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The western boundary of North Carolina is shaped by the Great Smoky Mountains, which are
renowned for their rugged character and amazing diversity of plant and animal life. The region boasts the country's most visited National Park (the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) and the southeast's most popular whitewater river (the Nantahala).
The Great Smokies are also the ancestral homeland of the Cherokee. Today, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians flourishes on the Qualla Boundary where it continues to preserve much of its cultural heritage.
The region is also blessed with many historic small towns, recreational lakes, and spectacular views from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Attractions and recreational areas directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway in this section of your travels are:
If you would like to advertise in the Great Smoky Mountains area of our attractions guide, then please feel to browse our advertising information page.
Attractions and Parks in the Great Smoky Mountains
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(Milepost 443) SEASONAL. Great Smoky Mountain Fish Camp & Safaris offers tubing rentals along a scenic stretch of the Little Tennessee River. This scenic river offers unparalleled wade fishing opportunities, smallmouth action, and breathtaking scenery. The river is extremely safe for tubing. With the Go Blue Ridge Card, a relaxing three hour tubing journey awaits. |
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(Milepost 443) SEASONAL. Rose Creek Mine Gift & Rock Shop is the place where miners find rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, tourmaline, kyanite and so much more in a family friendly environment. Come and dig your own bucket in the mining tunnel. Gem kits, lapidary supplies and jewelry are available in the rock shop. |
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(Milepost 443) SEASONAL. The Dillsboro River Company offers rentals and raft trips on the Tuckaseegee River. The “Tuck” is a Class I-II whitewater river, offering a great white water river activity for families and kids, who weigh 40 lbs or more, to enjoy. The “Tuck” River is warmer than most rivers, which will make for a wonderful, fun filled day. |
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(Milepost 455.5) SEASONAL. Step back into the Wild West at Ghost Town in the Sky. Surrounded with breathtaking views in a beautiful mountain setting, Ghost Town is a timeless, family-fun theme park located in the heart of Western North Carolina in Maggie Valley.
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(Milepost 469) SEASONAL. Rated the #1 “Vacation with a Splash” by National Geographic Adventure and Good Morning America, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) offers gentle to adrenaline-packed rafting. The Southeast’s most popular river, the Nantahala offers an exciting half-day introduction to whitewater rafting. The clear waters of the Nantahala offer plenty of practice on easy Class II rapids before reaching the Class III Nantahala Falls.
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(Milepost 469) SEASONAL. Nothing can prepare you for the thrill of this unique and exhilarating ride. Smoky Mountains Jet Boats takes you to the Almond boat dock (just five minutes away) where you board the jet boat that takes you out on scenic Lake Fontana. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as your backdrop the ride is fun for all ages. The boats are extremely maneuverable and can spin within their own length. Highlights include a 150 foot waterfall.
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(Milepost 469) SEASONAL. Join Wildwater, the most experienced rafting company in the Southeast, offering great fun and memories for families & friends. Since 1971, Wildwater has been a family business. Three generations continue to work and run the business today along with over 200 of the finest guides and outdoor service leaders you could possibly find. Join Wildwater’s popular Follow-A-Guide experience on the Nantahala River.
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(Milepost 469) The Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is more than an ordinary museum. With its collection of 7,000 Lionel™ engines, cars, and accessories, impressive operating layout, children’s activity center, and gift/toy shop, the museum has something for everyone. The museum displays an impressive 45x24 foot layout with over a mile of track on three levels operating six trains simultaneously with steam and diesel locomotives.
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(Milepost 469) SEASONAL. Experience what life was like among the Cherokee in 1750 as you amble through their living village with its council house, sweat lodge, ceremonial grounds and craftsmen. Lose yourself in the lilting tones of some of the tribe’s greatest storytellers as they gift a new generation with their legends and tales of the seven-clan society. |
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(Milepost 469) To truly understand a people, you need to see the world through their eyes. At the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, you will experience just that, through knowledgeable hosts, special group programs and award-winning permanent exhibits. Visit and stand before 10,000 years of artifacts and history that will spark the imagination and inspire the soul. |
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(Milepost 469) SEASONAL. See one of the longest, continuously performed outdoor dramas in the U.S.–since 1957–and still it’s the greatest story never told...at least not as they are telling it this year. With a new script, new direction, new score, new choreography, it is a story as old as time, and as fresh as the next performance. |
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