The Ultimate List of Things to do in Waynesville North Carolina

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Are you on the hunt for the best things to do in Waynesville NC? I’ve got you covered!

I fell in love with Waynesville on my first visit to this stunning part of North Carolina. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore scenic trails like Black Balsam Knob, a foodie eager to sample local flavors at farm-to-table restaurants, or an art lover strolling through galleries along Main Street, Waynesville offers something for everyone.

I’ve compiled below my list of the best things to do in Waynesville, North Carolina based on the countless times I’ve been in this area.

Visit Downtown

Waynesville is a picturesque town nestled in the Smoky Mountains, and its downtown area reflects its small-town charm and Appalachian heritage. I love visiting this area every season.

The heart of downtown is Main Street, lined with historic buildings that house locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. You’ll find everything from Appalachian-inspired art to handmade jewelry and home goods.

Some of my favorite shops and restaurants in the area include Orchard Coffee, Frog Level Brewing, The Scotsman, and SingleTree Heritage Kitchen.

For shopping, make sure to visit Axe and Awl Leatherworks, 828 Market, and Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery.

Go for a Drive on 215

One of my favorite roads that leads to the Blue Ridge Parkway is 215 from Waynesville/Canton to Devils Courthouse/Black Balsam area.

The road has some amazing spots on it like Little Bird Falls, Sunburst Falls, and Bubbling Springs. It’s also one of the best drives during the fall color season.

This road looks slightly different post-Hurricane Helene, but it’s still beautiful and worth the drive. Just be prepared to see some trees down and the remnants of a couple of landslides that took place during the storm.

See Devils Courthouse

After driving 215 up to the parkway, stop at Devils Courthouse and do the short, steep walk up to the lookout.

This is one of the most beautiful places to see the sunset on the parkway. I’ve witnessed this with crazy cloud coverage and they move so fast up here it feels surreal.

Devils Courthouse is sometimes inaccessible in the winter due to road closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check the National Park Service for current road closures before visiting.

See the Elk in the Great Smoky Mountains

Witnessing elk in person is truly magical and something you’ll want to experience while visiting Waynesville.

There are two great locations near Waynesville to witness elk in the Great Smoky Mountains: Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Cataloochee Valley. Cataloochee is currently closed as of December 2024 due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center is approximately 50 minutes from Waynesville and 100% worth the drive. If you wanted to, you could even make a day of it and drive up to Kuwohi to say you’ve been to the highest point in the Smokies!

The Smokies have been tracking elk since 2001 to help grow the population. They typically are out around dawn and dusk.

I love driving in early and parking at the visitor center to see them grazing in the field nearby. Just make sure to pay the nominal parking fee if you do this!

Kayak Lake Junaluska

Lake Junaluska is a popular spot for kayaking and paddle boarding near Waynesville! It’s relatively small so you can easily fit this into an itinerary and still do other things during the day.

I have an inflatable paddle board so that’s what I used, but you can rent some from the Lake Junaluska Outfitters. The water levels on this lake can get low during drier months so it’s best to do this activity during the spring when the lake is full.

Grab a Local Craft Beer

Waynesville has some great places to grab a craft beer. My favorite local spot is Frog Level Brewing.

Not only does Frog Level have great beer, but they also have some delicious food. I recently got the chicken strips and a big pretzel and they were perfect after a long day of skiing.

This brewery experienced some damage during Hurricane Helene and could use all the love it can get. Its outdoor area will probably be closed for repair until the summer of 2025, but the main tap room is open!

Other great locations for craft beer include Boojum Brewery Taproom and Blue Ridge Beer Hub.

Stay at an Off-Grid Cabin

This area has some amazing accommodation options, but the cabins and camping are hard to beat.

I stayed at Flowertown Charm a few years ago and can’t recommend it enough. The cabin is only 10 minutes from downtown Waynesville and has everything you need.

Not only is this place dog-friendly, but it’s taken glamping to a whole new level. There’s a beautiful outdoor shower during the warmer months, a great wood-burning fireplace for the cooler months, and a hard-to-beat view of the mountains for sunset.

If glamping isn’t your style, there are some other great places to stay like:

• The Yellow House on Plott Creek
• Love Lane Bed & Breakfast
• Cozy Creekside Cabin

Go Flower Picking at a Local Farm

Waynesville is home to numerous farms that offer u-pick along with other activities. Most of these farms have more to pick than just flowers including things like berries and apples depending on the season.

• Ten Acre Garden: Offering different U-picks throughout the year such as winter vegetables, fall harvest, and a variety of flowers. Additionally, Ten Acre Garden puts on numerous events throughout the year like pumpkin patch hayrides, painting classes, and soap making. Plus, this spot has amazing pizza in the warmer months that you can purchase while you’re exploring the garden.

• Pinnacle Farms: Located in Waynesville, this farm offers a U-pick flower experience during the growing season (typically July through early fall). They provide various services, including DIY flower buckets, bouquet subscriptions, and custom arrangements. Their flower field features a variety of blooms like zinnias, dahlias, and sunflowers. It’s a great spot for gathering your own bouquet or attending farm events.

• Sundragon Florals: This farm specializes in sustainably grown cut flowers and offers their blooms at local farmers’ markets. While primarily focused on selling pre-made arrangements, they occasionally provide opportunities to explore their farm or pick flowers.

Another great opportunity to peruse local produce and goods is visiting the Historic Haywood Farmers Market from April through late December.

Sip a Coffee

Waynesville has a few coffee shops that are well worth a visit.

Orchard Coffee

Whenever I’m in town I always stop at Orchard Coffee to get a Chai or Matcha (I’m a tea girlie). The aesthetic in this place is so beautiful and their drinks are just as good! They also offer a variety of breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

Panacea Coffee House

Panacea Coffee House is in the Frog Level District and is housed in a refurbished warehouse overlooking Richland Creek. It has a cozy outdoor deck shaded by trees and serves a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and meals.

The storm impacted the Depot Street Bridge nearby. You’ll most likely see some damage when you visit, but the coffee house is open and could benefit from some patronage.

Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters

Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters is minutes from downtown in the Hazelwood District. This is a great option for freshly brewed coffee and locally roasted beans. They also offer pastries and organic teas. You can take home a pound of their coffee beans to enjoy later too!

Take a Hike

Numerous hikes in Haywood County should be on your list! Some of these hikes are impacted by closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway so double check before heading out!

Open Trails (seasonally dependent)

• Graveyard Fields: I love this hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially during the fall. I’ve visited four times now in different seasons and it never disappoints. This parking lot can get super busy, especially on weekends, so I recommend avoiding mid-day.

• Black Balsam Knob: Black Balsam Knob, located in Pisgah National Forest near the Blue Ridge Parkway, is one of the most stunning hiking destinations in Western North Carolina. Known for its balds, (treeless mountaintops), it provides incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. This is one of the highest peaks in the region at 6,214 feet. I love hiking this area in the off-season when the parkway is still open!

• Sam Knob: Right near Black Balsam, Sam Knob is only about 2.2 miles round trip and a great option for the whole family. This is a quieter alternative to the other more popular trails nearby as it’s just as beautiful, but often slightly less crowded.

• Waterrock Knob: I have never regretted a visit to Waterrock Knob and I’ve been at least five times so that’s saying something. The hike up to the overlook is steep, but short and doable if you know what you’re getting into. The best part about this trail is that you get two incredible views facing opposite directions so it’s amazing for both sunrise and sunset. The parking lot is rather large and I’ve never had an issue snagging a spot.

• Flat Laurel Creek: If you want to extend your hike to Sam Knob to get some extra mileage, this is the trail for you. This hike begins off of 215 and goes all the way up to Sam Knob. You can even continue up to Black Balsam if you want to do all three together. Perfect for those of us who enjoy a longer day on the trail!

• Cataloochee Divide: The Cataloochee Divide Trail in Haywood County, NC, is a scenic and moderately challenging trail that runs along the eastern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can access this trail near 276 outside of Waynesville. Since this is in the Smokies, you will need a parking pass for the hike which you can purchase online.

Currently Closed Due To Storm Impacts

• Devils Courthouse (CURRENTLY CLOSED): One of my favorite places to catch a sunset, Devils Courthouse is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 422.4. The hike is only about 0.9 miles roundtrip and the views are spectacular.

• Max Patch (CURRENTLY CLOSED): To say Max Patch is iconic would be an understatement. This is potentially the best spot to take engagement photos in Western North Carolina. The layers here are incredible and if you get a good sunset the glow is so good. The road to get here can be dicey in the colder months so I wouldn’t attempt unless you have all-wheel or four-wheel drive.

• Mouse Creek Falls (CURRENTLY CLOSED): This trail has an epic swimming hole called “Midnight Hole” about halfway to the waterfall. It’s a great place to visit during the hot and humid summer, especially since the water can be super chilly. I think the river near the falls is beautiful for pictures so don’t skip going the extra mile to see it!

Plan a Weekend at a Festival/Event

Waynesville has a variety of amazing events year-round that can make a visit here extra special.

Ice Fest

The Ice Fest is part of the NC Smokies Ice Festival, a weekend-long event celebrated across Haywood County. This festival transforms the region into a winter wonderland with activities like ice sculpture displays, live ice carving demonstrations, skating, and festive games.

Some key highlights to visit include the Canton Ice Rink, the Winter Arts Show, and the Maggie Valley Ice Festival.

There are also numerous other events in Haywood every winter from the Christmas Parade to the Winter Wonderland Market.

Folkmoot Festival

The Folkmoot Festival officially known as the North Carolina International Folk Festival, is a unique celebration of global cultures held annually in Waynesville, NC, and nearby towns. The name “Folkmoot” comes from an Old English term meaning “meeting of the people.” The event stays true to this ethos by bringing together international and Appalachian cultural performances.

Key events include the International Day Festival, which takes place on Waynesville’s Main Street, featuring performances on multiple stages, food vendors, and craft booths. Typically the event is held in mid-July, but check back in early spring for the official date.

Church Street Art & Craft Show

The Church Street Art & Craft Show is an annual event usually held in mid-October during peak fall foliage. This show is celebrated for its vibrant display of art, crafts, music, and food and attracts up to 20,000 visitors each year.

Although it’s named after Church Street where it originated, the show has grown so much that it now takes place on Waynesville’s Main Street. Visitors can explore a variety of handcrafted goods, including pottery, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, candles, and more.

The event is free to attend and family-friendly so everyone can enjoy!

Apple Harvest Festival

The Apple Harvest Festival is a beloved annual event focused on the region’s rich apple-growing heritage and the beauty of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Held in late October, the festival transforms historic Main Street in downtown Waynesville into a bustling hub of activity, attracting over 40,000 visitors each year.

Some of the best parts of the festival include sampling local apples, arts/crafts available for sale, live entertainment, and amazing food vendors!

Haywood Farmers Market

Although the Haywood Farmers Market isn’t a one-time annual event, this experience should be included in your Waynesville itinerary.

The farmers market runs from April to mid-December and showcases vendors selling fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Products include locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, honey, eggs, flowers, herbal products, and more.

I’m a sucker for a good farmers market and this one delivers. It’s located in the parking lot of the HART Theater at 250 Pigeon Street, Waynesville.

Tour the Local Art Galleries

Waynesville is home to numerous art galleries that showcase the region’s creativity. I’ve perused all of these and it’s so fun to see the variation in art and styles.

• Twig and Leaves Gallery: This gallery specializes in nature-inspired artwork. It features pieces from over 140 regional artists, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and sculpture.

• T. Pennington Art Gallery: This gallery highlights the work of Teresa Pennington, known for her detailed colored pencil drawings of North Carolina landmarks, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Biltmore Estate.

• Haywood County Arts Council: Managed by the local arts council, Haywood County Arts Council showcases a rotating collection of local and regional artists.

• Sun Sohovich Art Gallery & Studio: This gallery showcases the artwork of Sun Sohovich, a talented self-taught oil painter. Sun’s work has been praised for its emotional depth, use of color, and technical skill, making the gallery a must-visit for art enthusiasts in the area.

• Green Hill Gallery: A locally loved art and gift shop featuring a beautiful collection of handcrafted works, including pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings, and other art pieces inspired by the local environment, animals, and mountain scenery.

Ski or Tube at Cataloochee Ski Area

Skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area is a treat and an activity that needs to be on your list this winter! I’ve been here twice and had a blast both times.

The first time I went I spent most of my time on the bunny hill not knowing what to do. On my second visit, I took ski lessons and was pleasantly surprised at how much I learned.

They offer ski/snowboard rentals and lessons so if you’re like me and a little bit clueless, you can take the opportunity to learn a new sport! There’s also a great market to get food/drinks and take a break from the slopes.

The area offers 18 slopes and trails, ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-level black diamonds. I spent my time on the beginner-friendly trails, but if you’re more experienced than me some great trails are calling your name.

For those not interested in spending the day on the slopes, the nearby Tube World in Maggie Valley offers family-friendly snow tubing fun with multiple lanes. Snow tubing is a beloved pastime I’ve been doing since I was little and this tubing area is so fun!

Try a Local Diner

Waynesville and the surrounding area have a few local diners that are so delicious. I’m a pushover for classic diner fare. All of these are well-versed in just that!

Beach Mountain Diner

This diner in the Hazlewood District screams cozy when you walk in. There’s the perfect mix of well-thought-out design while also being incredibly inviting (and it smells so good)!

I loved the smoked salmon lox bagel and my friend had the classic breakfast with a side of pancake. Our grits were perfect and I can’t wait for my next visit!

Joey’s Pancake House

If you love pancakes, this is the place for you. Located only 10 minutes from Waynesville, this pancake house offers a massive variety of pancakes and seasonal flavors to sample.

I ordered the classic breakfast and upgraded my pancakes to the lemon poppy seed flavor. It was DIVINE. I’m not typically a pancake queen, but these were delicious.

Main Street Diner

This diner is beautiful on the outside and inside. It does the perfect job of blending nostalgia with modern dining.

I enjoyed the Spicy Goat Chicken, but everything looked good! I know they are well-known for their country-fried steak and eggs and variety of sandwiches if you’re dining in for lunch.

Book a Tour at The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts

The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts is in the historic Shelton House in Waynesville, NC.

Founded in 1977 by Mary Cornwell, the museum features a variety of traditional crafts, including intricate woodworking, weaving, pottery, and quilting. The museum also highlights Native American artistry, with exhibits of Cherokee and Southwestern tribal works such as pottery, baskets, and beadwork.

The museum also has a Carriage House gift shop featuring works from over 25 local artists. The surrounding grounds, gardens, and Pennsylvania Dutch-style barn add to the museum’s charm.

The museum is open seasonally from April to October, offering guided tours that provide deeper insights into the exhibits and the Shelton family’s history.

Go Whitewater Rafting at The Pigeon River

Rafting on the Pigeon River is such a blast and something everyone should do if you’re visiting during the rafting season!

The season runs from early May through Labor Day, with dam-controlled water releases ensuring consistent river flow. Trips are also available during spring and fall if water levels and weather conditions permit.

There are two sections: Upper Pigeon and Lower Pigeon. The rapid class varies between the two providing an option for every experience level.

Equipment, including helmets, life jackets, and paddles, is provided, and guides prioritize safety and fun. Several outfitters offer rafting experiences on the Pigeon River, such as Big Creek Expeditions, Raft Outdoor Adventures, and Big Bear Rafting.

You’ll want to bring sandals that can easily get wet, a change of clothes, and a towel because you will get soaked during this experience! It’s so much fun and something I’d do again in a heartbeat.

Explore a Christmas Tree Farm

North Carolina is a leading state for Christmas tree farming, producing over 20% of all real Christmas trees sold in the United States. Waynesville is home to a few fabulous farms that are a great activity during the holiday season.

Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm

Right outside of Waynesville, this historic farm has been growing Christmas trees for over 100 years. It’s one of the most charming places I’ve been and when it snows here it’s magical.

You can choose to cut your tree or select a pre-cut one. Boyd’s also offers holiday decorations, wreaths, and a festive atmosphere. The farm is dog-friendly with plenty of amenities, including restrooms and paved parking.

Consider staying at one of the many cabins here during your trip to Waynesville!

Nesbitt Christmas Tree Farm

Nesbitt Christmas Tree Farm, located in Clyde, NC, near Waynesville, has been a family-run operation for over 45 years. It specializes in “choose and cut” Fraser Fir Christmas trees along with pre-cut options for convenience.

The farm emphasizes customer service, with assistance in cutting, hauling, and loading trees. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes due to the mountainous terrain and arrive before 4:30 PM to safely choose a tree before dark.

Mehaffey Tree Farm

Situated near Maggie Valley, this farm offers a beautiful setting to browse for your perfect tree.

Seasonal treats like hot cider and chocolate add to the holiday cheer. The farm is open on select weekends from late November through mid-December. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.

Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm

Located on Hemphill Road in Waynesville, this farm provides Fraser fir trees in all sizes, as well as wreaths and garlands. Visitors can walk the farm to choose their tree, which is then baled and secured for transport.

The farm also features cozy “Christmas Tree Cabins” for overnight stays during the festive season. It’s open from the weekend before Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, with varying hours during the week and weekends.

Shop at Mast General Store

If you’re local to the southeast, you’re probably familiar with the renowned Mast General Store. If you’re not, you are in for a real treat!

Mast is a regional general store that originated in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. Today, Mast General Stores are known for their charming old-fashioned atmosphere, with wooden floors, potbelly stoves, and a mix of modern merchandise and vintage-inspired goods.

I have visited five of these stores and always have the best time perusing the different goods available. Take some time to appreciate the window displays because they always do a fantastic job, especially during the holiday season!

Grab Dinner at a Local Restaurant

There are a bunch of great restaurants to dine at while you’re in Waynesville.

• Singletree Heritage Kitchen: You need to try the spaghetti squash appetizer if it’s on the menu! The pork chop is also to die for.

• The Scotsman Public House: The spiked and spiced cider cocktail during the fall is yummy.

• The Red Fox: Must visit during the holiday season because the decor is so cute!

• Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen: The fries here are incredible and that’s saying a lot coming from someone obsessed with fries. Someone near me got the ribeye and I’m not going to lie I salivated a little looking at it.

• Haywood Smokehouse: Iconic and so delicious! I’m a big fan of the brisket.

• Watami Sushi & Noodles: If you like sushi, this is a go-to! I’m a sucker for a specialty roll or some orange chicken and edamame!

• Sweet Onion: The southern comfort food here is great!

• Fuego Modern American Cuisine: Dog-friendly on the patio and the menu changes every couple of months so you’ll get to try new dishes.

See the Blue Ridge Parkway In a UTV

Cataloochee UTV Adventure Rentals is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can rent a two-seater or a four-seater for either a half-day or a full day on the parkway,

You can also take a tour with local Steve who will take you to his favorite spots!

Pet Farm Animals at Winchester Creek Farm

Who doesn’t love farm animals? And if you don’t I’m sorry you’re missing out.

Winchester Creek Farm is a family-owned, 20-acre farm known for its diverse collection of adorable animals, including alpacas, llamas, and miniature farm animals like horses, goats, donkeys, and pigs.

The farm offers 45-minute educational tours where visitors can meet these friendly animals and learn about their care and unique characteristics. Additionally, the farm offers activities like alpaca yoga and mat Pilates classes, blending relaxation with farm life.

Catch a Sunset at Waterrock Knob

If you follow me on Instagram or have read my other North Carolina blog posts, you’ll know how much I love this sunset spot.

Waterrock knob has some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen and I try to visit at least once a year. The smoky mountain layers you witness here are unparalleled anywhere else in the state and depending on the weather you can get a fantastic display of colors.

For sunset, arrive at least 30 minutes before golden hour begins to snag a spot with a clear view. If you don’t mind a little hike, the best place to capture the sunset is on the trail about .4 miles up.

Waterrock Knob has a great parking lot and bathroom facilities as well as picnic tables and a small information center. This can sometimes be inaccessible due to Blue Ridge Parkway Road Closures.

FAQs: Things to Do in Waynesville North Carolina

Is Waynesville, NC worth visiting?

Absolutely! Waynesville is great for a day trip, weekend getaway, or mountain escape. I always stop here if I’m heading up 215. It’s a perfect base for fall color hunting or exploring the parkway.

Does Waynesville have a downtown?

Waynesville has the cutest downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and vibrant energy! It’s one of my favorite towns to take a stroll in.

How many miles is Waynesville from Asheville?

Waynesville and Asheville are approximately 31 miles from each other and about a 35 minutes drive. The two can easily be visited in one day and are close enough to be included in the same itinerary.

Wrap-Up: Things to Do in Waynesville North Carolina

Waynesville NC has so many amazing things to do and regardless of what you choose to do, you really can’t go wrong.

If you love the outdoors, I recommend driving 215 and hiking one of the numerous beautiful trails.

If you prefer shopping and dining, don’t miss out on visiting Mast General Store and 828 Market before grabbing some grub at The Scotsman Public House.

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