Haywood County welcomes visitors to stroll their charming downtowns, shop at locally owned small businesses, sample craft beers from four breweries, indulge in farm to table meals, and be inspired by the breathtaking natural scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Pisgah National Forest.
With deep roots in the mountains, visitors can find American Colonial, Appalachia, Bluegrass Music and Civil War (in fact, the last shot fired of the Civil War east of the Mississippi happened in Waynesville on May 9, 1865) history throughout Haywood County.
With deep roots in the mountains, visitors can find American Colonial, Appalachia, Bluegrass Music and Civil War (in fact, the last shot fired of the Civil War east of the Mississippi happened in Waynesville on May 9, 1865) history throughout Haywood County.
With numerous waterfalls, the magnificent mountain peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway known as “America’s Favorite Drive” and the Pisgah National Forest, nature’s beauty is abound!
An outdoor enthusiasts dream, Haywood County offers hiking, skiing, snowboarding, cycling, fishing, horseback riding, golf, white-water rafting, kayaking, paddleboards, and motorcycle touring, there truly is an outdoor option for every visitor!
With variations in elevation, rainfall, and temperature, over 1,600 species of flowering plants, over 100 native tree and native shrub species, and thousands of non-flowering species such as moss, fungi, and ferns thrive throughout Haywood County’s natural landscapes.
Hikers can take short day hikes, weekend hiking excursions or week-long adventures. Hiking can be done year-round, with each season providing differing views and plant and wildlife species depending on the time of year.
Whether a beginner on the bunny hill or a ski expert on a black diamond slope, every level of skier can enjoy the plush snow of Haywood County. The Cataloochee Ski Area has one of the longest ski seasons on the east coast.