SUMMER IN HAYWOOD’S WESTERN NC MOUNTAINS – THINGS TO DO, EVENTS & MORE
Escape to Haywood County’s unparalleled piece of the Western NC Mountains for a fun-filled summer in our wide-open spaces. Our events and outdoor experience are the perfect opportunity to reel in your next adventure!
When the heat of summer is on, there’s no better way to beat it than by heading to the cool, refreshing Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of Haywood County, NC. There are endless reasons why Haywood is the best vacation spot to cool off in during the summer! Here are a few of our favorites:
Haywood County has the highest mean elevation east of the Rocky Mountains, with 25 of our majestic mountain peaks soaring to over 6,000 feet. Things get cooler at high elevations, and Haywood is no exception, so start climbing!
Summer fun, captured by you!
SMOKY MOUNTAIN SWIMMING HOLES
We’ve all tried to beat the heat in a neighborhood swimming pool, but trust us: you haven’t truly cooled off until you’ve leapt into a crystal clear, mountain-fed swimming hole. Swimming holes are natural pools of water created by our local streams and rivers that are perfect for swimming. Haywood County is home to an abundance of awesome swimming spots that are fairly easy-to-access and even easier to enjoy
Sunburst Swimming Hole
Hwy 215 South from Canton
Just a few miles above Lake Logan on the Pigeon River, Sunburst is one of the easiest swimming holes to get to. Bonus: there’s plenty of parking. It’s the perfect spot to unload a cooler and grill thanks to the easy access. You’ll find an upper and lower swimming hole, plus plenty of rocks and beach areas to relax. Sunburst Campground is located across the road and offers a great picnic area.
MIDNIGHT SWIMMING HOLE
Big Creek Trail, Cataloochee, NC
The trailhead for Big Creek Trail which leads you to Midnight Hole is back up the road a little from the parking lot. This trail will take you to Midnight Hole. There are several other trails in the area. Bent Creek Trail is well traveled with a slight inclination and a few rocky sections. Some spots offer a great aerial view of the river down below.
Please note, Big Creek Trail is currently closed for repair from Mouse Creek Falls onwards. Check the trail condition here before heading out.
Graveyard Fields
Mile marker 418 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Graveyard Fields makes for the perfect combination of hiking and swimming. This 3.2 mile hike offers multiple waterfall features and swimming areas to splash around in. This is a very popular hiking area, so make sure you plan for heavier crowds on hot summer days. Pets are welcome here, but make sure they’re on a leash.
A word of caution, as these swimming areas are often remotely located and do not offer the reassurance of a lifeguard on duty: please swim and jump at your own risk. We advise you to always do your research on the particular hole you plan to visit and test the waters before jumping – NEVER dive, as you may not be aware of how shallow the water is. But if you keep safety in mind, spending the day cooling off at one of these area swimming holes will be a blast!
Our Favorite Summer Outdoor Activities
Golfing
Not only does every golf course in Haywood County boast spectacular mountain views at every hole, but it’s often a lot cooler here than other parts of the southeast. Talk about a win-win situation! With five different golf courses to choose from, you can spend an entire week teeing up. It’s a paradise for any golfer!
Motorcycling
Panoramic views. Mind-blowing curves. Miles of beautiful parkway. It’s no wonder that Haywood County is a haven for motorcyclists. No matter your skill level, you’re sure to find a ride you’ll love. Make sure to stop by Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley to check out one of the world’s best collections of vintage motorcycles After your visit, try your handlebars at taming the Rattler.
Stop by the Visit Haywood Welcome Center to pick up a FREE Ride the Western NC Mountains motorcycle map!
Water Sports
Do you crave the thrill of white-water rafting or the serenity of paddleboarding and kayaking? In Haywood County, you don’t have to choose. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Lake Junaluska! Don’t worry about bringing your own equipment: rentals are available for your convenience.
HIKING
📍 No matter which one of our five mountain towns you stay in, it’s easy to get to some of the best hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest. With more than half a million acres of park land between North Carolina and Tennessee, and over 1,000 miles of national forest trails, you’ll never run out of beautiful vistas. Here, you can find some of the most popular hiking trails in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, like Black Balsam and the Art Loeb Trail.
Stop into the Visit Haywood Welcome Center to pick up a FREE Haywood County Hiking Guide before hitting the trail!
FISHING
📍 Tackle a trout in the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. As one of only two headwaters counties in the country, Haywood County’s West Fork Pigeon River boasts some of the nation’s most pristine water––and that makes for excellent fishing! Purchase a 3-day, $10.00 fishing license to fish in the designated Mountain Heritage Trout Waters in Waynesville and Maggie Valley, all you have to do is bring your rods and lures. This license can be purchased online at www.ncwildlife.org or by telephone Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm at 833-950-0575.
You can also find rainbow trout stocked in Ferguson’s Trout Pond behind Ferguson Supply & Cafe in Clyde, NC! This kid-friendly fishing spot is perfect for a day full of casting and reeling.
Looking to cast a line in the wilderness? Check out Haywood County Recreation & Parks‘ guided fly fishing trips. Or, book a personalized trip with our local outfitters, Maggie Valley Fly Shop, Mountain Fly Outfitters, and Tuckaseegee Fly Shop.
Summer Events
Summer in Haywood County is never a boring affair. From the Summer Street Dances in Downtown Waynesville to Maggie Valley festivals and open-air markets in Canton, there’s always and exciting event taking place. Check out our Calendar of Events page for a current rundown of Haywood County’s summer lineup!
