Blue Ridge Parkway Guide News

Haywood County, N.C. – In 2009, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate a great milestone. One of America’s most popular national parks - with more than 9 million visitors annually – The Great Smoky Mountains have been treating people from far and near to its natural splendor, serving as a tranquil refuge and scenic sanctuary for 75 years.

There’s never been a better time to visit this national treasure. The Park will be offering special events and activities each month during 2009 along with its usual menu of recreational opportunities. Within this majestic park you can explore 800 miles of hiking trails via foot or tour its 384 miles of road by automobile. There is also plenty of opportunity for scenic photography expeditions and wildlife viewing.

And there’s no better place to set up “base camp” than in Haywood County, North Carolina - located only a short drive from the park’s main entrance and just minutes from one of its most unique and beautiful areas.

“Of course, our proximity to the national park makes Haywood County a natural gateway and an ideal spot for visitors to the park to stay,” said Lynn Collins, executive director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

“But perhaps even more importantly, the options are numerous and wide-ranging when it comes to finding a suitable place to stay - whether it’s for a weekend or a couple of weeks,” Collins said. “No matter what type of lodging accommodations, no matter the desired amenities, no matter the budget, visitors will find exactly what they’re looking for here in Haywood County.”

In fact, Haywood County - encompassing the towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, and Lake Junaluska - is home to more than 200 accommodations. Options range from quaint bed and breakfasts in the heart of downtown to cozy cottages and cabins secluded from the hustle and bustle. You can also find recognizable brand hotels and budget-friendly motels to golf resorts and historic inns.

So, during this historic year for this amazing national park, take a few days to enjoy the peacefulness of the Smokies. Be sure to visit Cataloochee Valley, a large portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park located within Haywood County.

Cataloochee Valley is one of the most remote and beautiful areas of the park. It also provides a unique opportunity to explore both the natural and cultural history of the Smokies. Once a populous settlement and mountain community prior to the establishment of the national park, Cataloochee Valley is perhaps now best known for its elk. These creatures were reintroduced in the valley in 2001 after disappearing from North Carolina in the late 1700s as a result of over-hunting and loss of habitat. The best times for viewing the elk have been said to be early morning and late evening. Other wildlife, including black bear, white-tailed deer and wild turkeys also roam the area so cameras are highly recommended.

Cataloochee Valley is rich in history; with original homesteads still standing you can tour a school, church, barn, and several homes to learn what life was like for early settlers of the area. There's also plenty of hiking, camping and fishing to be had here, so make sure a trip to Cataloochee Valley is your itinerary while visiting the park in 2009.  

After a full slate of activities and adventure in the park, visitors are sure to have worked up quite an appetite - another reason Haywood County is the perfect vacation headquarters. With more than 100 restaurants, featuring just about every cuisine imaginable, even the pickiest palates will be pleased.

“From our friendly people to the wide array of accommodations and restaurants, Haywood County is a host visitors won’t soon forget,” Collins said. “And if, during their stay, they exhaust all the possibilities inside the park, they’ll be only minutes from dozens of entertaining attractions in Haywood County: gun fights and rides at Ghost Town in the Sky theme park, great shops and cafés in downtown Waynesville, and 46-miles of breathtaking scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway - to name a few.”

Call 800-334-9036 to request a Media Guide, or visit www.smokeymountains.net for more information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s 75th Anniversary and all that Haywood County has to offer, from accommodations to restaurants to attractions.

 

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