The 11 Best Things To Do In Maggie Valley, North Carolina, A Smoky Mountain Gem

There’s no question that North Carolina’s roster of mountain towns is stacked. As you make your way down the westernmost region of the Tar Heel State—from Boone down to Highlands—you’ll come across a seemingly endless number of these charming destinations, each with a unique personality and a strong sense of community. 

One of those such places is Maggie Valley (population 1,720). Just about a 45-minute drive from Asheville and an even shorter journey to Waynesville, Maggie Valley is a small town with a whole host of things to do, see, and eat. Not only is it home to Cataloochee Ranch, a historic property that opened in March 2024 following a full-scale renovation, but it also has an impressive selection of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities that keeps visitors returning year after year. Plus, most of the resort town’s businesses are located along Soco Road, a 5-mile stretch of US Highway 19, so it makes for a great day trip from neighboring areas as well. 

Ready to plan your mountain getaway? Here are the best things to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

Best Outdoor Activities

Go for a Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

No trip to Maggie Valley would be complete without a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re hoping for a relatively short hike, consider Waterrock Knob Trail, a slightly strenuous out-and-back route that grants you some jaw-dropping views of Maggie Valley below. Boogerman Hiking Trail is another popular option, though you’ll want to leave plenty of time in your day for this one; the 7.3-mile loop trail takes most hikers a little over three hours to complete.

Hit the Slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area

Maggie Valley doesn’t completely shut down in the winter. In fact, it’s this time of year when Cataloochee Ski Area, North Carolina’s first ski resort, comes alive. The season runs from early November to late March, with five lifts serving 18 slopes, ranging from beginner runs to freestyle terrain. If skiing isn’t your preferred winter activity, there’s also Tube World, which is owned by Cataloochee Ski Area but located about 4 miles away. For $40 per adult and $10 per child, you get an hour and 45 minutes to ride the inner tubes up and down the mountain. 

See the Valley By Horseback Ride at Cataloochee Ranch

Hiking is one way to explore Maggie Valley, but you can also soak up amazing views of the valley and surrounding mountains by horseback. Relais & Chateau property Cataloochee Ranch offers both guests and non-guests half-day and full-day trail rides (either private or as a group) through the Smokies.

There’s also the option to venture all the way to the ranch’s sister property—and one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina—The Swag, where a soothing spa treatment will help ease away any soreness from your ride. 

Spend an Afternoon Fishing 

Fly fishing is one of Western North Carolina’s favorite pastimes, and Maggie Valley and Jonathan Creek, the waterway that flows through town, are designated Heritage Trout Water areas. You can use this map to locate public access areas to cast your rod—or schedule a half-day or a full-day tour with a guide from Maggie Valley Fly Shop. Either way, you’ll need a North Carolina fishing permit, which can be acquired online.

Things To Do

Take a Spin Around the Dance Floor at Stompin’ Ground

Maggie Valley likes to call itself the “Cloggin’ Capital of the World,” a title it earns every Saturday night from April to October at Stompin’ Ground. The dance hall fits up to 900 people in stadium-style seating, but you can also two-step to some country and bluegrass tunes out on the dance floor for most of the night. If you’re planning to join the fun while in town, be sure to bring cash for the cover charge and any concession stand snacks. 

Shop for Local Souvenirs 

Want something to remember your trip to Maggie Valley? Save some time in your itinerary to browse the goods at Cabbage Rose, Simply Soco, and Mama T’s Mountain Made. Magnets, postcards, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, art, and more Smokies-inspired knicknacks await. 

Visit the Wheels Through Time Museum

You can always rely on a small Southern town to provide a unique museum experience. Case in point: the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley. Boasting the “world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique ‘one-off’ American automobiles,” the 38,000-square-foot museum has curated over 300 rare machines, all organized into several fascinating exhibits. 

wheelsthroughtime.com, 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Where To Eat and Drink

Start Your Day With a Hearty Southern Breakfast

If there’s one thing Maggie Valley knows, it’s breakfast. Before you head out for a hike, fuel up with the famous flapjacks at Joey’s Pancake House, a local staple that’s been around since 1966. For biscuits, take a seat at Pop’s Place Biscuits, Burgers & BBQ—though there might be a wait, the biscuits and gravy are worth it. And if you’re really hungry, Country Vittles offers an all-you-can-eat option to its patrons.

Tuck Into a Plate of BBQ at Pop’s Butts on the Creek

Barbecue is a way of life in North Carolina, and Pop’s Butts on the Creek—located, as the  name suggests, along Jonathan Creek—serves up some of the best. Slide into one of the tables on the screened-in back porch, where you’ll get to peruse the menu of mouth watering delicacies: fried pickles, fried catfish, and the “Brisket Mac-Attack Burger,” among them. After you wrap up your meal, take a turn around the restaurant’s souvenir shop.

popsbuttsonthecreeknc.com, 1584 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Wet Your Whistle at BearWaters Brewing Company

While BearWaters Brewing Company has a family-friendly location in Canton, the Maggie Valley outpost is billed as “an upscale taproom experience.” Alongside the brewery’s lineup of draft beers and craft cocktails, there’s an extensive menu of bistro classics (think steak frites and seared scallops) and Thai entrees. The creekside location also adds a bit of character to the overall experience, and there’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the sounds of a babbling creek while sipping a local beer. 

bearwatersbrewing.com, 4352 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Where to Stay

Book a Cabin at Cataloochee Ranch

Though Cataloochee Ranch has been welcoming guests since 1933, it was acquired by the proprietors of The Swag, Annie and David Colquitt, in 2020. Following a multi-year renovation ushering in a brand new chapter, the resort now welcomes guests to a property that balances a rustic nature—antler decor, taxidermy, and a roaring fireplace—with thoughtful art pieces and a generally elevated atmosphere.

The cabins range in size from one to three bedrooms, but each one is outfitted with tasteful cowboy-inspired decor and all the luxurious amenities and features you’d ever need; the cozy robes and heated bathroom floors are more than welcome on a chilly Smoky Mountain morning. 

cataloocheeranch.com, 119 Ranch Dr, Maggie Valley, NC 28751