Looking for mountain charm, winding roads, and Appalachian adventure? Visit Maggie Valley! Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Maggie Valley is a cozy town known for scenic drives, hiking, bluegrass music, and motorcycle culture. It’s a perfect year-round escape for nature lovers, families, and road trippers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Maggie Valley is in the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). Enjoy cool temperatures, wildflowers or vibrant fall colors, and plenty of festivals. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding at Cataloochee Ski Area, while summer brings warm weather and lush greenery.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Maggie Valley is located off US-19, about 40 minutes west of Asheville and 25 minutes from Cherokee, NC.
  • By Plane: The nearest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 1 hour away. Larger airports in Knoxville and Greenville are 2–2.5 hours away.
  • By Bus: Limited service is available via regional transit—having a car is strongly recommended for exploring the area.

Where to Stay

  • Jonathan Creek Inn & Villas – Cozy riverside lodging with rooms and private cottages by the creek.
  • Maggie Valley Club & Resort – Golf resort with spacious accommodations, mountain views, and a full-service spa.
  • Smoky Falls Lodge – Rustic inn with log cabin vibes, rocking chairs, and onsite dining in a serene setting.

Top Attractions

⮕ Explore Vintage Rides at Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum

Explore Vintage Rides at Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum

© Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum

The Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum is home to the “premier collection of rare American motorcycles and memorabilia of the world,” as well as a distinctive variety of “unique one-off American automobiles.” The collection is displayed throughout the museum in many different “life-like scenes,” accompanied by abundant information about the history of each item. Visitors can see over three hundred and fifty rare machines at the Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum and Dale Walksler, the owner and curator of the museum, is often walking around and available to answer any questions guests may have or to start up a bike.

62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-926-6266

⮕ Sip Local Wines at B&C Winery

Sip Local Wines at B&C Winery

© B&C Winery

The B & C Winery utilizes vineyards from all over the world, such as Argentina, Chile, Italy, Washington, Australia, California. The winery takes the skins and juices of the vineyard grapes and the region’s fresh mountain spring water to create a variety of great wines. Wine enthusiasts can stop by the B & C Winery Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00am until 4:30pm and Sundays from 10:00am until 3:00pm. The winery has created wine of nearly forty varieties and strives to introduce at least five new wines every year, along with a number of “Limited Edition” wines.

2427 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-550-3610

⮕ Find Peace and History at St. Margaret of Scotland Church

Find Peace and History at St. Margaret of Scotland Church

© St. Margaret Of Scotland Maggie Valley

St. Margaret Of Scotland Roman Catholic Church of Maggie Valley is a beautiful church in the western North Carolina mountains. A member of the Diocese of Charlotte, the Maggie Valley church offers Mass services every day of the week except for Mondays. Visitors and locals alike can attend Mass at 8:00am, Tuesday to Saturday and on Sundays at 10:00am and seasonally at 8:00am. There is also Holy Mass on the first Friday of the month at 4:00pm, as well as a number of different programs, activities, and events that typically take place throughout the week.

37 Murphy Dr, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-926-0106

Where to Eat

⮕ Savor Authentic Flavors at Frankie's Italian Trattoria

Savor Authentic Flavors at Frankie's Italian Trattoria

© Frankie's Italian Trattoria

Frankie's Italian Trattoria is a place where the Great Smoky Mountains meets true Italian food. The restaurant features a relaxed atmosphere and serves classic Italian cuisine, such as manicotti, veal parmigiana, pizza, and lasagna. Dishes are prepared with locally grown, fresh vegetables, greens, and herbs. In addition to the authentic Italian fare, Frankie’s Italian Trattoria also offers a full bar, a great wine list, and a beer list as well. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 3:00pm until 9:30pm and from 3:00pm until 10:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with dogs allowed on the patio.

1037 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-926-6216

⮕ Dine in Mountain Elegance at J. Arthur's Restaurant

Dine in Mountain Elegance at J. Arthur's Restaurant

© J. Arthur's Restaurant

J. Arthur's Restaurant in the mountain town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina has been offering a wide variety of delicious food for more than thirty years and is particularly popular with the local residents of the area. Specializing in seafood, steaks, and prime rib, the restaurant has a commitment to the principles of excellent service and food, great hospitality, and integrity. One of the signature dishes of the family-owned and operated J. Arthur’s Restaurant is its famous Gorgonzola cheese salad. The menu includes a variety of salad, grill, pasta, and seafood entrees and some of the area’s best all natural steaks.

2843 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-926-1817

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Cataloochee Ski Area – Winter sports destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing with beautiful mountain views.
  • Soco Falls – A double waterfall accessible via a short hike, perfect for photo ops and peaceful nature time.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – Scenic driving route with access to overlooks, hikes, and stunning vistas just minutes away.
  • Tube World – Seasonal snow tubing park that’s fun for kids and adults alike during the winter months.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Hillbilly Jam (July) – A celebration of mountain music, cars, and crafts with a fun and quirky local vibe.
  • Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Festival (Spring & Fall) – Browse handmade goods and artisan creations in the valley.
  • Thunder in the Smokies Motorcycle Rally (May, July, September) – Major rally events with rides, vendors, and live music.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Maggie Valley, North Carolina:

  • Cherokee (25–30 min) – Visit the Museum of the Cherokee People, Harrah’s Casino, or hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Waynesville (15–20 min) – A walkable downtown filled with shops, galleries, and mountain dining.
  • Lake Junaluska (20 min) – Enjoy lakeside walks, gardens, and peaceful views at this historic retreat center.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (20–30 min) – Hike trails, spot wildlife, and drive through Cataloochee Valley for elk sightings and old homesteads.
  • Sylva (30 min) – Explore a charming town with breweries, bookstores, and access to the Tuckasegee River.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Maggie Valley, North Carolina located?
    • Maggie Valley, North Carolina lies on the edge of the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as two national forests, which provide visitors and locals alike with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • What outdoor activities are available in Maggie Valley?
    • Possible outdoor activities include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, biking, camping, and hiking.
  • What kind of scenery can visitors expect?
    • Visitors will find some of the most stunning scenic mountain scenery.
  • Is there more to do in Maggie Valley besides outdoor activities?
    • However, there’s more to Maggie Valley than the “Great Outdoors.”
  • What attractions can visitors explore in town?
    • The town is home to museums, several restaurants serving delicious food, a winery, and even the first legal distillery in Haywood County.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Smoky Falls Lodge – A rustic lodge with mountain views. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway – Experience breathtaking mountain scenery in full bloom.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor activities. Jonathan Creek Inn & Villas – A cozy stay along a peaceful creek. Visit Soco Falls – Hike to this beautiful double waterfall just outside town.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage. Meadowlark Motel – A charming stay with easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Explore Cataloochee Valley – See elk roaming in their natural habitat and admire the autumn colors.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and great for winter sports. Best Western Mountainbrook Inn – A convenient stay near Cataloochee Ski Area. Go skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area – Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the Smoky Mountains.

Plan Your Trip


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