With a 46 mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing Haywood County, the county boasts the highest and most natural elevations. Access to the parkway at 4 points throughout Haywood County provides the opportunity to complete your choice of 4 loop tours.

Maggie Valley Loop
If your time is limited, the Maggie Valley Loop can be completed in as little as an hour. To access the Maggie Valley entrance to the parkway at Milepost 455.7, Soco Gap, you will cruise through Maggie with its unique gift shops and craft stores highlighting the work of local artisans. Grab a homemade meal from a local restaurant. No chain restaurants here.

The Maggie Valley 19 Loop will take you past Waterrock Knob known for its spectacular sunsets and panoramic views. Along with a short but moderate hike to the crest of the knob, this stop along the Blue Ridge pleases both hikers and non-hikers alike. Exit at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1.

Waynesville 276 Loop
The Waynesville Loop includes the most views and hikes on the Haywood County section of the Blue Ridge. And with a short backtracking to Milepost 408.6, you can visit the Pisgah Inn not only a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal but another panoramic vista. For hikers, from the Inn you are only minutes from the trail that takes you on a moderate hike to the top of Pisgah Mountain.

The drive to the Blue Ridge entrance takes you through historic downtown Waynesville, the county seat, founded in 1810. Plan to take a stroll down Main Street. Access the Waynesville Loop from 276 South at Milepost 412.2, Wagon Road Gap, and exit the Parkway at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1. This 30 mile ride along the Blue Ridge provides a number of scenic views and hikes. Keep your eyes peeled for Looking Glass Rock Overlook(MP 417), Graveyard Fields Overlook (MP 418.8), Sam Knob Trail(MP 420), Devil’s Courthouse Trail (MP 422.4) and Haywood-Jackson Overlook (MP 431).

Canton/Clyde 215 Loop
Begin this tour at the Mt. Hardy Gap Entrance at Milepost 423.2 off N.C. 215. Take note that N.C. 215 itself is a heritage scenic byway. Along this part of the parkway, you will not want to miss the Haywood-Jackson Overlook. This overlook adjoins the Haywood Balsam hike that takes you to the highest elevation overlook on the parkway at 6053′. This fairly easy hike goes from 6020′ to 6053′. Exit at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1.

Your route to Mt. Hardy Gap will take you through the historic town of Clyde which boasts the Shook House Museum. In downtown Canton, you will find some fun shops and restaurants to get a bite before you begin your ride.

Maggie Valley/Waynesville Loop
Beginning in Maggie Valley at the Soco Gap entrance at Milepost 455.7and exiting at Milepost 412.2, this is the longest loop and all inclusive of the others. You could easily make this a day long drive starting with breakfast in Maggie and a tour of a few of the shops.

Make stops at Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451) for a near 360 degree view, Haywood-Jackson Overlook (Milepost 431) for the highest elevation views, and end with the breath taking views of Looking Glass Rock Overlook. Complete your tour with lunch or dinner at a local restaurant in Waynesville.