Surrounded by mountain streams, creeks, and rivers, Maggie Valley provides beautiful spots to relax from the summer heat in natural swimming holes. Because mountain rivers can rise suddenly due to flash flooding, swimming in mountain rivers can be dangerous. Do try these recommended spots to safely enjoy the mountain waters. Remember that most of these swimming spots do not have lifeguards on duty. Keep a close eye on the kids. Bring or wear your swim clothes which are required.

1. Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields Trail, an easy 3.2 mile hike, ends at the base of a waterfall. In the parking lot you will find a map of the trail system. If you take the Second Falls hike which is only .3 of a mile, you end on a large observation deck. From the deck you can view the falls from below. Here there are swimming areas where you can wade into cool mountain pools of water.

Directions:
Take US Highway 276 to the junction with the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Graveyard Fields Overlook at milepost 418.8 where the trail begins.

2. Oconaluftee Islands Park
You can end your walk around Oconaluftee Islands Park on Tsali Blvd in Cherokee by wading into the river. As the Oconaluftee flows through Cherokee, it creates two small islands that are accessible by footbridges. The islands are surrounded by great shade trees, picnic tables, benches, barbecue grills and pavilions. Bring your swimsuit and plan to make a day of it.

Directions:
From Maggie, take 19 into Cherokee. Make a right onto US 441N/Tsali Blvd. About a 17 mile ride.

3. Sliding Rock
Water Parks have nothing on Sliding Rock, a natural rock formation spewing 11,000 gallons of water per minute. The water jets down a 60 foot rock formation and ends in six feet of cool, clear water. For school age children who like to swim and adults who are kids at heart, this is a thrill a minute natural slide. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months.

Directions:
Take US Highway 276 S. Turn right at US-276 S/US-64 W. Sliding Rock will be on your right.

Light show starts in mid June
Unless you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia this year, the only way you will get to experience the synchronous fireflies is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Appalachian Voices provides an excellent explanation of the natural phenomenon. Catch a photographic view of the natural light show at the Knoxnews Blog.

Elkmont Historic District
If you are looking for an excuse to start your trip to the mountains in June, this rare event can be viewed for two weeks in mid-June at the Elkmont Historic District in GSMNP, a wonderful collection of abandoned cabins. The cabins began as part of a logging camp at the turn of the 20th century. Eventually, the area evolved into an elite club for the wealthy of East Tennessee. In 2009, the park service decided to restore these buildings that are now on the National Historic Register.

So, if you can’t time your trip to arrive for the synchronous light show of the fireflies, Elkmont and the Little River Hike should still make it onto your to do list when you visit Mystic Mountain and the Great Smokies.

On your next visit to Asheville, you will want to add the Grove Park Inn on to your list of not to be missed activities. You’ll find this grand old inn surrounded by a neighborhood of wonderful Arts and Crafts style homes. Opening in 1913, the spectacular structure of granite boulders is unique to the area.

Upon your arrival, you have options. You could just take a leisurely stroll through the lobby known as the Great Hall. Check out the 24 foot ceilings and the two 14 foot fireplaces. Then, you can explore the public areas of the inn which will lead you to some wonderful gift shops that display original arts and crafts by local artisans. But, I believe when weather permits you should splurge on lunch out on the Sunset Terrace, a casual dining experience. Along with a charming setting and great service, the menu provides a wide variety of excellent choices.

TIPS
1. Holiday times tend to be the most active booking periods.
2. When you are looking, so are many others.
3. To get your preferred dates plan to book several months in advance.

Have you ever been disappointed when trying to book Mystic Mountain Cabin. for your specific travel dates? Here are some tips to make sure you always get the reservation you want and need.

When you are traveling and how long you are staying help determine when to make your reservations. Often I find that everyone starts thinking vacation at the same time. In September, I receive multiple inquiries for Christmas week within days even hours of each other. So, you need to know that if Christmas is on your mind, it is also on the mind of many other vacationers who use the internet.

People think about booking for a vacation during a three day weekend. Over spring break, people start thinking about summer vacation; over Labor Day weekend, it’s time to start thinking Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over the Christmas holidays, people booking for a month in the summer make the final decision at that time.

Reserving for a month:
Most guests start checking dates as much as a year out in order to return to Mystic Mountain. At a minimum you should be thinking six months out to book Mystic Mountain for a month to get your preferred dates.

Reserving for a holiday week:
Guests usually contact me within three to four months of the holiday to secure a specific date.

Reserving for the summer season or leaf season:
Seasonal months in the Smokies are June, July and August or October. If you would like to be certain you will find a week available for June, July, August or October, you should be planning to book at least three months in advance.

What is your favorite time of year to visit Maggie? Plan ahead to make the most of that rare vacation time. Once you have stayed with us at Mystic Mountain you will not want to stay anywhere else. We would love to have you visit with us again and again. So, remember to contact us a minimum of three to six months in advance to get your preferred dates. We’ll be looking forward to your visit as much as you will! Don’t risk loosing the dates you prefer. Check availability today. Go to Mystic Mountain Cabin.