A family taking a hike through the mountains in Haywood, North Carolina.

Partnered

Endless Adventure and Culinary Delights Await in Haywood, North Carolina

Copy to clipboard

Tucked within the Western North Carolina mountains’ highest peaks, Haywood County is a lesser-known gem where wonder and tranquility thrive. Shaped by the storied Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, an enduring Appalachian spirit lives on in Haywood’s five welcoming mountain towns––Canton, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville––each as charming and unique as the last.

Whether you’re tracing scenic byways, hiking to panoramic vistas, or wandering historic Main Streets, you’ll discover a region where outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and mouthwatering mountain cuisine come together in perfect harmony. 

An Outdoor Playground for Every Season 

A man fishing in a river in Haywood, North Carolina.

With 46,000+ acres of protected wilderness, including easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shining Rock Wilderness, and Pisgah National Forest, Haywood County is a four-season playground. Spring and summer beckon with hikes to Black Balsam Knob and Waterrock Knob, or fly-fishing on the cold, rushing waters of Jonathan Creek or the Pigeon River. Fall lights up the landscape with fiery foliage, perfect for cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway or taking in small-town festivals full of mountain music and craft traditions. In winter, the Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley offers icy thrills with some of the best snowmaking in the region, and Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend fends off the chill with four days of wintery fun.

From the Highest Peaks to the Smallest Streams

Haywood County wears a rare environmental badge of honor: it’s one of only two official headwaters counties in the United States. No rivers flow into Haywood—all of the county’s water originates from its own pristine mountain springs and diverse forests. The landscape is shaped by 13 peaks over 6,000 feet, making Haywood one of the highest counties east of the Mississippi. Generations of conservation efforts and protected terrain have helped preserve some of the cleanest water in the nation. These waters support healthy trout streams, lakes, and creeks—making Haywood a top destination for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Savor the Flavor of the Mountains 

Haywood County’s culinary scene is as rich as its natural beauty. From farm-to-table fare to down-home Southern classics, you’ll find fresh, locally inspired dining in every town. Sip small-batch brews at an award-winning brewery, linger over a mug of house-roasted coffee, or indulge in gourmet cuisine that brings Appalachian ingredients to new heights.

Come for the Mountains, Stay for the Moments 

A man and his son canoeing at Lake Junaluska

No matter if you stay four hours or four days, you’ll find it hard to put Haywood County in your rearview. With deep roots in a mountain culture of open arms and smiling faces, slip into a slower pace and connect with an unparalleled community of craftspeople, musicians, and friends waiting to happen.  

Here, life is measured by moments, not miles. A crisp morning hike, a downtown stroll with a hand-scooped ice cream, the sound of live bluegrass echoing off old brick walls—these are the memories waiting to be made.

Five towns. One unforgettable place. From sky-high peaks to stream-fed valleys, Haywood County invites you to start your story here, where nature flows freely, and community runs deep.

Plan your trip today at VisitHaywood.com.