Explore – What to See
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Trails, Waterfalls, and so much more...
WHAT TO SEE
Maggie Valley, The Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and more...
WATERFALLS AND TRAILS EVERYWHERE
Western North Carolina is filled with beautiful waterfalls, mountain trails, and scenic drives. From easy roadside stops to short hikes and full-day waterfall adventures, Maggie Valley makes a convenient home base for exploring them. Use our local guides to discover individual waterfalls or plan a route that lets you visit several in one trip.
CHIMNEY ROCK
Chimney Rock State Park is a memorable Western North Carolina day trip featuring dramatic mountain scenery, hiking trails, Hickory Nut Falls, and panoramic views from Chimney Rock. Visitors can hike toward the summit or use the elevator when available, making the park accessible to a wide range of visitors. Allow enough time to explore the trails and viewpoints and enjoy the surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge area.
Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park from High Hopes Cabin
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, historic sites, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southeast. From Maggie Valley, visitors can explore the Cataloochee Valley area or continue toward Cherokee and other park entrances for a full day in the Smokies.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
One of the country's most famous scenic roads passes right through the mountains near Maggie Valley. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas, waterfalls, and unforgettable mountain views. Nearby highlights include Waterrock Knob, one of our favorite places for panoramic views and sunsets.
KUWOHI (CLINGMANS DOME)
Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located along the North Carolina–Tennessee border, it offers expansive views across the Smokies from its observation tower. On clear days, the views can stretch for miles across the surrounding mountains.
Waterfall Hikes in Pisgah National Forest & Blue Ridge Parkway
Pisgah National Forest covers more than 500,000 acres of Western North Carolina and is known for waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, mountain biking, fishing, and vast areas of protected mountain landscape. It makes an excellent day-trip destination from Maggie Valley.