3 to 5-mile hike to get your heart pumping! Along the way, you’ll pass by a historic 1874 cabin, bald mountain tops, and 360-degree views from the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center.

Of course, you can pick just about any spot and enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies!

Read More: Beautiful Waterfalls near Asheville

Waterfalls near Maggie Valley

While these waterfalls aren’t technically in town, you should still add them to your list of things to do in Maggie Valley!

Soco Falls

an aesthetic picture of Soco Falls

Two waterfalls converge at Soco Falls in Cherokee, just a few minutes from Maggie Valley.

If you are up for a bit of a hike, try the short yet rugged climb down to the base of these waterfalls: the views are definitely worth it!

Read More: 50+ Beautiful Waterfalls Near Asheville

Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls running down the side of the rock

Only 10 miles away from Soco Falls is Mingo Falls, another must-see waterfall near Maggie Valley! 160 steps by stairs precede this 120-foot-tall waterfall in Cherokee, but it is worth every single one.

We promise that visiting Mingo Falls will take your breath away. It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina, and if you brought them, your kids will love it, too!

Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)

Nearby Towns

While investigating all the fun things to do in Maggie Valley, you’ll run into some wonderful neighboring towns. Here are a few of them.

Lake Junaluska

a calm summer day at Lake Junaluska

Take a moment to stare into the water at Lake Junaluska, but donโ€™t stare for too long, as there are 3.8 miles to walk! The path that encircles Lake Junaluska is a great place for an early morning stroll.

The mist rises off of the water, and the mountains frame the glassy reflection, making for a stunning outdoor hike just outside Maggie Valley!

Read More: 25+ Great Lakes in North Carolina (+ Our Top 5 Picks)

Waynesville

the sidewalk of a street in downtown Waynesville

Waynesville is the largest town west of Asheville, with a nice Main Street and the interesting Frog Level district below. The town is packed with awesome restaurants and welcoming small businesses.

The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts also resides in Waynesville, open from May to October. You’ll find a nice collection of furniture, quilts, and more there.

Interesting Waynesville events include Octoberโ€™s Apple Harvest Festival and Folkmoot, a huge celebration of international dance.

If you’re looking for places to stay in Waynesville, we highly recommend The Swag, one of NC’s most luxurious resorts!

Read More: Sunburst Falls (How to Find this Amazing Roadside Waterfall!)

Cherokee

the sign for the Museum of the Cherokee Indian

While investigating all these fun things to do in Maggie Valley, you’ll likely end up in Cherokee. As we mentioned, Soco Falls and Mingo Falls are two wonderful things to do in Cherokee.

Many people also come here to Harrahโ€™s Cherokee Casino Resort, and we think you should, too. You can also learn about Native American heritage at the Oconaluftee Indian Village or the Museum of the Cherokee People.

Don’t forget about Qualla Arts & Crafts, which will introduce you to pottery, baskets, and more produced by over 250 native artists. And if youโ€™d like to stay outside in Cherokee, check out the Fire Mountain Trails for walking, hiking, and biking opportunities.

Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!)

Ready for These Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC and Nearby?

In case you’re staying elsewhere, Maggie Valley is perfect for exploring.

No matter what you choose, we hope you’re ready to be surrounded by some truly beautiful sights and these amazing things to do!

Have you ever visited this area of North Carolina? If so, we’d love to know your favorite things to do in Maggie Valley! If you haven’t been yet, what’s the first way you will enjoy this awesome place?

More Things to Do in Maggie Valley NC and Nearby (Travel Guides)