If you're looking to take a day trip from Asheville, you have options! When you stay in one of our Asheville cabins, you're of course close to everything in town, but you also have access to several other towns within driving distance. One of these towns that we love is Maggie Valley!
Maggie Valley is an “old-fashioned” town that boasts vintage motels, motorcycle and automobile rallies, and plenty of shops with handmade crafts, gifts, and antiques to help you remember your time in the mountains. If you carve out time to visit, be sure to embrace your country roots by enjoying the bluegrass music, moonshine, and clogging that characterize this glorious valley. Maggie Valley’s annual Hillbilly Jam event that takes place each summer is the perfect opportunity to celebrate country living.
Let's explore more things to do in Maggie Valley, and why it's worth the day trip!
Things to Do in Maggie Valley
Cataloochee Ski Area
During winter, Cataloochee Ski Area offers 18 slopes and trails for skiing and snowboarding. It’s one of the top Maggie Valley NC activities for cold-weather visitors.
Tube World
Located right in Maggie Valley, Tube World is perfect for snow tubing without the learning curve of skiing. Afterward, warm up in the lodge with food and drinks.
Cataloochee Valley Tours
In the early mornings and evenings, you can spot elk in nearby Cataloochee Valley. Seasonal firefly walks and wildflower hikes are also popular.
Pigeon River Adventures
The Pigeon River offers rafting, tubing, kayaking, and fishing. The upper section features Class III and IV rapids, while the lower section provides a scenic float. Outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center offer guided experiences.
Maggie Valley Points of Interest
Maggie Valley is a unique town with plenty of eccentric things to do. Here are a few of our favorites!
Wheels Through Time Museum
Located along Soco Road, this must-see museum houses 300+ rare and historic American motorcycles and automobiles. It’s open April through November and has been featured on national television.
Soco Falls
Just outside town, this dramatic double waterfall is one of the most photographed Maggie Valley North Carolina points of interest.
Blue Ridge Parkway Access
Maggie Valley offers quick access to 45+ miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, including Richland Balsam, the highest point on the parkway at 6,410 feet.
Maggie Valley NC Downtown
Most shops, restaurants, and attractions are located along Soco Road, the main five-mile stretch through town.
Here you’ll find:
- Vintage motels
- Handmade craft shops
- Antique stores
- Local gift shops
- Seasonal motorcycle and car rallies
Maggie Valley keeps its old-school mountain-town vibe, with bluegrass music, moonshine tastings, and summer events like the Hillbilly Jam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maggie Valley
How far is Maggie Valley from Asheville?
Maggie Valley is approximately 35–40 miles from Asheville, North Carolina. The drive typically takes about 40 minutes via I-40 and US-74.
What are the best activities in Maggie Valley?
Some of the top activities in Maggie Valley include visiting Wheels Through Time Museum, skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area, snow tubing at Tube World, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking near Black Balsam Knob, and rafting on the Pigeon River. Outdoor recreation is one of the biggest draws for Maggie Valley, NC activities!
What is Maggie Valley, NC, downtown like?
Maggie Valley, NC, downtown centers around Soco Road, a five-mile stretch filled with vintage motels, craft shops, gift stores, and local restaurants. The town maintains a classic mountain-town feel, with seasonal motorcycle rallies, summer events, and country music influences.