Haywood County for Skiing, Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Haywood County
Winter vacation in Haywood County: Skiing and nature
If you are looking for a destination for your ski vacation with a specific range of slopes and additional outdoor and cultural attractions, Haywood County combines several different experiences. Cataloochee Ski Area offers 18 slopes across 50 skiable acres. The breakdown includes eight slopes for beginners, seven for intermediate skiers and three for advanced to expert skiers. Important when choosing your accommodation: Mentioning the ski area does not imply that an accommodation is directly located on a slope or by a lift. You should therefore compare the specific location independently of the recreational activities offered.
Cataloochee Ski Area at a glance
The documented distribution of slopes makes Cataloochee Ski Area interesting for groups with different levels of experience, without claiming that it is generally suitable for every group. Ski lessons are offered at the Snowsports Center. There is also an adapted ski program for adults and children with disabilities. In addition to the regular range of slopes, different ways of learning and participating are therefore described. Information about current snow conditions, open slopes or operating hours should be considered separately from this.
Elevations and hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway
At 5,820 feet, Waterrock Knob is the highest-elevation visitor center on the Blue Ridge Parkway; the Waterrock Knob Trail begins there. At 6,050 feet, the Richland-Balsam Parking Area Overlook is at the highest point on the Parkway. The self-guided hiking trail at Richland Balsam passes through a preserved spruce-fir forest.
For another hiking option, easy access to the trail from Graveyard Fields is available via the Graveyard Fields Overlook at milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The loop through Graveyard Fields covers 2.3 miles to Yellowstone Falls. A self-guided hiking trail also begins at the Haywood-Jackson Parking Area Overlook. Cataloochee is also home to one of the two large elk herds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Outdoor and cultural activities for varied days
A 61-mile section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through Haywood County. The section is designated as Segment 2 and is named “The Balsams.” For shorter outdoor days or activities with a different focus, Chestnut Mountain Nature Park covers 450 acres and has 9 miles of mountain biking trails.
Water-based activities are also documented: Lake Junaluska Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Sunburst Swimming Hole has two main swimming areas, whose water comes from the surrounding mountains. In Cataloochee Valley, historic buildings such as Beech Grove School, Palmer Chapel and numerous wood-frame houses have been preserved and can be visited. The Wheels Through Time Museum houses a collection of more than 300 rare machines. Shelton House was built in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For additional outings together, the Haywood County Quilt Trail can be explored with the help of a printed guide and via public county roads. Winchester Creek Farm offers 45-minute educational tours with alpacas and various small farm animals. The farm thus provides another excursion destination, without these offerings being understood as part of the ski area.
Getting there and choosing the right base
Haywood County can be reached by car or plane. Finding accommodation directly on a slope or by a lift requires a separate check of the specific location.
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
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