To get the most out of your vacation days advance planning is essential fun. Enhance the time spent daydreaming about your upcoming trip by reviewing these helpful travel websites.

Area Information
A very active and well maintained website, Welcome to Maggie Valley, developed by the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, provides a wealth of information that is updated daily. This website provides local weather reports along with links to live webcams and a critical events calendar. It also provides tips for hikes, scenic drives, and entertainment within minutes of downtown Maggie.

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority provides an extensive overview of activities in the Maggie Valley area. Developed locally by people in the know, it links to activities that are off the beaten path as well as information about the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and local waterfalls.

Guided Hikes
A visit to Maggie Valley/Waynesville would not be complete without a visit to see the elk of Cataloochee Valley. Cataloochee Valley Tours will take you there. April through October the valley is host to a variety of natural beauty. Along with the elk you can see unique wildflowers and birds in April and May and the show of the synchronous fireflies in May and June.

Motorcycle Tours
For motorcyclists or for anyone who wants to find great loop tours in the valley check out America Rides Maps. Wayne Busch, “The Map Guy,” has covered thousands of miles to develop maps that take riders on the most scenic and challenging rides in the area. The website provides custom designed maps, tutorials, and links to Wayne’s blog.

Fly Fishing
For beginners to experience fishermen, the people at Waynesville Fly Shop are your connection to successfully fishing the Haywood County area.

This nationally maintained website Trails.com should be a go to for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With detailed information on trail heads and maps for hikers, bicyclists, campers, scenic drivers, Trails.com is an essential resource for planning a visit to Haywood County.

Despite being located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Marker 458.2, you might say Heintooga Ridge Road is off the beaten trail. Found near the entrance of the Parkway from the North Carolina end, Heintooga Ridge Road links the Blue Ridge with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

During our outing we encountered three elk who had wandered over from the Cataloochee side of the park. Grazing along the side of the ride, the elk provided a great photo opportunity. Along with the elk, a flock of wild turkeys were foraging along the roadside.

After taking advantage of the roadside photo op, we continued on to Flat Creek Trail to take in the view of the Smokies from Heintooga Overlook. The overlook is situated just a few yards from the parking area. The trail head has a lovely picnic area with numerous tables plus a well-maintained convenience station. The overlook has two comfortable benches to enjoy the view. Sunsets and sunrises would be spectacular. The birding opportunities are some of the best in the area with a chance to see Broad-winged Hawk; Ruffed Grouse; Black-billed Cuckoo; Northern Saw-whet Owl; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Least Flycatcher.

In and around Haywood County birders will find three excellent viewing opportunities.

Devil’s Courthouse Trail, located near Milepost 422.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, provides an opportunity to view the Peregrine Falcon, Alder Flycatcher, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. The .4 of a mile hike to a rocky outcrop at 5,720 feet is very steep but short. The long range views are spectacular. The best time for birding is late spring through early summer. You’ll find details of this hike on this page at Trails.com.

Heintooga Spur Road is located on a spur of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Wolf Laurel Gap (Milepost 458.2). In this spruce fir and hardwood forest, you will find a variety of species common to elevations of 3,800 to 5,400 feet. For a list of the birds and hiking details check out this page at Trails.com. The best viewing takes place between mid-April to mid-October.

If you are searching for Golden-winged Warblers and Least Flycatchers, Max Patch Road and Bald provides an excellent environment for these species. Located off Interstate 40 at exit 7, an easy hike takes you to the top of the bald. The 360 degree long range views entice you to sit and stay awhile so bring a blanket and a snack. Although the views are always worth the trip, the birding opportunities are best between mid-April and June. See details of this hike on this page at Trails.com.

Need a place to stay? Check out Mystic Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC within 30 minutes of each of these locations. The front porch is a great place to sit back and watch the birds come to you.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway rides rated in the top ten in a survey in April’s 2011 issue of American Motorcyclist Magazine. Wayne Busch of America Rides Maps has been detailing these rides for years. Stay in Maggie Valley, NC and all these roads can be on your to do list.

From Maggie you are minutes from the Soco Gap entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 455.7. Head west to the southern entrance/exit of the park way at mile marker 469.1, you will find yourself 2 miles south of Cherokee. Head east from Soco Gap, your first stop should be Waterrock Knob. But, you won’t want to linger too long. This stretch of the Blue Ridge has much to offer including Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest point on the Blue Ridge. At mile marker 417, you’ll find Looking Glass Rock. Mount Pisgah Inn is a must do at mile marker 408. Grab a meal or just pause to take in the view from the “Peak of the Parkway.”

The Cherohala Skyway meanders through the Nantahala National Forest on the North Carolina end of the ride. You’ll enjoy long sweeping curves and spectacular views on this challenging ride. Photo ops are prominently marked along the way. Other than a couple of restrooms along the 36 mile ride, it is pure wilderness so be sure to top off your gas tank. Riding on this $100,000,000 skyway, you won’t be disappointed with views that compete with those of the Blue Ridge. Allow a full day for this ride if you are traveling from Maggie, an 80 minute ride one way. The ride begins out Robbinsville, NC.

You’ll find the Tail of the Dragon adjoining Cherolala Skyway. This challenging 13 mile stretch of road is said to have as many as 318 curves. To protect riders the 55 mile per hour speed limit was lowered to 30 miles per hour in 2005 with stepped up law enforcement on the Tennessee side.

For up to the minute travel information on all of these rides check out America Rides Map. Wayne Busch designs these custom maps to help you plan out the best route and key you into some little known side tours that you won’t want to miss.

If you are looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay with easy access that is always clean and well maintained please check out Mystic Mountain Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC.

In Haywood County, traveling along historic and scenic Rt 215 leads to the Mount Hardy Gap Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most convenient access to Sam Knob. What a great way to arrive at this hike! The Mt. Hardy Gap Entrance places you at MP 423.2 only 3.2 miles from Sam Knob (MP 420). You will follow Fire Road 816 for about a mile where it ends at a parking lot. After parking, walk towards the end of the paved road to the dirt trail. The trailhead, one of the highest in Western North Carolina, is to your right.

A heads up here on the trailhead. The hiking books that we consulted along with the online sites evaluated this hike as moderate and it was. But, we weren’t looking for a narrow trailhead that started an immediate ascent. The trailhead adjoins Art Loeb Spur, a horse and hiking trail, immediately to the left of Sam Knob Trail. Art Loeb-another great hike for a different day.

Once you start your ascent, the adventure begins. The narrow trail takes you up through an alpine type forest with exotic grasses, raspberry, strawberry and blackberry bushes, and wonderful banks of wildflowers. Just when we were looking for a break in the action, we happened upon this spectacular rock formation where we could sit down and take in the view.

We skipped the last 50 feet to the summit because we hiked quite a ways along Art Loeb Spur by mistake. But, we still enjoyed some very expansive views and were pleased with our decision to hike along the trail to Sam Knob on the Blue Ridge.

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.

If you are interested in hitting Harrah’s, the quickest way to Cherokee from Maggie Valley is definitely US 19. But, if you are interested in the cultural side of Cherokee, the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you on a direct route to a wonderful day of exploration.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, Scenic Ride to Cherokee
The Blue Ridge Parkway provides a unique and scenic access to Cherokee from Maggie Valley. Traveling from mile marker 455.7 in Maggie to mile marker 469.1, you will arrive at the southern entrance/exit of the Parkway. With beautiful overlooks along the way, the 30 minute ride to Cherokee is spectacular. As you exit the Parkway, you will arrive at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This stop is worth the ride with a Mountain Farm Museum to explore and a gentle hike along the Oconoluftee River to take.

Museum, Art Galleries, and Live Performances
But, you won’t want to linger too long. Because as you continue along US 441, 2 miles south, you will enter the cultural side of Cherokee.

One of your first stops should be the Native American Craft Shop, as much a gallery of native American art work from around the country as a retail store.

Not far up the road you will encounter the main cultural intersection .

Everyone of these activities is well worth your time.
1. “Unto these Hills: A Retelling” provides a live reenactment of Cherokee history, the second longest running outdoor drama. Summer performances only
2. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, the oldest and leading Native American Arts Cooperative in the United States, represents a wide variety of artisans. Open year round
3. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian retraces the 11,000 year history of the Cherokee of western North Carolina. Open year round
4. Oconluftee Indian Village recreates the lifestyles of the Cherokee in 1759. May through October

Thunder in the Smokies Motorcycle Rally rumbles through Maggie Valley the last weekend in April. Sponsored by Handlebar Corral, this event brings in riders looking for a unique and challenging riding experience. With exciting rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Tail of the Dragon, and Cherohala Skyway, this event in biker friendly Maggie has been bringing in riders since 2003.

To make sure you get the most out of your riding experience hook up with Wayne at America Rides Maps for the best in touring maps for Maggie and the surrounding area.

Along with some great riding, the event calendar includes The Alabama Blues Brothers and Amanda Overmyer, American Idol finalist.

Don’t miss out on all the action the weekend of April 23 through April 25, 2010. And if you are looking for a place to stay that provides easy access check out Mystic Mountain Cabin. With sleeping for up to 6 adults, its comfortable and affordable.

Small town Maggie with a population of around 800 year round residents offers the punch of big tourists areas without the congestion.

Looking for the ideal vacation spot? Asking yourself what Maggie Valley has to offer?

How about minutes away from:

the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
the Blue Ridge Parkway,
the Pisgah National Forest,
the Elk of Cataloochee.

Don’t forget trout fishing in the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Check out a map of the actual fishing areas in Maggie.

Move away from the naturalist’s pursuits with the following:

Antiquing around Maggie and Waynesville.
Golfing at the lovely Maggie Valley Club or Lake Junaluska Golf Course just to name a couple of courses.
Great live productions at Eaglenest.

For a great way to check out all the details please go to maggievalley.org . Please stay with us at Mystic Mountain Cabin so you can be where the action is.

In Maggie Valley, the traveler will find a convergence of the Smoky Mountain National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Pisgah Forest. With so much to see and do, it can be a challenge to plan a trip that includes the best rides.

That’s where America Rides Maps comes into play. Wayne Busch, an experienced motorcyclists, decided to share his love of riding the mountains in an assortment of excellent maps designed for ease of use. These detailed maps help you not only plan your vacation but also effortlessly get where you want to go. Driving around the mountains can be challenging. These maps take the guess work out of the ride.

For as little as five dollars, you can have five of the best rides around Maggie including tours of the Blue Ridge, Hot Springs, and the Devil’s Triangle of the Pisgah. Another map provides directions to some of the best roadside waterfalls in the area. With a dozen maps to choose from, there is sure be a driving tour that will interest you.

Wayne’s blog, The Cultivated Biker, provides a wealth of information for all travelers. Check it out. You will be glad that you did.